What a great piece! Rich and real. One of the best I have seen you write. And one of the most vital for the world. And me. Thank you. I will be coming back to it. And sharing.
Fantastic piece, Jeff! So good. A great message so needed today. I like the part where you say that you could've had AI write this, but then you would have missed out on your own opportunity for soulfull work and thinking out loud. Thanks for your work. It matters.
What am I doing? Slowing down. Partially fueled by an autistic/ADHD/neurodivergent mind, body, heart, spirit, soul that does not in any way fit into this world or feel comfortable with it, especially the fast, superficial, overwhelming nature it’s increasingly becoming. I carve out a lot of time for solitude, daily. It’s not optional for me. I love that you closed with a St. Francis of Assisi quote. Each day I spend up to several hours in theological study, prayer, meditation, Scripture and I always study the Saint whose feast day it is and try to grow and learn from them. They have so much to teach. This is what brings me peace.
I was a writer of multiple blogs for over a decade. When God calls me back to my writing again, after being on a lengthy sabbatical, as it was eating me alive, all I want to talk about is how I’ve learned to survive in this world as a highly sensitive, neurodivergent human. And for me, that’s growing closer to God. Some of my audience, I fear, will not like this increased emphasis on God, but this is what makes my soul thrive and feel happy…completely overjoyed and at peace.
Love this line: “A soul needs more than performance—it needs truth.“
This is one major reason why I stepped away from my social media blog. Many became so demanding, wanting a constant performance from me. I couldn’t do it and refused, it was making me sick. My soul needs truth.
Thanks Jeff, for this thought provoking beauty of an article. My soul feels deep within it a well-constructed article written from the depths of your heart, brain and soul and it feels good to read. Really, really good. God bless you.
Thank you. And sorry that comment got so long. I was typing away on my iPad and once it posted and I looked at it on my phone, it looked much longer in length lol. 😆
I always wonder- how this will change nursing. I don’t see less work in a service field, but will AI help? At almost forty four years of my career, I’m not sure how it will change. I struggle many days, desiring the “writing/reflective life.”
I certainly in the last years as kids have flown the coop, keep life basic. Physical work and my writing with little busyness keeps me. I hear your article and wonder how my life will change.
Thank you so much, Jeff, for sharing this most well thought out and beautifully articulated vision for our futures. I hope this a concept for a new book endeavor!!!
Jeff, I am catching up on your posts. Thanks for being prolific these days. Some great instructions here. I have a coaching friend who I have done some ghost writing for who has a course called One Commitment. You go through a process to find your ONE focus for the year. You choose a word or phrase that represents that. For me this year the word I got was “receive”. Every day I focus on receiving guidance and “marching orders” from God as to what I should be doing. This focus and your practical ideas are a good combination.
Super Duper Jeff. I was so busy over the holidays with so many things I haven’t read your stuff for a while and am catching up! 🤔😀. What a piece to start with. I have a coaching friend who has a course called One Commitment. Instead of developing all kinds of resolutions, goals and objectives for the year, you spend time reflecting on the ONE thing you should prioritize. You create a word or phrase that crystallizes that. I visited my friend this holiday and we discussed what we came up with. I determined mine on a long plane flight to Australia to see him. I thought I would come up with something “production” -related. But as I layed there in a dark plane cabin God said,” No. I want you to receive.” So “receive” is my One Commitment. I especially want to receive from God. Then I can communicate that to others. It won’t be something conjured up by my own flesh, but something meaningful from Him. Happy New Year.
What a great piece! Rich and real. One of the best I have seen you write. And one of the most vital for the world. And me. Thank you. I will be coming back to it. And sharing.
Thank you, Joe! Means a lot.
Fantastic piece, Jeff! So good. A great message so needed today. I like the part where you say that you could've had AI write this, but then you would have missed out on your own opportunity for soulfull work and thinking out loud. Thanks for your work. It matters.
Thanks, Rex. Appreciate that.
What am I doing? Slowing down. Partially fueled by an autistic/ADHD/neurodivergent mind, body, heart, spirit, soul that does not in any way fit into this world or feel comfortable with it, especially the fast, superficial, overwhelming nature it’s increasingly becoming. I carve out a lot of time for solitude, daily. It’s not optional for me. I love that you closed with a St. Francis of Assisi quote. Each day I spend up to several hours in theological study, prayer, meditation, Scripture and I always study the Saint whose feast day it is and try to grow and learn from them. They have so much to teach. This is what brings me peace.
I was a writer of multiple blogs for over a decade. When God calls me back to my writing again, after being on a lengthy sabbatical, as it was eating me alive, all I want to talk about is how I’ve learned to survive in this world as a highly sensitive, neurodivergent human. And for me, that’s growing closer to God. Some of my audience, I fear, will not like this increased emphasis on God, but this is what makes my soul thrive and feel happy…completely overjoyed and at peace.
Love this line: “A soul needs more than performance—it needs truth.“
This is one major reason why I stepped away from my social media blog. Many became so demanding, wanting a constant performance from me. I couldn’t do it and refused, it was making me sick. My soul needs truth.
Thanks Jeff, for this thought provoking beauty of an article. My soul feels deep within it a well-constructed article written from the depths of your heart, brain and soul and it feels good to read. Really, really good. God bless you.
Well said. I hope you enjoy your season of rest.
Thank you. And sorry that comment got so long. I was typing away on my iPad and once it posted and I looked at it on my phone, it looked much longer in length lol. 😆
Merry Christmas! 🎄
Needed/needing this.
Thank you for this post. I needed this as a reminder and a testament to where I am (always, but especially right now!) on my creative path.
You're welcome, Maria!
Thank you, Jeff! Stellar.
You, bet, Lois! Glad you liked it.
I always wonder- how this will change nursing. I don’t see less work in a service field, but will AI help? At almost forty four years of my career, I’m not sure how it will change. I struggle many days, desiring the “writing/reflective life.”
I certainly in the last years as kids have flown the coop, keep life basic. Physical work and my writing with little busyness keeps me. I hear your article and wonder how my life will change.
I wonder that, too, to be honest.
Thank you for sharing this. I might get this tattooed...
Unique talent + passion and curiosity + the needs of the world = vocation
hah, nice!
Thank you so much, Jeff, for sharing this most well thought out and beautifully articulated vision for our futures. I hope this a concept for a new book endeavor!!!
Aw, well . . . we'll see. ;)
I really love this, Jeff.
Please send duck.
This is worthy of duck! I will send!
Jeff, I am catching up on your posts. Thanks for being prolific these days. Some great instructions here. I have a coaching friend who I have done some ghost writing for who has a course called One Commitment. You go through a process to find your ONE focus for the year. You choose a word or phrase that represents that. For me this year the word I got was “receive”. Every day I focus on receiving guidance and “marching orders” from God as to what I should be doing. This focus and your practical ideas are a good combination.
Super Duper Jeff. I was so busy over the holidays with so many things I haven’t read your stuff for a while and am catching up! 🤔😀. What a piece to start with. I have a coaching friend who has a course called One Commitment. Instead of developing all kinds of resolutions, goals and objectives for the year, you spend time reflecting on the ONE thing you should prioritize. You create a word or phrase that crystallizes that. I visited my friend this holiday and we discussed what we came up with. I determined mine on a long plane flight to Australia to see him. I thought I would come up with something “production” -related. But as I layed there in a dark plane cabin God said,” No. I want you to receive.” So “receive” is my One Commitment. I especially want to receive from God. Then I can communicate that to others. It won’t be something conjured up by my own flesh, but something meaningful from Him. Happy New Year.
Very meaningful article, I agree with a lot of the points, especially as one who firmly believes in taking time out for solitude and rest.
My personal reminders:
- don’t do more
- stay human