Monday’s Meditation: On Giving & Taking In Blog-land

May 23, 2016

I wasn’t expecting anything when I wrote Thursday’s post. I didn’t really imagine what the response would be, or if there would be one. Only, I had reached a point that not addressing this thing we share no longer felt like an option. So, I did as Kathleen Kelly did and sent it into the void.

That was probably a lie a few sentences back. I could have gone on blogging without saying a word for at least a couple more months.

Something about me: I am very, very good at giving to others. It gives me so much happiness and pleasure to do for, and care for others. Like, happier even than doing something for myself. I don’t do it as a way to ensnare others into giving to me, and in fact, most of the time I don’t even consider what I might “get out of it.” This is true to a fault.

On the other hand, I’m pretty shit at playing the recipient role. That posture just doesn’t come naturally to me the way to giving does. It doesn’t occur to me.

I recently asked one of my beloved clients for the favor of using her home for a handful of hours to create [SOMETHING SUPER SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU COMING SOON]. And could the professional I’d hired for it come, too? It was like nails on a chalkboard that my request might inconvenience her, or put her in a position where she felt obligated to say yes but really didn’t want to. (For the record, she could not possibly have been more generous, gracious, laid back, and giving about it, which blew me away.)

See, I am and have always been really steady. Even when I’m frustrated or overwhelmed, I got this. And as a result, when it comes down to the option of me giving to others or me asking for my needs to be met, I defer to giver. Because I really am fine, after all, and my life is really healthy, after all, and I have perspective.

 

But the truth is, after this many years, I needed confirmation by way of the human element. I needed your voice here, not mine.

I woke up Thursday morning and saw that outpouring—that’s what it felt like to me—of responses and I was blown away. Call me a kite, a rogue balloon, a wished-upon dandelion because I was skybound and floating.

I realized then that not since The Most Important Post I’ve Ever Written have I been so transparent with you. Or vulnerable. Or something.

And I had that great duh stupid feeling, you know that one? It’s the one that happens when a long, overwrought issue gets solved in an instant, and you wonder why you didn’t take action to remedy the situation sooner.

After months of feeling unsure, all I had to do was ask. No jokes, no agenda. You all were right there, as soon as I asked you to be.

Standing in my client’s bedroom that day, I was overcome with the same sensation: wow, look how people will show up for you, Annie, when you ask.

So, I’m throwing this quote in today’s mix, which I’m sure I’ve used before since it’s one of my most favorite (and clearly most pertinent reminders personally).

Such an important reminder.

For the record, each and every one of your comments were a delight to read, not even because of what you said, but because it was your unique voice saying it. And because your giving to me is a powerful lesson for me. You showed up for me. You gave me your presence in spades and that means to me much more than you realize.

Thank you, Simply.

Also for the record: whenever you feel the need or desire to comment, know your voice is valued here. Even if it’s one word. Even if it’s a clumsy keyboard emoji.

Finally, I’m happy to write that as of now, there are many, many more posts to come. Because of what each and every one of you said and emailed. I’m pretty sure this blog has the most special, most considerate, most humor-appreciating readers in all of Blogland. And I love you. And I am, put-a-ring-on-it, read-the-vows, rub-your-sore-toes-under-the-table committed to you and this space.

Also! I think our family needs a name. So…maybe you can help me brainstorm?

 

21 Comments

  1. Crystal Neubauer on May 23, 2016 at 6:15 am

    I didn’t leave a comment after the last post, but I’ll leave it now. I look forward to reading your blog posts every day. Even when you are just talking about sock drawer organizing, you give it your all – that special wit and sense of humor that I connect too, but I especially relish Mondays posts. You are more than just a blog about getting organized and simplifying my stuff. I love the transparency that you share, even when you don’t think you are being especially transparent. You share the rye funny thoughts in your head as you write, inviting us – the reader, to relax and spend a few moments feeling “normal” at the beginning of each day. I find that there is something about people who have lived a few extra challenges in life that, when not used as an excuse to become hardened, gives hope to the rest of us.
    Thank you for the continued sharing of your heart and God bless you.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      CRYSTAL!!! Thank you, THANK YOU for this ridiculously kind comment. In sharing your experience of the blog, you’ve given me the invaluable sense of being acknowledged for my authentic efforts, and I don’t think I could hope for anything more than that.

      Thank you for reading, always, and for being a part of our internet family.

      xoxoxoox

  2. Alicia on May 23, 2016 at 8:08 am

    I agree, it’s that transparency that makes Annie’s posts more real, legitimate, believable. I haven’t come across another blog like this one.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      Alicia! Do you know I prize realness and originality beyond like, most things, making that the most amazing compliment you could possibly give me>!?! Thank you my dear!!!

  3. Lisa Powell on May 23, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Yay!! You are a rarity indeed! Your family, friends and blog followers (!!) are so lucky to have YOU!
    Thank you and your funny, insightful and giving heart

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you for cheering the blog (and me) on!!! You, Lisa, are equally as rare and equally valued! xooxox

  4. Gayle on May 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

    I look forward to this blog eac and every single day…and, most especially, the Monday’s meditation. Truly, you make my morning.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      I am BEYOND happy/fulfilled/encouraged reading that. THANK YOU for sharing this little bit of kindness. xoxo

  5. Garden, Home and Party on May 23, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    You are so great with words. Love the Oprah quote. I’m happy you are still posting!
    Karen

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:18 pm

      Well, I can’t have both of us abandon the ship! 😉

      Thank you for the comment and for the cheering on! xoxo

  6. Cheyenne Garvey on May 23, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    A name, a name…hmmmm 🙂 Simpletons? No, no , something tells me that will not do! Hehehe. Gosh I think I found that way too humorous. Sometimes we forget how important it is to care for oneself (even, if it is simply asking for what we need). It is only by caring for yourself first that you can be the best for everyone else… <3

    • Annie on May 27, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      So true. And yeah, see?! Simpletons, psh. It’s not so easy, is it?! (Keeping thinking.)

  7. Kelley on May 23, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    The Monday Meditations generally address something that has been on my mind, but you say it better that I could think it – if that makes sense. I also appreciate how you absolutely put yourself out there (which should be underlined and in all caps!) in this day and age of censure and cyber-bullying. For me, the Monday Meditations are akin to a thought for the week, a pep talk, a follow that thought to the rightful conclusion. I have been taken aback many times by the sheer grace and precience of them. They truly add a grace note to my week! Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness in execution.

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much for this amazing comment, Kelley!! I am BEYOND happy to hear that they help to start your week off on a (hopefully) positive, reflective note! xooxox

  8. sarah rodriguez on May 25, 2016 at 6:16 am

    LS fellowship. For a name? Too Tolkien? Hmm. The homecrew at live simply? Not so simple…

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      See? It’s really not!!

  9. Nicole on May 25, 2016 at 9:20 am

    Thank you for sharing your experience and the wonderful quote. So thankful you are continuing on this journey….

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you for reading along!! xooxo

  10. Twee on May 25, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    Everdearest Annie – You already know how much I adore what you do, but I’m here to scream it from the rooftop and share it with the world. LIVE SIMPLY IS SIMPLY WONDERFUL!! I always seem to read your messages exactly when I need them. (Monday Meditations especially, even if it’s not on Monday.) Today is no exception – thank you for helping to appease my own self doubts! But more than that – THANK YOU FOR STAYING! The world needs more of you, and I don’t know how else we would have connected, living on either end of the country. Sincerely, a Live Simply Lifer.

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Thank YOU Twee!! Your kindness here and always blows me away!!

  11. Elaina on May 31, 2016 at 7:28 am

    Annie I am new to your blog, from the first day I found it, I have loved every section of it! I always look forward to your Monday Meditations!
    All anyone needs to see is the fact that you answer each and every one of your comments shows what a kind person you are 🙂
    I live in Greece and I told a friend of mine about your blog and she keeps asking me to translate parts of it – your kindness has spread to all ends of the earth !!
    Keep up the great work!

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21 Comments

  1. Crystal Neubauer on May 23, 2016 at 6:15 am

    I didn’t leave a comment after the last post, but I’ll leave it now. I look forward to reading your blog posts every day. Even when you are just talking about sock drawer organizing, you give it your all – that special wit and sense of humor that I connect too, but I especially relish Mondays posts. You are more than just a blog about getting organized and simplifying my stuff. I love the transparency that you share, even when you don’t think you are being especially transparent. You share the rye funny thoughts in your head as you write, inviting us – the reader, to relax and spend a few moments feeling “normal” at the beginning of each day. I find that there is something about people who have lived a few extra challenges in life that, when not used as an excuse to become hardened, gives hope to the rest of us.
    Thank you for the continued sharing of your heart and God bless you.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      CRYSTAL!!! Thank you, THANK YOU for this ridiculously kind comment. In sharing your experience of the blog, you’ve given me the invaluable sense of being acknowledged for my authentic efforts, and I don’t think I could hope for anything more than that.

      Thank you for reading, always, and for being a part of our internet family.

      xoxoxoox

  2. Alicia on May 23, 2016 at 8:08 am

    I agree, it’s that transparency that makes Annie’s posts more real, legitimate, believable. I haven’t come across another blog like this one.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      Alicia! Do you know I prize realness and originality beyond like, most things, making that the most amazing compliment you could possibly give me>!?! Thank you my dear!!!

  3. Lisa Powell on May 23, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Yay!! You are a rarity indeed! Your family, friends and blog followers (!!) are so lucky to have YOU!
    Thank you and your funny, insightful and giving heart

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you for cheering the blog (and me) on!!! You, Lisa, are equally as rare and equally valued! xooxox

  4. Gayle on May 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

    I look forward to this blog eac and every single day…and, most especially, the Monday’s meditation. Truly, you make my morning.

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:17 pm

      I am BEYOND happy/fulfilled/encouraged reading that. THANK YOU for sharing this little bit of kindness. xoxo

  5. Garden, Home and Party on May 23, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    You are so great with words. Love the Oprah quote. I’m happy you are still posting!
    Karen

    • Annie on May 23, 2016 at 6:18 pm

      Well, I can’t have both of us abandon the ship! 😉

      Thank you for the comment and for the cheering on! xoxo

  6. Cheyenne Garvey on May 23, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    A name, a name…hmmmm 🙂 Simpletons? No, no , something tells me that will not do! Hehehe. Gosh I think I found that way too humorous. Sometimes we forget how important it is to care for oneself (even, if it is simply asking for what we need). It is only by caring for yourself first that you can be the best for everyone else… <3

    • Annie on May 27, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      So true. And yeah, see?! Simpletons, psh. It’s not so easy, is it?! (Keeping thinking.)

  7. Kelley on May 23, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    The Monday Meditations generally address something that has been on my mind, but you say it better that I could think it – if that makes sense. I also appreciate how you absolutely put yourself out there (which should be underlined and in all caps!) in this day and age of censure and cyber-bullying. For me, the Monday Meditations are akin to a thought for the week, a pep talk, a follow that thought to the rightful conclusion. I have been taken aback many times by the sheer grace and precience of them. They truly add a grace note to my week! Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness in execution.

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much for this amazing comment, Kelley!! I am BEYOND happy to hear that they help to start your week off on a (hopefully) positive, reflective note! xooxox

  8. sarah rodriguez on May 25, 2016 at 6:16 am

    LS fellowship. For a name? Too Tolkien? Hmm. The homecrew at live simply? Not so simple…

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      See? It’s really not!!

  9. Nicole on May 25, 2016 at 9:20 am

    Thank you for sharing your experience and the wonderful quote. So thankful you are continuing on this journey….

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:40 pm

      Thank you for reading along!! xooxo

  10. Twee on May 25, 2016 at 3:06 pm

    Everdearest Annie – You already know how much I adore what you do, but I’m here to scream it from the rooftop and share it with the world. LIVE SIMPLY IS SIMPLY WONDERFUL!! I always seem to read your messages exactly when I need them. (Monday Meditations especially, even if it’s not on Monday.) Today is no exception – thank you for helping to appease my own self doubts! But more than that – THANK YOU FOR STAYING! The world needs more of you, and I don’t know how else we would have connected, living on either end of the country. Sincerely, a Live Simply Lifer.

    • Annie on May 30, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Thank YOU Twee!! Your kindness here and always blows me away!!

  11. Elaina on May 31, 2016 at 7:28 am

    Annie I am new to your blog, from the first day I found it, I have loved every section of it! I always look forward to your Monday Meditations!
    All anyone needs to see is the fact that you answer each and every one of your comments shows what a kind person you are 🙂
    I live in Greece and I told a friend of mine about your blog and she keeps asking me to translate parts of it – your kindness has spread to all ends of the earth !!
    Keep up the great work!

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