on connectedness
July 6, 2022
I decided to come back to writing here. But, I’m writing with no agenda, no expectation, and — most importantly — no pressure or promise.
I’ll start by writing in a journal and then transcribing what I wrote here, mistakes and all. If I add something as I type (which I’m sure I will), I’ll let you know.
I’m not entirely sure why I feel drawn to share it. Maybe it’s because I love reading blogs and appreciate it when people share what they’re learning and going through. Maybe it’s because the more I write, the more I discover about myself, the world around me, and the place I want in it. Maybe it’s because I notice that when I don’t write, my vocabulary declines, and my short-term memory diminishes.
But, I guess it doesn’t really matter why does it? It is more about the doing than the questioning right now. The questioning just gets in the way.
So without further ado…
6, July 2022
74° & sunny
≈ S 10mph
52% Humidity
Putting pen to paper is like digging my toes into the dirt. It strips away the noise, grounds me to now, and connects me to the earth and to myself. It feels like coming home.
It would be easier to wear shoes just like it would be easier to type write on a computer (or not write at all) but with those choices, I lose the connectedness. At least if those are my initial choices. Maybe I’ll type this up later.
And I think that is the thing I’ve been craving: connectedness.
… to myself
… to the earth
… to my food and where it comes from
… to the people I love
… to the beauty that can be found in a “normal” day if I take the time to seek it out
When I write, I’m forced to draw connections (there’s that word again) from one thought to another. It provides a space to come as I am, explore who I want to be, and hold myself accountable to for actually manifesting those hopes and dreams into reality.
I know the power of putting words to the things that are in my heart. Now I just have to do it.
I’m ready to slow down. I’m ready to plant my toes in the dirt, turn my face to the sun, and open my arms and heart to the life going on around me.
I’m ready to spend less time focusing on amassing more and things and more time appreciating (and using) what I have.
I’m ready for space — in my home, heart, and head — to fill with experiences, with the people I love, with time to continue getting to know myself, and (literally) fill with foods I’ve grown, picked, and cooked (or canned) myself.
I am ready for so much less. And in turn, so much more.
goal for the day
- Water my garden with no shoes on
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Hi, I'm Ali! Photographer, dog mom, daily walker, reader, and wife to a busy maker. I'm the voice you hear and read at Life Outside the Shop.
From new project how-to's and DIY home updates to the ins-and-outs of building a family & multiple businesses... Life Outside the Shop shares what is really looks like to figure it out as you go!
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Just wanted to say how I stumbled across your hubby’s video on YT about his one car garage shop tour. I found myself watching the entire video which led to your website and art business, very cool by the way, and then I find myself reading a couple of entries in your blog, which by the way I never do. I guess my purpose for reaching out is to let you guys know what a great job you’re doing. I found it all very interesting and “calming” in a sense. A perfect end to my day to get that feeling “especially” ending with reading your blog and just relaxing. So nice to see a young family starting out with such dreams and aspirations and most importantly doing it all together. The reward will be great for you both and your children as time does fly by. I guess I miss my three once “little” children. Now in their 20’s all still very close and in our lives. Thanks for bringing me back there tonight. All the best to you guys and God Bless.