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Samantha G 🌻's avatar

Thank you for sharing your letter from Love, I am a fellow Lovelet. "Falling behind in life" - this has been the biggest thorn in my side for many years now, I've beaten myself black and blue over this, for not finding myself where I thought I should be. I expected or imagined it would be so different, I should've traveled the world, I should be a wife, a mother, I should be at the top of my career, I should be living a full life, I should be debt free or at the very least paying the mortgage on my dream home but instead I have achieved none of these things and it hurt me deeply to admit any of it and to forgive and just love myself where I am. Maybe right here is not so bad for right now, maybe deciding what I want to be when I grow up at 40 is not the end of the world, it doesn't push me off the map of life, maybe not traveling yet isn't the ultimate sign of a life not lived because maybe, just maybe being thankful for life, breath and love today is enough and for every tomorrow I am blessed with is an opportunity for love, success, travels etc. "Dear Love, what would have me know today? Dear Sweet cheeks Sam, I want you to know that you are enough, here, now, today, in this moment, you are enough, where you are is beautiful, what you have is what you need, sit down cross-legged with all of it, smile and be thankful for today. Much love, Love"

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Well hello, fellow Lovelet! I think so many of us fall into this trap. And, love your letter to yourself. Thanks for sharing, Samantha.

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Trudi Jane's avatar

I love this. It made me think that I’m not where I imagined I’d be,

because I never imagined beyond where I was,

yet somehow, it’s led me exactly where I’m meant to be.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Love how you put that, Trudi.

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Anita McLachlan's avatar

Thank you Jonathon. Ive never thought much about where I’d be now in my younger years. And now in midlife, I find myself meandering as I stay curious to see what presents next. Asking love is such a beautiful way to seek guidance. Thank you. Axx

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

I really found Liz's frame - asking Love - so helpful, Anita.

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Gail Grossman's avatar

It’s amazing that the markers we use to measure “success” are truly not that at all. I certainly experience this regularly, and then I remind myself how rich I really am. A life well-lived. What is it truly filled with? You nailed it! Lots of love to you!😘

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So true, Gail. The metrics we use change everything.

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

We’re one of a kind,

and life is not a contest.

May we just be kind.

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

May we just be, Marisol.

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Maia Duerr's avatar

Saving this one to savor

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So glad, Maia.

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Trisha Carter's avatar

Thanks for making me think Jonathon. No I’m not where I once thought I’d be but the things I hold dear and true for me are different now than they were then so it makes sense and is nothing to berate myself for. Instead, like you, I’m grateful. Thank you

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Right?! It's so important to let the things that matter "now" take the lead, Trisha.

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Katie's avatar

I’m so pleased you shared this here and I got chance to read it, thank you. Sat here with a Sunday morning cup of tea 🇬🇧☕️ this struck a chord. A beautiful read!

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

So glad it added a little something to your Sunday morning tea, Katie.

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Doris Füllgrabe's avatar

Ooft yeah, turning 50 in June and this is hitting a bit different. 😅 Might have to make this my next journaling prompt. Thanks for sharing!

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

It's a great prompt, Doris. Might even help to just sit with it a bit before writing.

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One Breast Less's avatar

It sounds like you have walked forward into a much more beaYOUtiful life than you imagined…what a wonderful gift!

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Thanks so much for the kind reframe!

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Casper ter Kuile's avatar

Beautiful, Jonathan! Thank you for sharing this :))

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Jonathan Fields's avatar

Thanks, Casper. Glad it resonated.

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Pete Vanderpool's avatar

Wow! Glad I found you. You have a beautiful heart and express it well with words. Thank you, Jen. Glad I stumbled on to Substack.

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Yolande Sinder's avatar

If Liz Gilbert, one of the most authentic humans alive is your friend, then you are pretty much very blessed and fortunate as to where you are in life! Perspective for sure.

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Jenna Hollenstein's avatar

As someone who’s always thought of you as having “made it big,” this is a wake up call to me. Thank you so much for sharing it. I’m in such a similar place with a young child and aging parents and colleagues seemingly racing past me while I do…what is it I do exactly? But at the same time I have love and support and no one actually measuring my “success” but me.

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