I love the suggestion to pause and ask, Is this necessary? It’s the phrasing it as a question that, I think, makes it particularly useful. There’s something about stopping to ask a question that opens my mind so much more than trying to convince myself of a statement. At the beginning of this year I decided to pause and ask myself this question every time I started to feel overwhelmed: What if this was easy? It’s remarkable the effect that simple question has on my mindset.
Oooh that is a great question to ask, Rebecca! Because the reality is that we are constantly putting up imaginary barriers as to why something can’t be done—especially when it’s the big, scary but exciting life-changing stuff.
How to you put together such lovely articles Elizabeth? What a gem this is. I love your gentle style and thoughtfulness. I shall practice your wise advice!
Always love reading your posts, Elizabeth! 💕 And appreciate the reminder to find the smooth handle. Also, the cracker looks like a perfect light bite for summer!
“Is this necessary?”- so true, Elizabeth. To give ourselves that time to process, self reflect, instead of remaining in a reactive mode and bypassing straight into the finish line makes life more challenging that it needs to be.
I also suck at getting out of my own way, too. This was such an inspiring read, and the giant shareable cocktail cracker is delightful.Thank you for sharing!
".... makes life more challenging than it needs to be." This is something I've been thinking about a lot this year. I've been trying to remember to stop and ask myself this question more often: "what if this was easy?" I don't always remember to do it, but when I do it's remarkable how much I relax and unclench. I had the same reaction to the suggestion of asking, "Is this necessary?" It is, as you say, such a simple way to get out of our own way.
Well said, Rebecca. It takes all of us to pause, step back, and breathe. Taking the time to process to ask right sizing inner questions, like -“What if this was easy?”
I just figured out how to leave comments😂 you are a brilliant writer my friend and I am with you long live appetizers. This one looks as beautiful as I bet it tastes. Very thoughtful and provocative post. One I can relate too. Thank you😘
Love Frankl’s book so much! I’ve read it a handful of times and walk away each time having learned something else to apply to my life. Also love the question “is this necessary” and should ask that more. Such a good post, Elizabeth.
This is the perfect post Elizabeth. Interesting topic ( cos we all know how fumbling fools we can be). Perfect length, the struggle to read all the writers I enjoy whilst still having a rich life of thought and contemplation outside of Substack.
The glimpse into your life, that door. And the thought that entertaining friends and family can be easy. I’d happily agree to all you say and serve here Elizabeth.
Thank you Lisa! I deeply feel that struggle to keep up with all of the writers I love and keep room for the ever-growing list of books I've yet to read.
I bought those handles in Shanghai many years ago on a whim. I thought they might serve some decorative purpose, but they never found the right place in our home. When we moved to this condo three years ago and were debating about hardware for the barn doors that close off our study, I had a flash of inspiration. And there they are. Proof positive that everything finds its place in due course.💕
You knew your future life would have the perfect space for those handles, I love that, and your post. Thank you Elizabeth. Did I ever tell you my name is Lisabeth?
And you would not know that my mother was originally going to call me Lisa! It seems we are kindred spirits in many ways.
I agree—I have been shown many times over that things in life find their time and place, whether that be people, things or something on a higher plane.
I love the suggestion to pause and ask, Is this necessary? It’s the phrasing it as a question that, I think, makes it particularly useful. There’s something about stopping to ask a question that opens my mind so much more than trying to convince myself of a statement. At the beginning of this year I decided to pause and ask myself this question every time I started to feel overwhelmed: What if this was easy? It’s remarkable the effect that simple question has on my mindset.
Oooh that is a great question to ask, Rebecca! Because the reality is that we are constantly putting up imaginary barriers as to why something can’t be done—especially when it’s the big, scary but exciting life-changing stuff.
I so appreciate your always thoughtful comments 💕
How to you put together such lovely articles Elizabeth? What a gem this is. I love your gentle style and thoughtfulness. I shall practice your wise advice!
Ahhh, Marjan, you are always so kind! Thank you for your lovely comments 💕
I think this is something that so many of us struggle with. You’ve put this together so beautifully Elizabeth.
And on another note, I’m with you, serving snacks for company is the best. Now I’m looking for gluten free lavash.
Thank you Mira! While I might know the right questions to ask, it’s good to remind myself of what they are! 😊 AND YES, long live snacks for dinner!
Always love reading your posts, Elizabeth! 💕 And appreciate the reminder to find the smooth handle. Also, the cracker looks like a perfect light bite for summer!
Thanks so much Kerry! I am so glad you are here and really appreciate your always generous comments 💕
When I ask “is this necessary?” of your brilliant all-in-one appetizer, the answer is YES!
YESSSSS…..🤓
“Is this necessary?”- so true, Elizabeth. To give ourselves that time to process, self reflect, instead of remaining in a reactive mode and bypassing straight into the finish line makes life more challenging that it needs to be.
I also suck at getting out of my own way, too. This was such an inspiring read, and the giant shareable cocktail cracker is delightful.Thank you for sharing!
".... makes life more challenging than it needs to be." This is something I've been thinking about a lot this year. I've been trying to remember to stop and ask myself this question more often: "what if this was easy?" I don't always remember to do it, but when I do it's remarkable how much I relax and unclench. I had the same reaction to the suggestion of asking, "Is this necessary?" It is, as you say, such a simple way to get out of our own way.
Well said, Rebecca. It takes all of us to pause, step back, and breathe. Taking the time to process to ask right sizing inner questions, like -“What if this was easy?”
Thank so much Aki! In writing about these challenges, I try to keep myself on the straight and narrow 😊. I appreciate your readership 💕
I just figured out how to leave comments😂 you are a brilliant writer my friend and I am with you long live appetizers. This one looks as beautiful as I bet it tastes. Very thoughtful and provocative post. One I can relate too. Thank you😘
😊So glad to have you here, my friend. I love having you as a reader 💕. See you soon!
Love Frankl’s book so much! I’ve read it a handful of times and walk away each time having learned something else to apply to my life. Also love the question “is this necessary” and should ask that more. Such a good post, Elizabeth.
Believe me, I don’t ask it enough either! In writing here I can try to keep myself honest 😊.
Thank you for your readership Betty—I appreciate you 💕
This is the perfect post Elizabeth. Interesting topic ( cos we all know how fumbling fools we can be). Perfect length, the struggle to read all the writers I enjoy whilst still having a rich life of thought and contemplation outside of Substack.
The glimpse into your life, that door. And the thought that entertaining friends and family can be easy. I’d happily agree to all you say and serve here Elizabeth.
Thank you Lisa! I deeply feel that struggle to keep up with all of the writers I love and keep room for the ever-growing list of books I've yet to read.
I bought those handles in Shanghai many years ago on a whim. I thought they might serve some decorative purpose, but they never found the right place in our home. When we moved to this condo three years ago and were debating about hardware for the barn doors that close off our study, I had a flash of inspiration. And there they are. Proof positive that everything finds its place in due course.💕
You knew your future life would have the perfect space for those handles, I love that, and your post. Thank you Elizabeth. Did I ever tell you my name is Lisabeth?
And you would not know that my mother was originally going to call me Lisa! It seems we are kindred spirits in many ways.
I agree—I have been shown many times over that things in life find their time and place, whether that be people, things or something on a higher plane.
We are indeed Elizabeth, what a sweet connection this is across the world.
Patience is not one of my in built virtues, but life has taught me to be bore patient with even this.