Your words, 'I am here to disrupt patterns and make change. I am here to rebel against stories that keep women empty and depleted,' are incredibly powerful. It's a reminder that we all have the power to challenge societal expectations and create our own narratives. To choose fullness over emptiness, and to rise into our power. Such a beautiful article.
Thank you so much Alex, I am so glad that you highlighted those bits as they felt important in the scheme of things. Creating new narratives for myself, but also for my daughters and the generations to come feels really essential. x
Wow - such stunning photos Lauren! I have loved the frost and snow we've had, especially a last winter we only had one or two days when it was properly cold. And I feel exactly the same about how calming and restorative and connected to that true feeling of being alive is. And like you, it's a conscious choice to choose myself that I often forget and am so grateful I remember...
This past week I have seen a kingfisher and a cormorant catch a fish on the river behind our house. Both times the birds were there for a few minutes but by chance I was there at exactly that time to witness them and it was magical xx
Oh my gosh a kingfisher! I saw a glimpse of one in France - the colours were just incredible - and it felt like such an important moment to note. I really hope we still have more cold days like those, I already feel the slightly heavy sensation of several grey days in a row. While I try and embrace all weathers, there is something so enlivening about those crystal clear days. Thank you so much for reading my words. xxx
It's been bitterly cold in Minnesota these past few days, far too cold to venture out, but even on the brief walk down our long drive to the postbox I took in the fresh layer of snow, the bracing air and the peace of a cold Winter day and felt quite refreshed. The sun was making gold clouds on the horizon as it fell towards setting, and I stopped to admire the blue, gray and yellow of a late January afternoon. It cleared my head and gave me a nice little boost.
I hope you are staying nice and cosy Kate! That sounds so enlivening... and how beautiful to notice those sensations. There is such a wonderful sensory experience in the cold isn't there? (Not always pleasant I understand!!). So glad you got that moment to clear your head. Thank you for reading. xxx
This is total magic! The images, your descriptions are the most soothing balm. And you are right, there is nothing more medicinal than a walk in nature. That feeling of soft surrender and aliveness is extremely special. I am grateful to you for reminding me to take myself for more walks, and for reminding me to choose myself more often than currently. Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing xx
Thank you so much for reading lovely, I am glad it offered you a balm. I often forget just how healing it is and then am reminded the moment I step out of the door. I hope to weave in many, many more this year. xxx
A gorgeous post Lauren, your words feel really soothing to read in amongst a busy morning getting the kids ready for school. I so agree that getting out in nature is a real balm, I got into a good habit of going for a walk with my youngest every day before Xmas and would like to carry that on. We were both happier after a walk, chattering on the way about what we noticed. And when you describe that colour pallette of winter too, that's one of my favourite things too, noticing those pastel colours that you don't see as much in other seasons. Xx
Ahhh thank you Jenna, I am so glad that it soothed you this morning - I know that chaos well!!! I think it is definitely a worthwhile habit to stick to, even if it is 15 minutes on a rainy day it settles me (although of course not quite so photogenic!!!). My girls are always happier after a walk so I am pleased that with the light returning in the evenings we can get out a bit more.
Oh and the colours on frosty days might just be my favourite ever!! Especially with a little soft mist around the edges. Pure beauty!! xxx
I always say it's a miracle we get out the house and to school on time, though this morning definitely involved some power walking with the buggy! Yes, whatever the weather, it makes a huge difference getting out and about - I notice the difference in my kids too (even though my eldest two really don't want to go but then have fun when they are out!). The lighter evenings are so welcome aren't they. Yes, that's it, so beautiful, the muted tones just kind of peeking through giving us a glimpse of brighter days ahead. xx
This was so beautiful Lauren - Thank you 🙏🥰
You are so welcome. Thank you for reading and receiving it. xxx
Your words, 'I am here to disrupt patterns and make change. I am here to rebel against stories that keep women empty and depleted,' are incredibly powerful. It's a reminder that we all have the power to challenge societal expectations and create our own narratives. To choose fullness over emptiness, and to rise into our power. Such a beautiful article.
Thank you so much Alex, I am so glad that you highlighted those bits as they felt important in the scheme of things. Creating new narratives for myself, but also for my daughters and the generations to come feels really essential. x
Wow - such stunning photos Lauren! I have loved the frost and snow we've had, especially a last winter we only had one or two days when it was properly cold. And I feel exactly the same about how calming and restorative and connected to that true feeling of being alive is. And like you, it's a conscious choice to choose myself that I often forget and am so grateful I remember...
This past week I have seen a kingfisher and a cormorant catch a fish on the river behind our house. Both times the birds were there for a few minutes but by chance I was there at exactly that time to witness them and it was magical xx
Oh my gosh a kingfisher! I saw a glimpse of one in France - the colours were just incredible - and it felt like such an important moment to note. I really hope we still have more cold days like those, I already feel the slightly heavy sensation of several grey days in a row. While I try and embrace all weathers, there is something so enlivening about those crystal clear days. Thank you so much for reading my words. xxx
This post is literally my favourite thing I've ever read on Substack! It is poetic, beautiful and moving Lauren! thankyou
Wow! That has to be the most amazing compliment I’ve ever had! Thank you xxxx
It's been bitterly cold in Minnesota these past few days, far too cold to venture out, but even on the brief walk down our long drive to the postbox I took in the fresh layer of snow, the bracing air and the peace of a cold Winter day and felt quite refreshed. The sun was making gold clouds on the horizon as it fell towards setting, and I stopped to admire the blue, gray and yellow of a late January afternoon. It cleared my head and gave me a nice little boost.
I hope you are staying nice and cosy Kate! That sounds so enlivening... and how beautiful to notice those sensations. There is such a wonderful sensory experience in the cold isn't there? (Not always pleasant I understand!!). So glad you got that moment to clear your head. Thank you for reading. xxx
This is total magic! The images, your descriptions are the most soothing balm. And you are right, there is nothing more medicinal than a walk in nature. That feeling of soft surrender and aliveness is extremely special. I am grateful to you for reminding me to take myself for more walks, and for reminding me to choose myself more often than currently. Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing xx
Thank you so much for reading lovely, I am glad it offered you a balm. I often forget just how healing it is and then am reminded the moment I step out of the door. I hope to weave in many, many more this year. xxx
A gorgeous post Lauren, your words feel really soothing to read in amongst a busy morning getting the kids ready for school. I so agree that getting out in nature is a real balm, I got into a good habit of going for a walk with my youngest every day before Xmas and would like to carry that on. We were both happier after a walk, chattering on the way about what we noticed. And when you describe that colour pallette of winter too, that's one of my favourite things too, noticing those pastel colours that you don't see as much in other seasons. Xx
Ahhh thank you Jenna, I am so glad that it soothed you this morning - I know that chaos well!!! I think it is definitely a worthwhile habit to stick to, even if it is 15 minutes on a rainy day it settles me (although of course not quite so photogenic!!!). My girls are always happier after a walk so I am pleased that with the light returning in the evenings we can get out a bit more.
Oh and the colours on frosty days might just be my favourite ever!! Especially with a little soft mist around the edges. Pure beauty!! xxx
I always say it's a miracle we get out the house and to school on time, though this morning definitely involved some power walking with the buggy! Yes, whatever the weather, it makes a huge difference getting out and about - I notice the difference in my kids too (even though my eldest two really don't want to go but then have fun when they are out!). The lighter evenings are so welcome aren't they. Yes, that's it, so beautiful, the muted tones just kind of peeking through giving us a glimpse of brighter days ahead. xx