An informal, unedited piece. This month in Thailand: I wake at 5. Spend the early hours writing in the enclosed garden of my airbnb with a coffee, lit by a thin crescent moon and a string of glowing incandescent patio lights. The raw black sky dissolves into a rich indigo as birds high in the treetops start their hoops and hollers and small lizards dart around the white stucco walls looking for breakfast.
The more "selfish" you get with your needs the better your writing becomes. The Glennon Doyle quote is good, but you're a good example of this other side of the equation, how the willingness to disappoint others in the short term is the only way to actually serve others in the long term. Without being grounded in one's self/purpose we can't ultimately meet the deep needs of others. I like "exercise is the great equalizer" - bringing us down to the same common denominator of needing to do the work to make progress. And self-awareness is the great liberator—delivering each of us to our true path, hidden strengths and unique purpose. I don't see how investing in it could ever be selfish.
"But I’m trying so hard to not disappoint the dreamer in me. The part with the imagination and idealism of a child, who just wants his life to be a work of art."
Great piece! This reminds me of a chapter in a book summarizing themes of the Bible (title: Biblical Critical Theory). That author points out that, according to the Bible, making and keeping promises is fundamental to our identities as humans. I'm still pondering that myself, too.
Why do I think it odd that they have Cross Fit in Thailand, now I know. Hope you enjoyed and found value in your meditation retreat. Enjoyed this piece. I find value in slowness too. You expressed that value very well.
Learning the balance of commitment to others, self-disappointment, and cultivating a life that is a work of art. So much to think about. I think I am going to use this for reflecting/ journal prompts. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself.
Love this one, Tommy—so sparse and evocative. Sounds like a blissful morning. I really love the bit about keeping promises to yourself, and am glad you're doing just that. Looking forward to hearing how the meditation retreat was. 🙏
« But I’m trying so hard to not disappoint the dreamer in me. The part with the imagination and idealism of a child, who just wants his life to be a work of art. » I couldn’t have said it more beautifully…I felt it…
I used to have days when I barely paused to feed myself. My needs were glanced at after serving my daughter, husband, volunteer activities, and work responsibilities. It was a frantic time. Now that I have tasted unstructured hours, savored solitude, and honored my dreams, I feel nourished. Good on you, Tommy, for learning these truths on your own.
Your pieces always make me think. And love the quote at the end by the philosopher whose name I’ve already forgotten - we do so much comparing and it’s such a great reminder of the futility of that
So essential. I yearn to write with this level of compression Tommy.
“when I make and keep promises to myself, when I live out my priorities, I feel more whole, more alive, more human.”
I could pick ten more perspectives but this one is a North Star.
I hope your retreat was amazing.
The more "selfish" you get with your needs the better your writing becomes. The Glennon Doyle quote is good, but you're a good example of this other side of the equation, how the willingness to disappoint others in the short term is the only way to actually serve others in the long term. Without being grounded in one's self/purpose we can't ultimately meet the deep needs of others. I like "exercise is the great equalizer" - bringing us down to the same common denominator of needing to do the work to make progress. And self-awareness is the great liberator—delivering each of us to our true path, hidden strengths and unique purpose. I don't see how investing in it could ever be selfish.
"Keep your promises to yourself" is a thing I saw not long ago on social media and it hit me hard. So important.
"But I’m trying so hard to not disappoint the dreamer in me. The part with the imagination and idealism of a child, who just wants his life to be a work of art."
!!!!!
Great piece! This reminds me of a chapter in a book summarizing themes of the Bible (title: Biblical Critical Theory). That author points out that, according to the Bible, making and keeping promises is fundamental to our identities as humans. I'm still pondering that myself, too.
Why do I think it odd that they have Cross Fit in Thailand, now I know. Hope you enjoyed and found value in your meditation retreat. Enjoyed this piece. I find value in slowness too. You expressed that value very well.
Learning the balance of commitment to others, self-disappointment, and cultivating a life that is a work of art. So much to think about. I think I am going to use this for reflecting/ journal prompts. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself.
Love this one, Tommy—so sparse and evocative. Sounds like a blissful morning. I really love the bit about keeping promises to yourself, and am glad you're doing just that. Looking forward to hearing how the meditation retreat was. 🙏
Tommy, I enjoyed the tight, clean, direct style of your sentences in this piece. They reflect the message: less, is more.
« But I’m trying so hard to not disappoint the dreamer in me. The part with the imagination and idealism of a child, who just wants his life to be a work of art. » I couldn’t have said it more beautifully…I felt it…
I used to have days when I barely paused to feed myself. My needs were glanced at after serving my daughter, husband, volunteer activities, and work responsibilities. It was a frantic time. Now that I have tasted unstructured hours, savored solitude, and honored my dreams, I feel nourished. Good on you, Tommy, for learning these truths on your own.
So good. Thank you for sharing. Love the Glennon Doyle quote.
hahaha. good to know. I sometimes question if writers find it reassuring or annoying. I choose to believe the first one. :)
Ps: I'm pleased to see your growth
Also! Tell us about the silent meditation?
Your pieces always make me think. And love the quote at the end by the philosopher whose name I’ve already forgotten - we do so much comparing and it’s such a great reminder of the futility of that
...like butter scraped over too much bread...good caption for that cat photo too...