Dearest Jody, I'm sending warm wishes, hugs and strength.
I feel the uncertainty and exhaustion, but I also see the seeds of what can be and sense the hope.
I appreciate all your words and reflections without wishing to impose any expectations. Perhaps because, in my view, while each of our journeys may be different, your ability to articulate the thresholds of change enables me to meditate on the me-now and view the future a little clearer than I could ever do alone.
Thank you for being you, sharing all your journey and giving your precious time and energy to us here.
thank you. I always feel it's not possible to be anywhere near as profound as you are; so I usually don't write anything (to avoid sounding like a cliche). You are a trailblazer -always at the next threshold, looking over the hill, describing what you see, saying the words that haven't been said. So much of what you have written here resonates with me. As Emerson famously writes: 'do not go where the path may lead, take a different path and leave a trail'. You do that and it puts you in a vulnerable and lonely position -and an exhausting one too. Rest up, feed your soul, write your book. Nothing will ever erase the impact your have had so far- your legacy reaches into my own life and friendships in ways you will never know. Not knowing can be a gift, the gift of letting the seeds be carried by the wind and plant themselves in the soil of far -away lands. love and every blessing to you Jody xxx
Ah - dearest Jody. You write so eloquently of what is very familiar to me too. As a 68 year old childless woman, with an auto-immune disease I recognise many of the steps you are facing. I do hope they get to the bottom of what you have. Not because a diagnosis will cure it , but there are some medications which can help. It also reminds us that our bodies do not lie.
I have wrestled and fought with my body for the last 15 years - since I was first diagnosed - wondering what was "wrong" with me that I couldn't get myself better. I did too much, tried to hard and then had collapse after collapse. It resulted in me needing to retire from my work (which I loved) but now I have some very empty moments wondering what is next. There is only so much gardening and reading I can do. I am looking for purpose - so when I see you have your writing I am so glad for you and hope you have made it into your writing cave more regularly. You take care. xxxx
Biggest love and comfort to you, dearest Jody. Other people’s expectations can feel so violent when we are unable, for whatever reason/s, to show up in the way they think we ‘should’. I felt this piece so deeply and you write so well (always). I hope the novel can show up for you in return for when you are able to show up for it. Writing and stories are forever our biggest teachers. Thinking of you xx
Thank you for sharing so openly and beautifully, Jody. Sending all the healing energy I can muster in hopes that you find the strength you need to do the things that feed your soul. May you get a clear diagnosis that can be treated and managed to allow you to finish your novel. I can't wait to read it...and I'm available (or will be) when you need a beta reader.
Jody, I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I have struggled with Graves Disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. Those things can really knock you down. I also identify with your struggle to find and focus on what is most important. As we age, we don't want to waste a minute. Write that novel, and enjoy the process. Big hug.
https://lovearts.info/articles-body-psychometry.html Jody, I'm an anam cara sageing sister in northern CA. I wholly recognize the depth, intensity, integrity and Beauty of your sacred journey, and the listening inwards to find the Messages your body/instrument is offering. Yes, some part of you is dying, perhaps wants to or has been neglected: AND? Surely other aspects of your Deep Femme Soul are opening wide to Live -thrive! Like your creative spirit! If I can help, contact me (thru my website seldom works). https://substack.com/refer/marciasinger or https://marciasinger.substack.com We can more fully access the Message! MSinger
Thank you for your beautiful words and for sharing your truest self with us; I wish I could go back in time, wave a wand, and turn that last post into the thoughtful, meaningful discussion with parents/grandparents it should have been. But know that your work and advocacy has helped so many of us grow around grief and evolve individually, even if society isn’t there yet.
I’m ever thankful I came to know your work when I did, especially now facing several unplanned life transitions myself (still figuring out what needs to die - not easy at all) but by all means go nourish your soul and take time to heal. We all have limits, hard as that is to accept sometimes.
Know we’re cheering for your novel, too, and so appreciate all you’ve done publicly and behind the scenes (I’ve been around long enough to know most things, let alone wise creative content, doesn’t magically happen by itself, rather with extensive thought and effort) over the past 15 years.
I so relate to your childless-not-by-choice journey, and the way we are treated by society. I look forward to your novel, as you build a surer scaffold. And, I hope your courage to do so chases off the illness that has plagued you.
Oh Jody I feel so humbled and honoured that you spent time with me, and all of us, during this depletion of your energy. You’ve launched a successful ocean liner of a project with Gateway and CC and now it’s time for you to retreat and look after yourself. No one could possibly begrudge you the time you need for yourself. If they do, they are not worthy of your time anyway.
I think perhaps we all go through these weird emotional and physical jolts that remind us we are moving on in life and things don’t necessarily get easier. Keep spending time on the beach with your pooch.
Spending time with you was a pleasure - it's a part of my work that energises me, not depletes me. I am touched by your support and understanding, thank you Chloe xxx
Well hunny child you've given so much of your energy though enjoyed much of that I suspect, but we all send thoughts to take care of you more than all else! I get it. Your body may just need more rest and damn that's a hard one for some of us. At 67 I have been through phases that I just can't keep going so well, but summer dry heat helps so bloody much! May you take some summer in, rest and feel more like yourself gently. love Joanne
Thank you dear Joanne. Yes, I have and do enjoy much of what I do. And I still have to do much less of it! Thank you for your support and understanding, and I hope that the summer heat works its magic on you. Sending healing to your dear hands. Hugs, Jody x
Thank you for sharing your pain, Jody. You’ve touched me all the way on the other side of the world, grappling with my own health and relevance struggles.
Thank you Michelle. It does seem that what I've shared resonates with so many of us, in so many different ways. 'Health and relevance' - you've nailed this transition for me. I'm sorry it's something you're going through too. I wonder what awaits us once this is integrated? Hugs, Jody x
Thank you for your honest truths about your life, aging, limitations--and yet still the sparks of real creativity that you are claiming for yourself. Glad those sparks are there and that you are responding to them. I hope the exhaustion changes, and that self care and knowing that others are tuning into your journey are helpful.
Thank you Linda. I do indeed feel buoyed up by the many supportive comments I've received on this post, such as yours. I am back at my writing desk again this morning :) x
Sending love Jody. I know only too well, from my own experience, what a harsh and powerful teacher chronic illness of the autoimmune variety can be. Wishing you gentleness, rest, and recovery, letting your body lead the way. Thank you for your honest and powerful sharing, as ever 🤎
Thank you Vicki. I've been thinking of you, and others that I know in our childless community who know the path it seems I'm walking... With 20 years of insomnia and two experiences with burnout, I thought I'd learned how to manage my energy better... but always more to learn it seems... old masculine patterns of striving and pushing through are so deeply ingrained in me, and my ego.... Big hugs, Jody x
just subscribed monthly ❤️
Dearest Jody, I'm sending warm wishes, hugs and strength.
I feel the uncertainty and exhaustion, but I also see the seeds of what can be and sense the hope.
I appreciate all your words and reflections without wishing to impose any expectations. Perhaps because, in my view, while each of our journeys may be different, your ability to articulate the thresholds of change enables me to meditate on the me-now and view the future a little clearer than I could ever do alone.
Thank you for being you, sharing all your journey and giving your precious time and energy to us here.
dear Jody,
thank you. I always feel it's not possible to be anywhere near as profound as you are; so I usually don't write anything (to avoid sounding like a cliche). You are a trailblazer -always at the next threshold, looking over the hill, describing what you see, saying the words that haven't been said. So much of what you have written here resonates with me. As Emerson famously writes: 'do not go where the path may lead, take a different path and leave a trail'. You do that and it puts you in a vulnerable and lonely position -and an exhausting one too. Rest up, feed your soul, write your book. Nothing will ever erase the impact your have had so far- your legacy reaches into my own life and friendships in ways you will never know. Not knowing can be a gift, the gift of letting the seeds be carried by the wind and plant themselves in the soil of far -away lands. love and every blessing to you Jody xxx
Ah - dearest Jody. You write so eloquently of what is very familiar to me too. As a 68 year old childless woman, with an auto-immune disease I recognise many of the steps you are facing. I do hope they get to the bottom of what you have. Not because a diagnosis will cure it , but there are some medications which can help. It also reminds us that our bodies do not lie.
I have wrestled and fought with my body for the last 15 years - since I was first diagnosed - wondering what was "wrong" with me that I couldn't get myself better. I did too much, tried to hard and then had collapse after collapse. It resulted in me needing to retire from my work (which I loved) but now I have some very empty moments wondering what is next. There is only so much gardening and reading I can do. I am looking for purpose - so when I see you have your writing I am so glad for you and hope you have made it into your writing cave more regularly. You take care. xxxx
Biggest love and comfort to you, dearest Jody. Other people’s expectations can feel so violent when we are unable, for whatever reason/s, to show up in the way they think we ‘should’. I felt this piece so deeply and you write so well (always). I hope the novel can show up for you in return for when you are able to show up for it. Writing and stories are forever our biggest teachers. Thinking of you xx
Thank you for sharing so openly and beautifully, Jody. Sending all the healing energy I can muster in hopes that you find the strength you need to do the things that feed your soul. May you get a clear diagnosis that can be treated and managed to allow you to finish your novel. I can't wait to read it...and I'm available (or will be) when you need a beta reader.
Jody, I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I have struggled with Graves Disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. Those things can really knock you down. I also identify with your struggle to find and focus on what is most important. As we age, we don't want to waste a minute. Write that novel, and enjoy the process. Big hug.
https://lovearts.info/articles-body-psychometry.html Jody, I'm an anam cara sageing sister in northern CA. I wholly recognize the depth, intensity, integrity and Beauty of your sacred journey, and the listening inwards to find the Messages your body/instrument is offering. Yes, some part of you is dying, perhaps wants to or has been neglected: AND? Surely other aspects of your Deep Femme Soul are opening wide to Live -thrive! Like your creative spirit! If I can help, contact me (thru my website seldom works). https://substack.com/refer/marciasinger or https://marciasinger.substack.com We can more fully access the Message! MSinger
Childless or not, your piece resonates with all older women. May your spirits lift!
Dearest Jody,
Thank you for your beautiful words and for sharing your truest self with us; I wish I could go back in time, wave a wand, and turn that last post into the thoughtful, meaningful discussion with parents/grandparents it should have been. But know that your work and advocacy has helped so many of us grow around grief and evolve individually, even if society isn’t there yet.
I’m ever thankful I came to know your work when I did, especially now facing several unplanned life transitions myself (still figuring out what needs to die - not easy at all) but by all means go nourish your soul and take time to heal. We all have limits, hard as that is to accept sometimes.
Know we’re cheering for your novel, too, and so appreciate all you’ve done publicly and behind the scenes (I’ve been around long enough to know most things, let alone wise creative content, doesn’t magically happen by itself, rather with extensive thought and effort) over the past 15 years.
I so relate to your childless-not-by-choice journey, and the way we are treated by society. I look forward to your novel, as you build a surer scaffold. And, I hope your courage to do so chases off the illness that has plagued you.
Oh Jody I feel so humbled and honoured that you spent time with me, and all of us, during this depletion of your energy. You’ve launched a successful ocean liner of a project with Gateway and CC and now it’s time for you to retreat and look after yourself. No one could possibly begrudge you the time you need for yourself. If they do, they are not worthy of your time anyway.
I think perhaps we all go through these weird emotional and physical jolts that remind us we are moving on in life and things don’t necessarily get easier. Keep spending time on the beach with your pooch.
Take care my lovely xx
Spending time with you was a pleasure - it's a part of my work that energises me, not depletes me. I am touched by your support and understanding, thank you Chloe xxx
Well hunny child you've given so much of your energy though enjoyed much of that I suspect, but we all send thoughts to take care of you more than all else! I get it. Your body may just need more rest and damn that's a hard one for some of us. At 67 I have been through phases that I just can't keep going so well, but summer dry heat helps so bloody much! May you take some summer in, rest and feel more like yourself gently. love Joanne
Thank you dear Joanne. Yes, I have and do enjoy much of what I do. And I still have to do much less of it! Thank you for your support and understanding, and I hope that the summer heat works its magic on you. Sending healing to your dear hands. Hugs, Jody x
Thank you for sharing your pain, Jody. You’ve touched me all the way on the other side of the world, grappling with my own health and relevance struggles.
Thank you Michelle. It does seem that what I've shared resonates with so many of us, in so many different ways. 'Health and relevance' - you've nailed this transition for me. I'm sorry it's something you're going through too. I wonder what awaits us once this is integrated? Hugs, Jody x
Whatever it is, we’ll approach it with curiosity and kindness, I expect ❤️
Thank you for your honest truths about your life, aging, limitations--and yet still the sparks of real creativity that you are claiming for yourself. Glad those sparks are there and that you are responding to them. I hope the exhaustion changes, and that self care and knowing that others are tuning into your journey are helpful.
Thank you Linda. I do indeed feel buoyed up by the many supportive comments I've received on this post, such as yours. I am back at my writing desk again this morning :) x
Sending love Jody. I know only too well, from my own experience, what a harsh and powerful teacher chronic illness of the autoimmune variety can be. Wishing you gentleness, rest, and recovery, letting your body lead the way. Thank you for your honest and powerful sharing, as ever 🤎
Thank you Vicki. I've been thinking of you, and others that I know in our childless community who know the path it seems I'm walking... With 20 years of insomnia and two experiences with burnout, I thought I'd learned how to manage my energy better... but always more to learn it seems... old masculine patterns of striving and pushing through are so deeply ingrained in me, and my ego.... Big hugs, Jody x