The Margins: Loosening Your Grip

Sometimes, when we really want something, we hold on so tightly that it starts to make everything feel heavier. We try so hard! We push and push and push some more—calling it productivity.

We picture exactly how it should happen: the job, the relationship, the number, the timeline. Then we check, re-check, overthink, and push. When things don’t unfold the way we planned, it can feel like we’re behind—or like we’ve done something wrong.

I’ve been thinking about the difference between working toward something and trying to control it.

We can care deeply, make an effort, and keep showing up without needing to know exactly how everything will turn out. Letting go of a specific outcome doesn’t mean we care less or that we’re giving up. It just means leaving a little room for life to surprise us.

Because sometimes the thing we thought we wanted isn’t actually the thing that’s right for us. Sometimes a delay changes our direction. Sometimes a closed door leads us somewhere we never would have chosen, but later feel grateful we found.

So this week, I’m asking myself:

Am I moving toward what I want, or am I holding on so tightly that I’m making it harder?

In the margins this week

• What outcome am I holding onto so tightly that it’s making everything feel heavy?

• If I trusted that things could work out—even differently than I planned—what would I do differently today?

• When has life surprised me in a way I’m now grateful for?

  
  

An affirmation to carry with you: I can do my part without trying to control every part. I’m open to things unfolding in ways I haven’t imagined yet.

Keep going - and leave a little room for something unexpected.

Why The Margins

I’m now calling these membership emails The Margins because so much of life happens outside the main plan. It’s where we process what we’re feeling, question what we thought we knew, and notice the small things that might otherwise get overlooked.

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Office Hours: Office Hours this month are on Thursday, November 19. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft:  This happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE