11 Comments
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Christina's avatar

this is so well-timed - I've just been thinking about my fall plans and how I need to schedule or commit to something that is Just For Fun because I have SO many commitments that are important to me (volunteering) or good for me (meetings, exercise) but still involve Work.

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Katharine Strange's avatar

such a common issue! Are you planning on scheduling in some breaks? Or do you have a "quitting time" each day? After my kids go to bed, I try not to do any more work for the day, which helps.

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Christina's avatar

I broke my ankle badly a few months ago. Living alone, the background pain preventing focus, unable to even safely ascend the stairs outside my apartment, my life became suddenly and completely very, very simple. And it felt like a lesson that the universe had decided I must be taught, immediately.

My ankle is still a distraction, but I’m healed enough that I can ask myself if I’ve learned anything from it. And the answer, I’m afraid, is no more than “maybe a little.”

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Katharine Strange's avatar

Pain has a way of focusing our attention, doesn't it? I'm glad that you are healing, and I wonder if the lessons of your ankle will come more into focus as time passes?

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Skylar Renslow's avatar

kind of related but this made me think of the recent headlines about how athletes are "worse at losing" at this year's olympics. how will you be a jogging influencer if you lose at the jogging olympics?? I feel this, deeply.

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Katharine Strange's avatar

yes, the pressure to monetize our hobbies/passions only grows!

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Mikaela Blackler's avatar

Sports (and dance) really have turned into something crazy for kids. I did a lot of both and only have positive memories, but I remember the day I realized I didn’t enjoy dance anymore (while slipping on a point shoe) and my best friend at dance was like, well then why don’t you quit? That ended up being my last class.

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Katharine Strange's avatar

good for you for being able to make this change! I think it can be difficult for a lot of folks to realize when they no longer enjoy something like this

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Diana Lee's avatar

Truly, trying to prioritize pleasure and joy is the only thing keeping me from coming apart at the seams. Pulling way back from social media has been a big part of creating mental space to be in the moment with my family this summer. It’s hard because I use social media to educate about and advocate for the disabling condition that dominates my life, but ultimately balance is essential. I haven’t done much advocacy in all of 2024, and I’m learning to let it be okay.

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Jenna Vandenberg's avatar

I’m obsessed with my paddle board too :)

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Katharine Strange's avatar

Right?! Best $200 I've spent in a long time

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