Love this theory, the compassion and self kindness is so needed in this world! It feels extra needed for anyone dealing with grief, change or major life challenges and milestones.
I’ve been thinking about this sort of thing a lot lately. We’ve programmed ourselves to optimize and push through and do more and be more, until we can’t. And then sometimes we do nothing at all because we’re in burnout. Bree's shift from “you can keep going long after you can't” to “most days is enough” is the kind of rebellion that gives me hope.
I too have always been a proud achiever/sufferer - grit and perseverance gave me a ton of success until it didn’t. I found in mid life I went through a metamorphosis. Downtime was no longer bad. I was no longer lazy - I was holding g space and enjoying my life I worked so hard for. This philosophy reminds me of balance and how important it is. Will definitely grab this book thank you!
I have been thinking about this all week. From your simple red dot system to how other writers have captured similar ideas - Oliver Burkeman's dailyish, Annie Dillard's 'How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.' This is a great addition - thank you for getting Bree to guest - I am keen to read her book now.
Thanks Bree. There is something about how writers (you!) are able to grab hold of that universal experience and summarise so succinctly. Like Gretchen Rubin's book of aphorisms - secrets of adulthood. I actually printed off your essay for my co-author / husband to read - beyond the original helpful idea I learned a lot about how you structured and built your argument with personal stories and quote. Thank you! And Emma will confirm that I am that much of a geek.
You printed it! I absolutely love it when an idea makes it into the 3D world.
Haha so nice to meet a fellow writing structure geek. Thank you! And a big thanks to Emma for being my editor on the piece. I of course had an editor for the book but on Substack it’s usually just me and whatever structure my brain is in the mood for that day. It was a real treat to have her edits to sharpen the piece (eg the “Most days… except” bullets were her push)
"Most days I remember about 'most days' "....awesome. The message I seem to be receiving from the cosmos this summer is 'don't take yourself so seriously'. This post validates the message. Thank you!
I imagine someone else has already mentioned it, but the Most Days theory is SUPER helpful for those of us who are neurodivergent (AuDHD for me specifically) ... I'm definitely adding reminders about this all over the place :)
Recently diagnosed and trying to make sense of everything and yes, this sounds like a much more manageable and kind way of doing and being. Especially as my list (and I suspect most of ours) is SO unrealistic and it's not until I consistently fail and burnout that I see how unrealistic my expectations have been.
Love love love this. I was someone who used to push myself hard. Like Bree, I did well from it.
Until I didn't. Long covid taught me to be kinder to myself. My energy is much better but sometimes I feel bad because I haven't done enough. But now I can say, most days I'm doing ok
Love this theory, the compassion and self kindness is so needed in this world! It feels extra needed for anyone dealing with grief, change or major life challenges and milestones.
Thanks for sharing this! 💖
Just posted on success anxiety at 61 and BAM! This diamond is in my feed. Grabbing the book now and sharing with everyone I can.
Ooh this is delightful - ordering the book now! xx
I’ve been thinking about this sort of thing a lot lately. We’ve programmed ourselves to optimize and push through and do more and be more, until we can’t. And then sometimes we do nothing at all because we’re in burnout. Bree's shift from “you can keep going long after you can't” to “most days is enough” is the kind of rebellion that gives me hope.
I too have always been a proud achiever/sufferer - grit and perseverance gave me a ton of success until it didn’t. I found in mid life I went through a metamorphosis. Downtime was no longer bad. I was no longer lazy - I was holding g space and enjoying my life I worked so hard for. This philosophy reminds me of balance and how important it is. Will definitely grab this book thank you!
I have been thinking about this all week. From your simple red dot system to how other writers have captured similar ideas - Oliver Burkeman's dailyish, Annie Dillard's 'How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.' This is a great addition - thank you for getting Bree to guest - I am keen to read her book now.
I hope you love it! And love me some Oliver Burkeman and Annie Dillard 😊
Thanks Bree. There is something about how writers (you!) are able to grab hold of that universal experience and summarise so succinctly. Like Gretchen Rubin's book of aphorisms - secrets of adulthood. I actually printed off your essay for my co-author / husband to read - beyond the original helpful idea I learned a lot about how you structured and built your argument with personal stories and quote. Thank you! And Emma will confirm that I am that much of a geek.
You printed it! I absolutely love it when an idea makes it into the 3D world.
Haha so nice to meet a fellow writing structure geek. Thank you! And a big thanks to Emma for being my editor on the piece. I of course had an editor for the book but on Substack it’s usually just me and whatever structure my brain is in the mood for that day. It was a real treat to have her edits to sharpen the piece (eg the “Most days… except” bullets were her push)
"Most days I remember about 'most days' "....awesome. The message I seem to be receiving from the cosmos this summer is 'don't take yourself so seriously'. This post validates the message. Thank you!
We’re all just here on earth for a good time ☀️
Love this concept! We need to be kinder to ourselves and this is a great mantra to follow.
Its always a good idea to root for the home team 😊
Great read, looking forward to reading Bree’s book.
Sammy, I hope you love it!
Loved this piece and this phrase! Just bought the book and I can’t wait to read! Thanks Bree and happy holidays, Emma!
Ahh thank you for getting the book! I hope it brings you lots of joy! err... most days :)
Thank you for this excellent piece Bree (and for sharing Emma)!
Sarah, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
I imagine someone else has already mentioned it, but the Most Days theory is SUPER helpful for those of us who are neurodivergent (AuDHD for me specifically) ... I'm definitely adding reminders about this all over the place :)
Recently diagnosed and trying to make sense of everything and yes, this sounds like a much more manageable and kind way of doing and being. Especially as my list (and I suspect most of ours) is SO unrealistic and it's not until I consistently fail and burnout that I see how unrealistic my expectations have been.
1000%. If brains shouldn't have to "fit the mold", then our expectations of them shouldn't have to either. Most things, most days is plenty <3
I see why this resonated with you, Emma. It plain makes sense!
So smart!!! I'm definitely getting Bree's book ❤️
Yay!! I'm so glad Annabel
Full throated, heart open, YES!
Yessssssss :)
Love love love this. I was someone who used to push myself hard. Like Bree, I did well from it.
Until I didn't. Long covid taught me to be kinder to myself. My energy is much better but sometimes I feel bad because I haven't done enough. But now I can say, most days I'm doing ok
I have no doubt you are <3