1. Truth: This summer hasn’t gone as expected. It got hijacked by illness and injury, the need to set clear boundaries and rest. Taking care of myself, things at work, and our house was where my effort was spent. All the things I’d intended to do didn’t happen, had to wait.

2. Truth: I’ve learned a lot about boundaries and limits. My mind is overly optimistic about what’s possible, and my heart wants to give so much. I’ve had to accept that I can’t go as fast as I’d like to, do everything I want. I also understand that it’s okay, even necessary to tell others what is enough, to tell them no, that they won’t like it but that doesn’t matter if it’s what I need.

3. Truth: This summer shifted my rhythm. I have a sense of all the things that need done, all the stuff I’d like to do, but instead of going on attack, pushing through the day, I ease into it. I consider “what’s next?” in a much gentler way, more easily let go of what’s not going to happen.

Bonus truth: I love my little life, my sweet house and my tiny family. This space, the love, the comfort are home.

One wish: That we can bear witness to all the struggles and need, our own and those of others, and do what we can without doing too much.

image by Eric

1. Truth: I am more able than I give myself credit for. I am a harsh critic, spending way too much time fussing over the weak spots, the things not done, the mistakes, and forgetting to notice the wins. I rush right past my good effort without celebration, without joy. I think “I can’t” without even giving myself a chance to try.

2. Truth: Today I’m diving in. I can’t quite explain why but I’m feeling a weird sort of mania — saying yes, signing up, making reservations. Maybe it has something to do with spending the morning home alone taking care of lingering tasks. Maybe I’ve cleared the space necessary for what’s next.

3. Truth: I have something to offer. Knowing that, it’s important not to sit on it, hide it, avoid it, keep it to myself. Holding it in is only generating suffering for me, and possibly keeping something from someone who really needs it.

One wish: May we recognize the brilliant light of our true nature, and may love give us the courage to show up and keep our hearts open.