Really great post here, Susie. I've followed you here for quite a while now, and often worried about/observed how hard you work and how hard you seemed to be on yourself. It sounds as if it was really challenging to lighten the work load at your editing/writing jobs - so many -given that you really like the people and work, and they like you. Writing, having an aging parent and other family you love, and tending these vast gardens seems like plenty to me. Oh yeah, I forgot the relatively new marriage so let's toss that sweet man in too. And reading. And commitment to sobriety and support groups/friends. In looking back at my own half century in recovery, the times that have gone best, no matter what else was going on, are when I put commitment to sobriety and support groups/friends first. Sounds as if that's what you're doing.
Kirie, you’ve got me all figured out - ha! And wow - a half century of sobriety, that’s incredible. Big kudos to you! And I appreciate the reminder that everything is always better when we’re putting sobriety first. Thank you for all your feedback.
Wow! This is wonderful news for you — and an important eye-opener for me, because my own tendency to more-than-full-time work, side gigs, volunteer commitments, etc. read scarily like your list. Perhaps I should take your cue and do a bit of self-reflection on boundaries and limits!
Hi Susie! It sounds like that may be a good idea for you, but only you know, of course. If you listen to your gut, it will tell you. It definitely is a good feeling to let go of some things! I know you have a lot of commitments, but maybe you can do a pros vs. cons kind of list on some of them and see where that falls out! All my best, Susie
My sister sent me that to embarrass me and I think it's hysterical. I mean what were they thinking? What was I thinking? Probably not much - I was four. There are just so many things going on here...and it must have been an awfully warm October.
Hi Susie, a big congrats to you on making all those decisions, not an easy thing. You are an awesome writer as well as many of great photos, ideas and just wonderful reading your posts. I wish you all the best in your next journey as I know you will be a busy bee.
Susie, I too have been a long time fan of yours...Fine Cooking, cookbooks and on your email list which shifted to substack. Way to go! Congratulations! Life is too short and precious and it sounds like a good time to "shift gears." You inspire me and enlighten me; I often feel like a friend as you share pictures of your walks, your finds, your gardens--flowers and food, and all of this with creative words. Just remember to keep your boundaries with your work-life balance. (As a loved one supporting a recovering addict, I'm learning a lot about boundaries.) Cheers to new beginnings.
Molly, I always love seeing your name (and your photos in my Instagram feed) - thank you for coming along on the ride for all these years. And you're absolutely right about boundaries - so hard for addicts, and SO important. I feel like I've made a lot of progress but still have far to go. But it gets a little easier as I get older, since time is fleeting! All my best to you, Susie
Thank you for sharing, Susie. A wise though difficult decision to prioritize what one needs. Looking forward to reading new writing from this new chapter! Wishing you the best.
You've laid out absolutely the best case for downshifting I can imagine in line 1. Go for it and don't look back. And if you ask around, you will find TONS of washashores (like Bill and me) who have downshifted - for family, for new callings, to find peace, and for endless other reasons. We are still moving along, at all different paces, never looking back.
Morgan, I love how you put that - and you are absolutely right, lots of downshifters out here. And I like the idea of never looking back! Thank you. Hope all is well in Aquinnah and hope to see you soon, Susie
Bless you for feeling it and acting on it. My only disagreement with your verbiage is the word “backwards.” Why must we feel that when each chapter is its own marker? Guilt and shame come naturally with a lot of things we alcoholics do—but it perhaps shouldn’t with a conscious self-care decision.
Thank you Susie for verbalizing so well and for taking the pace down a notch to allow time for loved ones and yourself. ❤️
You're absolutely right, Dee. Always a few guilty feelings slipping through - you caught me! It seemed like a good spin at the time, but now that I look at it...ha! Thank you as always. Hope you enjoyed your time off the grid. And wish me luck with taking the pace down!
Good for you Susie!!! I have often thought from reading your wonderful "blog" that you have been a "pot on full boil". I have followed "sixburnersue" for years and it is always a delight to read. I love the photos of your flowers and food. You are such a talented lady! Blessing to the new direction you have chosen to go. I have great faith in your decision.
Karen, thank you for your encouragement - and for sticking with me all these years!! I hope your faith is well-placed - I am going to try my best to keep myself in check! All best to you, Susie
Kathy that’s a good way of putting it. A good visual image for me too as I seem to be always going full speed. Honestly, that doesn’t feel so comfortable any more! Hope your garden is thriving!
Such a good - and brave!- decision. Taking good care of ourselves is not always (seldom?) easy, with so much pressure to “do it all” to make ourselves feel worthy. Sending you many good wishes on this new leg of your journey❤️
You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned taxes. We are all so over taxed and over worked to enjoy our lives. Even two income families struggle to make ends meet. We are nickel and dimed to death. Happy that you are able to make some reasonable changes to better your life.
Really great post here, Susie. I've followed you here for quite a while now, and often worried about/observed how hard you work and how hard you seemed to be on yourself. It sounds as if it was really challenging to lighten the work load at your editing/writing jobs - so many -given that you really like the people and work, and they like you. Writing, having an aging parent and other family you love, and tending these vast gardens seems like plenty to me. Oh yeah, I forgot the relatively new marriage so let's toss that sweet man in too. And reading. And commitment to sobriety and support groups/friends. In looking back at my own half century in recovery, the times that have gone best, no matter what else was going on, are when I put commitment to sobriety and support groups/friends first. Sounds as if that's what you're doing.
Kirie, you’ve got me all figured out - ha! And wow - a half century of sobriety, that’s incredible. Big kudos to you! And I appreciate the reminder that everything is always better when we’re putting sobriety first. Thank you for all your feedback.
Wow! This is wonderful news for you — and an important eye-opener for me, because my own tendency to more-than-full-time work, side gigs, volunteer commitments, etc. read scarily like your list. Perhaps I should take your cue and do a bit of self-reflection on boundaries and limits!
Hi Susie! It sounds like that may be a good idea for you, but only you know, of course. If you listen to your gut, it will tell you. It definitely is a good feeling to let go of some things! I know you have a lot of commitments, but maybe you can do a pros vs. cons kind of list on some of them and see where that falls out! All my best, Susie
Oh, and by the way, love the hawaiian photo
My sister sent me that to embarrass me and I think it's hysterical. I mean what were they thinking? What was I thinking? Probably not much - I was four. There are just so many things going on here...and it must have been an awfully warm October.
Hi Susie, a big congrats to you on making all those decisions, not an easy thing. You are an awesome writer as well as many of great photos, ideas and just wonderful reading your posts. I wish you all the best in your next journey as I know you will be a busy bee.
Debbie, thank you!! I so appreciate it. The busy bee thing is a problem but at least I'm working on it - ha! Thank you again and best to you, Susie
Susie, I too have been a long time fan of yours...Fine Cooking, cookbooks and on your email list which shifted to substack. Way to go! Congratulations! Life is too short and precious and it sounds like a good time to "shift gears." You inspire me and enlighten me; I often feel like a friend as you share pictures of your walks, your finds, your gardens--flowers and food, and all of this with creative words. Just remember to keep your boundaries with your work-life balance. (As a loved one supporting a recovering addict, I'm learning a lot about boundaries.) Cheers to new beginnings.
Molly, I always love seeing your name (and your photos in my Instagram feed) - thank you for coming along on the ride for all these years. And you're absolutely right about boundaries - so hard for addicts, and SO important. I feel like I've made a lot of progress but still have far to go. But it gets a little easier as I get older, since time is fleeting! All my best to you, Susie
Loved reading this. This has prompted similar thoughts to my own personal endeavors. Thank you! And, I am happy for you!
Hi Josie! I'm glad to hear that. And I hope all is well over on your Island! ❤️
A brave woman you are! Just the word “deadline” causes worry. Resist adding any projects, congratulations and enjoy each day
Susan, you are kind, and yes, I will do my best to resist adding projects!!
Thank you for sharing, Susie. A wise though difficult decision to prioritize what one needs. Looking forward to reading new writing from this new chapter! Wishing you the best.
Thank you James! I hope this will allow me a little leeway with my writing - we will see!
You've laid out absolutely the best case for downshifting I can imagine in line 1. Go for it and don't look back. And if you ask around, you will find TONS of washashores (like Bill and me) who have downshifted - for family, for new callings, to find peace, and for endless other reasons. We are still moving along, at all different paces, never looking back.
Morgan, I love how you put that - and you are absolutely right, lots of downshifters out here. And I like the idea of never looking back! Thank you. Hope all is well in Aquinnah and hope to see you soon, Susie
Bless you for feeling it and acting on it. My only disagreement with your verbiage is the word “backwards.” Why must we feel that when each chapter is its own marker? Guilt and shame come naturally with a lot of things we alcoholics do—but it perhaps shouldn’t with a conscious self-care decision.
Thank you Susie for verbalizing so well and for taking the pace down a notch to allow time for loved ones and yourself. ❤️
You're absolutely right, Dee. Always a few guilty feelings slipping through - you caught me! It seemed like a good spin at the time, but now that I look at it...ha! Thank you as always. Hope you enjoyed your time off the grid. And wish me luck with taking the pace down!
Good for you! 🙌🏼😃🌸
Thank you! 💚
Good for you Susie!!! I have often thought from reading your wonderful "blog" that you have been a "pot on full boil". I have followed "sixburnersue" for years and it is always a delight to read. I love the photos of your flowers and food. You are such a talented lady! Blessing to the new direction you have chosen to go. I have great faith in your decision.
Karen, thank you for your encouragement - and for sticking with me all these years!! I hope your faith is well-placed - I am going to try my best to keep myself in check! All best to you, Susie
Congratulations and best wishes! Sounds like a wonderful pivot.
Thank you Marie!
So happy you have made this decision! What a relief. Still doing what you love. Putting on the brakes, but not coming to a full stop.
Kathy that’s a good way of putting it. A good visual image for me too as I seem to be always going full speed. Honestly, that doesn’t feel so comfortable any more! Hope your garden is thriving!
Such a good - and brave!- decision. Taking good care of ourselves is not always (seldom?) easy, with so much pressure to “do it all” to make ourselves feel worthy. Sending you many good wishes on this new leg of your journey❤️
You said it Diane! I don’t know what that’s all about but we feel compelled. Thank you for your good wishes! I hope I can run with this!
You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned taxes. We are all so over taxed and over worked to enjoy our lives. Even two income families struggle to make ends meet. We are nickel and dimed to death. Happy that you are able to make some reasonable changes to better your life.
Thank you Lisa! I guess that’s all part of this life - dealing with taxes and taxing situations!