Shed tears reading this. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more seen through someone else’s writing. Your note about “letting go of urgency—the pressure to have all the answers, fix what’s broken, or rush into healing.” really blessed me.
Alex...thank you. Your words touched my soul...resonating deeply. Happy Birthday.
This was my 65th birthday...and this was the perfect gift...thank you!
Two truths can be held at the same time...
My day began waking with a deep sense of grief/loss/sadness/tears/unsettledness with no apparent cause...it continued through the day of bittersweet moments (time with my 87 year old mother who has dementia and the sweetest smile in the world...my dear husband who was doing everything to make my day special and couldn't understand what was going on with me (I told him it had nothing to do with him...which was true...I didn't know what was going on with me)...
I ended up going to spend some time alone at a bookstore and settled in to a chair on the second floor by the window and pulled out my journal (I had gotten a up of coffee and two warmed cookies as I entered the bookstore)...and I wrote and wrote...moving from the place of grief to the place of gratitude...
The day ended by our teenage daughter texting me asking, "Mommy do you want to paint?"...and after dinner...we started painting some collaborative paintings... It was the best gift ever...
As I went to sleep...I reflected on the lessons I have been learning of late (and most all of my life)...about letting go...not acting or rather reacting out of fear but rather out of trust that love will take care of me and the situations that impact me and those I love...that everything has a time and a purpose for our growth and that of others...and as I fell asleep I was at peace.
Wow this has my mind blown “what’s meant for me will never require me to abandon myself to keep it”. With where I am now in my life, it has me reevaluating. I’ve been deciding whether to leave my job or not because I know my worth and value. Now I’m speaking up for myself louder than I have before. I am worthy of joy without it being loud, chaotic, confusing, and demanding. Happy birthday Alex and thank you for these words.
wow! alex, your words always touch something deep within me, such a masterclass. "i'm letting go of urgency" is my take away. i hope you had a beautiful birthday! thank you for always being a guiding light. (xoxo, nalo)
First, happy 36th! I hope the next year brings you much joy! I loved your list. I just recently found you and your joy spotting, I was wondering if you could tell me which planter you use for joy spotting. I love the big blocks.
My heart needed this on this rainy cloudy morning and seemingly stressful season. The words JOY and GRATITUDE have come up a lot lately. I am so grateful for you and wish you a year of happiness and health and so much JOY!
Thank you for your gentle reminder. Thank you for writing such beautiful words that help me see my own self better. You are a beautiful soul and a fearless leader.
Shed tears reading this. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more seen through someone else’s writing. Your note about “letting go of urgency—the pressure to have all the answers, fix what’s broken, or rush into healing.” really blessed me.
Happy 36th. May it be healing, whole and healthy.
Alex...thank you. Your words touched my soul...resonating deeply. Happy Birthday.
This was my 65th birthday...and this was the perfect gift...thank you!
Two truths can be held at the same time...
My day began waking with a deep sense of grief/loss/sadness/tears/unsettledness with no apparent cause...it continued through the day of bittersweet moments (time with my 87 year old mother who has dementia and the sweetest smile in the world...my dear husband who was doing everything to make my day special and couldn't understand what was going on with me (I told him it had nothing to do with him...which was true...I didn't know what was going on with me)...
I ended up going to spend some time alone at a bookstore and settled in to a chair on the second floor by the window and pulled out my journal (I had gotten a up of coffee and two warmed cookies as I entered the bookstore)...and I wrote and wrote...moving from the place of grief to the place of gratitude...
The day ended by our teenage daughter texting me asking, "Mommy do you want to paint?"...and after dinner...we started painting some collaborative paintings... It was the best gift ever...
As I went to sleep...I reflected on the lessons I have been learning of late (and most all of my life)...about letting go...not acting or rather reacting out of fear but rather out of trust that love will take care of me and the situations that impact me and those I love...that everything has a time and a purpose for our growth and that of others...and as I fell asleep I was at peace.
Blessings to you Alex and Happy Birthday!
Wow this has my mind blown “what’s meant for me will never require me to abandon myself to keep it”. With where I am now in my life, it has me reevaluating. I’ve been deciding whether to leave my job or not because I know my worth and value. Now I’m speaking up for myself louder than I have before. I am worthy of joy without it being loud, chaotic, confusing, and demanding. Happy birthday Alex and thank you for these words.
What incredible beauty and truth. Happy birthday, and thank you for sharing your heart with the world.
Alex, oh Alexandraaaaaaa! You my dear, are a beautiful light. Happiest 36th Birthday 🎂 🫶🏽 💡
wow! alex, your words always touch something deep within me, such a masterclass. "i'm letting go of urgency" is my take away. i hope you had a beautiful birthday! thank you for always being a guiding light. (xoxo, nalo)
Happy birthday! Your joy journal is something I want to incorporate into my life. Thank you for always sharing your thoughts with us. ✨
My favorite today is: “joy isn’t a performance. It’s a practice of noticing and an invitation to be where my feet are.” Thank you for that!
Really, truly glad you are in this world.
Happy bday Alexa! 🎂 🥳
Whatever you wish for, I wish that for you too 🙏
Thank you for sharing such beautiful words, these really resonated with me
First, happy 36th! I hope the next year brings you much joy! I loved your list. I just recently found you and your joy spotting, I was wondering if you could tell me which planter you use for joy spotting. I love the big blocks.
Happy Belated Birthday Alex! I love your joy lessons, and this one touched me deeply - I am not too much for the people meant to love me.
My heart needed this on this rainy cloudy morning and seemingly stressful season. The words JOY and GRATITUDE have come up a lot lately. I am so grateful for you and wish you a year of happiness and health and so much JOY!
Thank you for articulating all the nuance around maintaining one’s peace and protecting joy.
Your words have opened my heart this morning and I feel a deep sense of hope. Thank you.
Thank you for your gentle reminder. Thank you for writing such beautiful words that help me see my own self better. You are a beautiful soul and a fearless leader.