You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.
~ Mary Oliver
Dear Friends,
I don't know who else needs to hear this, but you don’t need to wait for anything to change to live your best life right now.
You don’t need to postpone joy until you feel “caught up” on life and have an acceptable number of items checked off your to-do list.
Don’t keep your best clothes in a box until someone else asks you to dinner, and don’t wait to sign up for the fitness class you’ve been longing to go to because you aren’t “in shape” for it. That isn’t how fitness works, anyway.
Don’t delay taking the first step toward what you want. Don’t wait until they text you first, or for a sign from the universe, or for permission from anyone who doesn’t support your dreams.
Do not reserve your joy for a better time or place.
I’m writing this because I needed the reminder. Because, frankly, I’ve been so over Maine since shortly after we moved here three years ago. I’ve put off decorating my house, making friends, and finding community in any way.
The thing is, my dream home won’t exist anywhere unless I actively create it, and some of my most enduring friendships blossomed from brief interactions.
There are no greener pastures, there is only now. Any dissatisfaction I’ve felt is not because “Maine sucks” but because I’ve decided not to take ownership of my own happiness.
The good news is, that can change right now. I’ll message that person who’s been trying to meet me for coffee since January as soon as I send out this newsletter. I’ll keep going to kickboxing classes, and volunteer to maintain the trails I use and love.
If any of this resonates with you, please let me know by replying to this email, leaving a comment, or reaching out any other way you like.
You can also drop me a line if you don’t relate to this and just want to say hi. I love hearing your responses to these letters :)
Literal Blooms
On a related note, here’s a list of the flowers I’m planting this spring:
German chamomile*
Coneflower (echinacea)*
Borage*
Wild bergamot*
Milkweed*
Lavender*
Zinnia
Calendula
Nasturtium
Marigold
Wildflower mix
Three varieties of sunflower (Mammoth, Hella Sonnenblume, and Autumn Beauty)
*These were seeded or planted last year
Three Things I Love
No matter which side you’re on — or maybe you’re just as confused about the whole thing as I was — listening to The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast digs into the situation between the famous author and the trans rights community. I haven’t finished the series, yet, but highly recommend it bc it’s really well done.
Speaking of Harry Potter, this Hogwarts ASMR pomodoro playlist is the only reason I get any work done these days.
I’m already brainstorming costume ideas for the next 90s Con. Who’s with me? If you can’t access that article, try using this link.
Thank you for reading, and have a great week!
XoLauren
PS- If you loved this post and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee or become a paid subscriber. Thanks so much!
PSS- I’ve opened up my schedule for more 1-1 tarot readings, which you can book here.