What a month this has been in Wisconsin. Today – like many recent days – I woke feeling worried, tired, and a little sad. There has been a knot in my stomach for days. (I've taken to carrying Rescue Remedy with me everywhere. Being emotionally sensitive living in a state that is turned on its head is frankly no fun.)
And so today I am searching for the silver lining in a situation that has polarized friends, neighbors, and communities. I am seeking out the why. I am having faith that transitions are often painful but lead us to a better place – and yes, it often "gets worse before it gets better." My friend Anne made this call for us to work together and stop fighting amongst ourselves. That's good advice if I have ever heard it.
Everyting happens for a reason. Indeed, despite the "us and them" of Wisconsin politics I am seeing a state and a country awakening that has been asleep for a long time. And that feels like at least part of the silver lining.
As for me, I need to unwind, get centered, and find my joy.
To clear my head I will be taking some time away from this space. I will center myself with my children, I will reflect, rest, knit like mad, and focus inward. Give me a week. Then I will be back here again, all shiny and ready to play.
While I am away we'll still be going outside everyday. Will you join us? Maybe we'll see you out there, playing in the snow and finding the calm and peace that only fresh air can bring.
Until then I will leave you with this:
Be kind.
Play fair.
Express gratitude.
Find your joy.
Think of others.
Live your truth.
Manifest your best dreams.
Love,
Rachel
Love this. Thanks, Rachel.
Take care, Rachel!
So well said. Enjoy the break and time away. Hoping our outside time won’t include snow for very much longer!
We have also been trying to find some positivity in all of the madness. Here’s been our way to try to stay sane without ignoring it all.. http://verdemama.blogspot.com/2011/03/protest-art.html
It can definitely be overwhelming, enjoy your break!
Enjoy your rest Rachel,
Will miss your writings but look forward to your rested self back 🙂 until then we will work on getting outside.
Love
Lori
Rachel,
I just found your blog about a month ago and I just love it. I stay at home with my two year old twins while their Pappa works away all day. I don’t know what I love more about your blog – if it’s the Waldorf inspiration that seems so present, the earthy natural feeling thats here or the sweetness that fills my heart when I read your entries because in each and every one the love of your family shines through.
Thank you for inspiring me to get my girls outside each day to explore even though it’s still very much winter here in MN. We’ve been having so much fun connecting out doors and even when I spend more time getting them bundled than we do outside it’s still worth it. I’ve committed to it and thank you.
Wishing you a peaceful time away!
Here’s (an abbreviated version of) one of my favorite sayings from our local UU gathering. I though it was rather appropriate…
“Go now in peace – and may the spirit of love surround you everywhere you go.”
Hoping for some healing soon for my beloved home state. 🙂
Have a restful week away- we’ll miss you, but everyone needs a break now and again 🙂 I’m sure your little ones will gobble you up!! Hugs!
Enjoy your time away. Self care is absolutely essential, eh?
Maybe we’ll see you tomorrow at Norskadalen? Otherwise in the hood…
xoxo
I send you my best wishes and I hope clam will arrive soon.
Hahahaha, obviously I meant calm, but if you like clam too, I hope it too.
Peace. Balance. Sounds good Rachel. Leaving sunday for Nebraska and a crane meeting. Taking the whole family so we can see spring migration along the Platte River. Hoping to see thousands of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes. Timing is good because we too need some balance and a reminder that there is a timeless ebb and flow to life. Will see old friends and family along the way. Enjoy your week.
I do hope that during your break you head to the capitol for some rejuvenation. I’ve also been physically ill from the anticipation & worry. Attending a local rally & petition signing yesterday renewed my spirits. I’ll attend another local rally on Sunday. The chanting & support is just what our drained bodies need. I SOOO wish I could be @ the capitol tomorrow (even if to only see the tractorcade!)! 🙂 I could use some more hope & energy!
Thanks for setting a good example – sometimes our minds and bodies need a break and it takes courage to step away. But just so you know – you’ll be missed! Hope this coming week brings peace.
I hope your time away is filled with peace, knitting and good rest 🙂
peace to you and your whole family.
i had to step away a bit too…i only get my ‘news’ via FB feeds, so had to remove some and have no computer days. i don’t want to hide my head in the sand and know there are things to be done (recalls, signatures, boycotts) but can’t handle the never ending craziness. it is too much. so, to peace, positivity, and light. 🙂
Nice colors and pictures on this site. Really gives a warm art & crafts kinda feeling. I try to buy pretty much everything organic these days. Seeing all that snow makes me miss the East Coast!