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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Erika, this is amazing! If I had a hand in this, yay me!

I absolutely love your way with words, your ability to build separate thoughts into one and make me want to read more.

I'm so sorry you had to come home to a job loss, but you're even wonderfully philosophical about that.

Can't wait to read more. Thanks so much for the shout-out. ❤️

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Oh Ramona, THANK YOU!! I took a screenshot when you’d replied with that comment earlier this year to reflect on. The gracious kick in the pants was needed. 🥹

I appreciate you taking the time to read and let me know your thoughts! Your encouragement boosts my soul.

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Aaron Tovi's avatar

I loved re-living this (well, most of it...) though your words <3

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Me too. And even the difficult parts in life feel more bearable with you, my love. 💕

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Elisabeth Joy's avatar

I love how you are wordsmithing your way through this unexpected turn in your story.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Thanks for your support! 🥲

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Leah Gallear-Ouimet's avatar

Your writing is like a refreshing, cold glass of water that inspires, rejuvenates, and gives me hope. Thank you for such a gift.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

How are you so dang encouraging?! Leah!! 🥰 I feel the same way when you write and would love to read more of your words if you’re ever feeling up to it!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Erika, your writing is breathtaking. Such an awesome post - thank you for this beautiful read. 🌱 There is such strength in treating this 'deactivation' and your inevitable disappointment in the way that you are - with power and positivity.

Awesome. 🙌

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Thank you so much! Not feeling very strong over here, but I’m trying my best to maintain some kind of perspective. Some days are better than others. Lately I’ve been coping by writing limericks. 😂

Did you get a chance to try out a mind map?

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

You have resilience; you're 'falling up, not down'. And you're throwing yourself into a 'practice of unhurried life'. You've absolutely GOT this - and the limericks are surely the icing on the cake!

YES!!!! I DID try out a mind map! I loved it - it looked very chaotic, but wow, what a brilliant tool! I picked literally ONE thing - something that's been feeling too daunting to tackle - and found that mind mapping it broke down so many barriers. THANK YOU!!!! 😘

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Thanks for breaking it down like that, Rebecca. You’re so encouraging and you’re right. I think my family and I will be okay. 🥹

LOVE hearing this about your mind map experience. That makes me tickled to hear. It can be so helpful to view a topic from another angle.

I look forward to sharing another later this month!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Such a pleasure, Erika - and I'm already looking forward to your next 'Mind Your Own Map' post! 😊

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Yumiko Kitazono's avatar

This is a beautiful post as always. I’m amazed even after the long absence from writing, you have gained a better way with words. Your writing painted a vivid picture of your experience in the forest. What a contrast are those two days; storm and tranquility.

You and Aaron could experience that together and it made it extra memorable❤️ Keep writing! I always love reading your words. So inspiring.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Aw, thank you mama. ☺️ It’s funny, I didn’t even realize how much I remembered about that birthday trip till I sat down. It makes me want to write more and capture these subtle details in everyday life.

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Shannon English's avatar

Wow, you painted such a vivid experience! It so deeply resonated with me.

I also turned 30 at the end of June! While there have been some beautiful moments this summer, I've also been processing my own grief and loss.

I love your perspective on not being able to see the full scope of things, but knowing you have a place within it all.

Also that carrot cake?! How fun!

Carrot cake for breakfast followed by a hike through a beautiful forest does sound like bliss to me.

Thank you so much for sharing this experience.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

First, welcome to your 30s! Do you like being a June baby? I remember growing up, I’d get sad cause lots of my friends were out of town for parties. But now I kinda love having a mid-year birthday. It’s a chance to reset and dream some more. ☀️

I’m sorry you’ve been navigating some hard moments and feelings lately. Please give yourself the time and space you need! There’s no timeline for these things—even if folks (usually well-meaning?) try to make us feel otherwise.

Really appreciate you leaving a thoughtful comment here, Shannon! Stop by any time.

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