I’m currently on a similar path, perhaps a half step ahead. I read The Surrender Experience by Michael Singer last year and since then I’ve been in full surrender mode. It can be scary at times but life has never been more fulfilling. It wasn’t just the book, I was doing a lot of work on my mindset through meditation and talk therapy but the book was thing that made me ask “what if” I could live a true artist’s life? Been doing it ever since. Painting and writing every day. Following creative urges as they come.
“The weight I want to lose is that of expectation. Both the heavy weight of societal expectation and the unrelenting weight I put on myself to do more and be more.” I love your written words, Harry. This corner of Substack is helping me find myself.
When I had my original blog back in NYC, I spent hours of my life listing each week’s sample sales. It was great for traffic, but horrible for creativity, and after months (perhaps years) of hand-wringing, I finally stopped. Yes, my traffic suffered, but it set me free. This is how I feel about IG. Why am I spending so much of my time doing something I hate? Life is too short.
I really connected with this. I think it's hard to shed an upbringing (whether it was adults actually pushing you, circumstances, environment) that makes you feel like you need to do more and achieve more. I was talking with a friend and we were both wanting to be LESS ambitious. But it's so hard when it's ingrained in you. I think the most difficult part is letting yourself live more slowly, pursue passions, when society and how you were grew up is telling you that's not good enough.
A big yes to all of this! There’s no point in delaying one’s happiness and the gut feeling is often right. Who says one can’t have ‘financial security’ by doing the things you love. Plus, you can’t ‘buy back’ your health or life time.
Thank you for your raw honesty. I have been recovering from burnout for several years now. Burnout from a life I never really deemed all that successful! So how could I be burned out? I was. I am. I look for joy in small victories now. Reading your writing brings me joy!
I've never had an insta account but I've been on and off FB. I don't think I've logged in over the past two years and I'm not tempted in the least. I support a couple of people on substack and occasionally on patreon. That's enough. I'm also going through a burnout and stopped working at Christmas. I can't blame my job for the burnout. It's really about a culmination of a bunch of stuff, and like you I need some space and quiet to figure things out. I also recognise that I need to have a little more fun, and I thought fashion would be a good place to start. I enjoy your style and writing, so thanks for helping me through my burnout!
I love how you write. So much honesty and vulnerability, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Neelam x
I’m currently on a similar path, perhaps a half step ahead. I read The Surrender Experience by Michael Singer last year and since then I’ve been in full surrender mode. It can be scary at times but life has never been more fulfilling. It wasn’t just the book, I was doing a lot of work on my mindset through meditation and talk therapy but the book was thing that made me ask “what if” I could live a true artist’s life? Been doing it ever since. Painting and writing every day. Following creative urges as they come.
Best wishes to you ❤️
Thanks Michele that makes me so happy to hear!x
“The weight I want to lose is that of expectation. Both the heavy weight of societal expectation and the unrelenting weight I put on myself to do more and be more.” I love your written words, Harry. This corner of Substack is helping me find myself.
When I had my original blog back in NYC, I spent hours of my life listing each week’s sample sales. It was great for traffic, but horrible for creativity, and after months (perhaps years) of hand-wringing, I finally stopped. Yes, my traffic suffered, but it set me free. This is how I feel about IG. Why am I spending so much of my time doing something I hate? Life is too short.
Amen to that!x
I really connected with this. I think it's hard to shed an upbringing (whether it was adults actually pushing you, circumstances, environment) that makes you feel like you need to do more and achieve more. I was talking with a friend and we were both wanting to be LESS ambitious. But it's so hard when it's ingrained in you. I think the most difficult part is letting yourself live more slowly, pursue passions, when society and how you were grew up is telling you that's not good enough.
Thanks Phoebe x
I really enjoyed reading this post. I always love being reminded that “nothing ever fails 100%” and “what if it all works out”. Thank you!
I need to remind myself too lol x
A big yes to all of this! There’s no point in delaying one’s happiness and the gut feeling is often right. Who says one can’t have ‘financial security’ by doing the things you love. Plus, you can’t ‘buy back’ your health or life time.
love this thanks Anika x
I have the same thoughts about leaving IG, I love the inspiration it gives me to dress better, but I end up spending way too much time scrolling.
Thanks Melissa x
I needed to hear this, thank you Xo
I think Old Lady Harry would be really proud of this post.
🥹
Loved every sentence and am so excited for your next chapter. ❤️
Thank you Xue! 💓
I’ve made some big changes of late to take me in the direction of myself. And I feel so good. I am right there with you.
Then I’m in excellent company 💓
XO
Thank you for your raw honesty. I have been recovering from burnout for several years now. Burnout from a life I never really deemed all that successful! So how could I be burned out? I was. I am. I look for joy in small victories now. Reading your writing brings me joy!
You're such an inspo, Harry xx
I find your writing completely compelling, Harry. Thank you for speaking from your heart and for inspiring me to live better.
Wow thank you so much Amanda x
I've never had an insta account but I've been on and off FB. I don't think I've logged in over the past two years and I'm not tempted in the least. I support a couple of people on substack and occasionally on patreon. That's enough. I'm also going through a burnout and stopped working at Christmas. I can't blame my job for the burnout. It's really about a culmination of a bunch of stuff, and like you I need some space and quiet to figure things out. I also recognise that I need to have a little more fun, and I thought fashion would be a good place to start. I enjoy your style and writing, so thanks for helping me through my burnout!
Thank you so much for sharing Liesl, I'm so grateful you're here x