I feel I was insufficiently precise in my previous comment about choosing "carefully."
I am an advocate of taking risks. I think it's how we find out who we are and gain confidence to move forward.
I'm also an advocate for saying "no" to conditions and people already tried and found contrary to that growth. "Efforting" requires too more energy.
At 90, while I still have much to learn, I want to spend time in joyful relationships and engaging actions. Making, perhaps not "careful" choices, but hopefully, wise ones.
Anne, this introvert loves that you found energy within a wholehearted experience. Your essay resonated: I know when my well is being filled and when it's being drained. The former is when I am being true, open to, and honoring my creative Spirit, when I am actively wholehearted. It's a lovely word and concept.
I had to take a deep breath and will away the cringe at seeing David Whyte's name. My ex-husband remarried a woman who was once a dear friend of mine and who introduced me to Whyte's work. She took me to see him speak in Seattle and gave me at least one of his collections, signed with love. I haven't been able to read him since they married several years ago. But your post brings some resolution to that hurt and made me realize this former friend doesn't own the rights to appreciating another writer's work. Funny small world.
It's interesting how these associations live in our minds. Whyte is a powerful writer and I feel so much depth, hope, and positive energy from his writing. But I can imagine how having that extra baggage would make reading him difficult. I'm glad I was able to bring a bit of him back to you. :)
This was such an inspiring essay and so heartfelt. I just turned fifty and I still feel like in many ways I’m in process. I left academia years ago and started making small steps on my own path. But as the parent of a child with a rare disease, my time is not yet my own. I will not be able to truly pursue what feels good and right to me until I get through this phase. Reading you makes me remember I am slowly charting my path, one day I might just show up at one of your retreats!
Seems there are many of us for whom this quote and your post resonate. To rise to a place of wholeness after living submerged and segregated from self is an arduous and imperative journey. Reading stories by writers like yourself who walk the talk, leading with the heart and healing themselves and others in the process, is inspiring and empowering.
2025 has been a big year of change for me in several ways. But after taking a cross country road trip to launch my first botanical fragrance line this fall, I experienced some profound insights into my next direction, after connections throughout the trip. Sometimes you have to step outside of the busyness (even if it's something you love), to figure out what your next step is!
This really struck me. So much of this is where I am. It’s like half of me is here going through all the daily motions of life and work, but the other half is at some crossroad staring down the middle, not choosing the left or the right and figuring out how to step forward and make a new one.
Sounds like you are in the midst of a transition or about to embark on one. We generally need some time in that middle lane before we are sure of the next step. It’s so hard to stay there, though. William Bridges books called Transitions, I believe, talks about this—the messy middle of transition.
Anne, you continue to inspire! What a journey you've been on, and it feels like you're getting to that place you've always wanted to be. I long to be whole-hearted in all that I do...but there's this restlessness in me that I'm constantly trying to quell. Even today, I had planned to just relax and read and write...and it's nearly 5 p.m. and I've done neither. I wish I could get my brain to just STOP sometimes!
Mmmm, yes, I know restlessness well! For me it comes from wanting to be somewhere else, doing something else, whatever it is. There is just this underlying feeling that now is not enough. And it has ruined entire days for me!!
Terrific story. Great decision. I'm writing a story about transitions after 45 experienced by gifted professionals with strong communication skills and I find your specific step into Quantum Energy Coaching a good place to start the story. Is it okay to include you in my research and interviews?
I cannot tell you how much this resonated with me, as I have been dealing with burnout, mental health and energy issues ever since the pandemic. But this post shifted something in me, and gave me a way forward to consider. It was also so helpful to see others dealing with the same issues, as I thought it was maybe just me. This has opened my mind and given me a lot of hope, so thank you!!
I’m so glad, Trish!! Finding that thing that lights you up and speak to your whole heart—not just half of it—is an amazing feeling! I’m glad that you are starting to see way towards that. And you are definitely not alone!!
Such a relevant discussion Anne. I have experienced being deep in the exhaustion well and feeling a half-hearted life in academia too. As I have stated here previously. Thank you for sharing your experiences and reading in such an honest and supportive way. Wholeheartedness (without getting burnt out again) sounds like the way to go 🙏💕
I imagine that many of us in academia have felt half-hearted about it. It’s a tough place to be. I hope you can find another path that feels whole-hearted.
I feel I was insufficiently precise in my previous comment about choosing "carefully."
I am an advocate of taking risks. I think it's how we find out who we are and gain confidence to move forward.
I'm also an advocate for saying "no" to conditions and people already tried and found contrary to that growth. "Efforting" requires too more energy.
At 90, while I still have much to learn, I want to spend time in joyful relationships and engaging actions. Making, perhaps not "careful" choices, but hopefully, wise ones.
Very wise ones, I'm sure, Miki! It's finding those risks worth taking, I suppose, sensing where the energy is exhilarating rather than constricting.
Anne, this introvert loves that you found energy within a wholehearted experience. Your essay resonated: I know when my well is being filled and when it's being drained. The former is when I am being true, open to, and honoring my creative Spirit, when I am actively wholehearted. It's a lovely word and concept.
I had to take a deep breath and will away the cringe at seeing David Whyte's name. My ex-husband remarried a woman who was once a dear friend of mine and who introduced me to Whyte's work. She took me to see him speak in Seattle and gave me at least one of his collections, signed with love. I haven't been able to read him since they married several years ago. But your post brings some resolution to that hurt and made me realize this former friend doesn't own the rights to appreciating another writer's work. Funny small world.
It's interesting how these associations live in our minds. Whyte is a powerful writer and I feel so much depth, hope, and positive energy from his writing. But I can imagine how having that extra baggage would make reading him difficult. I'm glad I was able to bring a bit of him back to you. :)
Absolutely loved this, Anne and just what I needed to read xx
This was such an inspiring essay and so heartfelt. I just turned fifty and I still feel like in many ways I’m in process. I left academia years ago and started making small steps on my own path. But as the parent of a child with a rare disease, my time is not yet my own. I will not be able to truly pursue what feels good and right to me until I get through this phase. Reading you makes me remember I am slowly charting my path, one day I might just show up at one of your retreats!
I hope so, Emily! It would be lovely to have you. All in good time.
Seems there are many of us for whom this quote and your post resonate. To rise to a place of wholeness after living submerged and segregated from self is an arduous and imperative journey. Reading stories by writers like yourself who walk the talk, leading with the heart and healing themselves and others in the process, is inspiring and empowering.
Thank you, Jennifer. I'm so glad to hear that!
2025 has been a big year of change for me in several ways. But after taking a cross country road trip to launch my first botanical fragrance line this fall, I experienced some profound insights into my next direction, after connections throughout the trip. Sometimes you have to step outside of the busyness (even if it's something you love), to figure out what your next step is!
This really struck me. So much of this is where I am. It’s like half of me is here going through all the daily motions of life and work, but the other half is at some crossroad staring down the middle, not choosing the left or the right and figuring out how to step forward and make a new one.
Sounds like you are in the midst of a transition or about to embark on one. We generally need some time in that middle lane before we are sure of the next step. It’s so hard to stay there, though. William Bridges books called Transitions, I believe, talks about this—the messy middle of transition.
The connection of David Whytes story to that week seemed even beyond synchronicity…it felt like magic! ✨
Yes, it did! I look forward to catching up!!
Thank you Anne such a timely post for me ❤️
I’m so glad, Tanya. I look forward to catching up!!
I'm fully there. I've learned to choose carefully, though.
Yes, chosing carefully is important! I’m so glad you’ve found it!!
Wholeheartedness—I love this. I’m so glad that your retreat went well!
Thank you, Monica!
Anne, you continue to inspire! What a journey you've been on, and it feels like you're getting to that place you've always wanted to be. I long to be whole-hearted in all that I do...but there's this restlessness in me that I'm constantly trying to quell. Even today, I had planned to just relax and read and write...and it's nearly 5 p.m. and I've done neither. I wish I could get my brain to just STOP sometimes!
Mmmm, yes, I know restlessness well! For me it comes from wanting to be somewhere else, doing something else, whatever it is. There is just this underlying feeling that now is not enough. And it has ruined entire days for me!!
Terrific story. Great decision. I'm writing a story about transitions after 45 experienced by gifted professionals with strong communication skills and I find your specific step into Quantum Energy Coaching a good place to start the story. Is it okay to include you in my research and interviews?
Sounds interesting, Georgia! Feel free to use my story as you wish.
I cannot tell you how much this resonated with me, as I have been dealing with burnout, mental health and energy issues ever since the pandemic. But this post shifted something in me, and gave me a way forward to consider. It was also so helpful to see others dealing with the same issues, as I thought it was maybe just me. This has opened my mind and given me a lot of hope, so thank you!!
I’m so glad, Trish!! Finding that thing that lights you up and speak to your whole heart—not just half of it—is an amazing feeling! I’m glad that you are starting to see way towards that. And you are definitely not alone!!
Such a relevant discussion Anne. I have experienced being deep in the exhaustion well and feeling a half-hearted life in academia too. As I have stated here previously. Thank you for sharing your experiences and reading in such an honest and supportive way. Wholeheartedness (without getting burnt out again) sounds like the way to go 🙏💕
I imagine that many of us in academia have felt half-hearted about it. It’s a tough place to be. I hope you can find another path that feels whole-hearted.
Working on it. Like you ❤️
Loving this. Grounded. Truly grounded and able to experience life.