Pause
Sometimes big things are punctuated by pauses.
Our emotional stamina, cognitive capacity, and physical resilience may pose limitations on how far we go beyond the big thing. Maybe we need to regroup. Maybe we need to create distance. Maybe we just need to rest.
Art Credit: Acrylic on Panel by Traci O’Very Covey
The 2024 Healing Together Conference was a big thing for many of us. Our DW contingency — gabby, Kim, Sharri, Gymmie, and Surita — made their mark by sharing powerful presentations about shame, tough stuff, RA/MC, writing, and more. I’m so proud of them. Before the conference, I frantically finished up the first draft of my manuscript and sent it off to my editor. I’ve been eager to hear her suggestions for revision to make the work better. For many of us, the past few months have seen breakthroughs in managing memories and how they impact our lives. Healing is a two-steps forward and one-step backward sort of process.
This is all big stuff. Now it’s time for a pause.
The unseasonably warm weather beckons me outdoors to tend to the plants that look dead but have life hidden miraculously from view (a little like me, sometimes). My husband renovates our kitchen based on a plan I devised, opening it up to more light and airiness, as I stand by and watch. Reconnecting with old friends on zoom, we make plans for their visit this coming spring, imagining nature hikes, delicious restaurants, and long talks.
There will always be more big things. I’m leading An Infinite Mind Speaker Series in a few weeks on Memoir 101. My editors notes are waiting for me. Healing is never done and new breakthroughs are just around the corner. So much to do, so much to plan for, so much to give our lives purpose. Life is filled with big things.
Right now, though, I’m taking a break. My body, mind and spirit need to drink from the well. I’m on pause.
Art Credit: Memoir by Nives Palmic / Art Majeur
An Infinite Mind Speaker Series: Memoir 101
On March 10, Lyn will be leading a Sunday Speaker Series called Memoir 101 for Dissociative Writers. “Everyone has a story. Those of us with dissociative disorders often find our stories have missing pieces or lost narratives. At some point during our healing journeys, we may wish to write our stories into wholeness in memoir form …” This session is for those who want a head start before taking our Memoir 101 class in the Fall, for those who have already taken the class but want a refresher, and for those who are just beginning to think about memoir. The cost of the class is $10. Click here for more information and to register.
March Events
(To access these workshops and meetings, please go to the Groupeasy Calendar, click on the Event/Date, then click on the Zoom link.)
Monday, March 4, 1:00 pm Eastern: Board Meeting (Lyn, Debby, Stephanie, gabby)
Tuesday, March 5, 1:00 pm Eastern: Writing-in-Place Workshop (Kim)
Wednesday, March 6, 8:00 pm Eastern: Evening Writing-in-Place (Surita)
Monday, March 11, 6:30 pm Eastern: DW Business Meeting (Lyn)
Tuesday, March 12, 1:00 pm Eastern: Traditional Writing Workshop (Sharri)
Tuesday, March 19, 1:00 pm Eastern: Writing-in-Place Workshop (Kim)
Wednesday, March 20, 8:00 pm Eastern: Evening Writing-in-Place (Surita)
Thursday, March 21, 6:00 pm Eastern: Social Hangout (JJ)
Tuesday, March 26, 1:00 pm Eastern: Traditional Writing Workshop (Sharri)
🕊️
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.
~ Anne Lamott
Lyn