I love this so much, Jamie! I love the idea of just being and being present as more than enough. Rest as essential and nonnegotiable. We don’t have to have purpose. We can just experience life and try to enjoy it and share our art and that’s more than plenty.
I'm honoured to be quoted in this lovely piece, Jamie. And I agree with your mum! I also love the Pamela Clapp piece. Thank you for sharing that - and for writing this. I love seeing your thinking on the page.
Thank you so much, Christina - for being quotable and for being here. 😊
I agree with my mum, too ... she knows a thing or two, for sure!
Glad you enjoyed Pamela Clapp's piece. I was just talking to a couple of friends this morning, one of whom lived abroad in Belgium for a few years, about how eye-opening it is for Americans to step outside our borders and see how other people look. My friend described Americans as being the most "desperate" and "frantic" people she'd come across in her travels. I definitely feel that. Especially now.
I wonder what it would take to shift us toward a slower, more balanced way of living. I'm not sure it's possible while we are living in a reality created by and for the 1%, but I'm willing to explore the idea!
"A reality created by and for the 1%". That seems to totally sum up the situation in America at the moment. I'm fascinated by the "energy" of different countries/cultures. The American Dream is all about continuing effort. Laudable in many ways, but exhausting... xx
I love how you tied in comments from your readers. Brilliant, beautiful and thoughtful. I actually found you through Tina's writing. She mentioned you, so I looked you up. And was not disappointed.
I appreciate the idea of sharing other writers within the body of your work. It is a lovely nod to those who boost us when we most need it.
My favorite comment was your mom. Now that I'm an old(er) lady, I too, shall cast off the restraints of purpose and enjoy being.
Hello, Deborah! Apologies for the belated reply ... it's been a hectic week! I'm so glad you found your way here, and am especially tickled that your favorite comment was my mom's. It made her day that several people really liked what she said. Me too! And I love how you've put it - "cast off the restraints of purpose and enjoy being" ... that feels like a wonderful invitation.
Thanks so much for being here and for adding to the conversation. 💜
I enjoyed how you structured this – it's just the right amount of "thought-out" and I like how it continues the conversation of the previous post. Maybe conversation is the direction lots of us want to go in right now?
Love all these excerpts, but my favorite might be from your mom. Simple and to the point.
You can always count on my mom to say it simply and to the point. 🥰
I think you might be onto something about conversation. It feels a little like we're all looking around, tentatively asking, "You too?" There is a reason that "divide and conquer" is such a unbiquitous saying. When people get together to talk and share their experiences, everyone gets a little smarter, a little more compassionate, and a little more hopeful. Conversations are catalysts - sometimes for individual transformation, sometimes for something bigger.
There you go again ... inspiring Good Ideas.
Thanks for coming by. Love to hear your thoughts. 💜
There are periods in our lives that are fallow—trust that that time is needed to being forth something new. I often feel the pull of rest and fallowness, and now I bless and welcome it.
I am still trying to learn that level of grace, Marcia. I know in my heart that fallow times are crucial and should be embraced, but everything in the world around me keeps hissing, "Faster, faster, faster!" I want to be strong enough to pull the handbrake and get off the train, so to speak. And I want to be able to reboard once I've had an afternoon of lying on my back among the poppies looking up at the clouds.
Jamie, thank you so much for including my piece, it truly means a lot.
I love how you connected it to Under the Tuscan Sun (a favorite of mine too!). That shared thread of slowing down and savoring life feels so universal—whether in France, Italy, or right here on Substack.
And with everything happening in the world right now, it’s no wonder the words feel a bit stuck. Sometimes stepping back, even briefly, is exactly what creativity needs. 💛
I already replied to your restack (thank you!), but reading this again is making me want to have an "Under the Tuscan Sun" watch party. How lovely it would be to escape into that world for a couple of hours ... relive that journey and that epiphany of finding beauty and joy in slowness and imperfection and letting go of expectations and focusing on good food, good friends, and good will in general?
As Liz Lemon of "30 Rock" says, "I want to go to there." 😉
Yes to all of this. A Tuscan Sun watch party sounds like exactly the kind of escapism we need—sun-drenched plates of pasta, unexpected joy, and a total collapse of five-year plans. Let’s romanticize slowness and second chances for a minute.
Also: Liz Lemon always knows the vibe. I want to go to there, too.
I have come to love the art of muddling. From some hard-earned, self-directed experience, muddling is valuable and necessary. I love your posts and find that it also gives me an opportunity to look more deeply into my own processes, thoughts, words, and feelings. I so appreciate your writing, Jamie!
Muddling is the best! As are noodling and puttering, which are not as intrinsically challenging as muddling through, but are definitely related ... maybe second cousins twice removed or something.
Whatever their relation, I agree with you that these modes of being are valuable and necessary. They are part of the creative cycle as it pertains to art and to plain, old life.
Thanks so much for being here and for your kind words. I'm so glad we are in each others' orbit! xo
I’m sorry - you did not think this was well thought out and structured? Or were you angsting over not being diligent “enough” when writing it? Please reconsider!
I loved this compilation of comments you found helpful as you worked through your question of purpose. I am honored to have a place in it, and I loved reading all the rest! The perspectives you shared all ring true to me, as they do to you.
I especially resonated with Pamela Clapp’s comment about purpose in French culture: “What they value instead is curiosity. Culture. Taste. The art of paying attention. Of being present, not just purposeful.” I believe that curiosity is one of life’s superpowers. It drives all that follows on her list.
Your angsting has taken us all along on a beautiful exploration of self-discovery - one we can all learn from. Isn’t that what great writing does? 💕❤️💕
And didn't you love Pamela's piece? It makes me realize how blind we can be over here in America ... not realizing that there's more than one way to live life, and what we're being told we should do over here is maybe not the best/healthiest/most joyful way to go.
I just read somewhere about the "wellbeing economy" concept that some European countries are thinking of implementing. I know almost nothing about it, but the name is certainly intriguing. I wonder what it would take to initiate a conversation about that over here.
Thanks for coming along on my angsty journey, Cathy. Always happy to walk alongside you!
I am no stranger to angst myself, so I am very happy to walk alongside you. 😁 I looked up wellbeing economy and love what I'm seeing! Thank you for mentioning it.
On a somewhat related note, I am reminded of something I experienced a few years ago that demonstrates how different European and American work cultures are. A client in Europe had an out of office message that stated that he was going to "rest and disconnect," and that he would respond to messages when he returned. If someone did that here, they would no longer be a valued team player or other such nonsense. We have much to learn...!
This is such a thoughtful piece. My feeling is writing is a natural skill you've totally embodied to be able take us through this beautiful & messy inner journey of confusion, a bit of burnout, and an existential crisis of purpose (which is also a sign of burnout) and have us feel a little more connected, a little less alone, and like we read something from your heart. 💛
Writing is what you do, it's not who are you. But if it's a way into your inner world then that's an amazing thing you can switch between the two. Commercial work and inner work with it.
But I've learned it takes a certain skill to make that switch gently with yourself. To hold yourself with kindness and tap into the part of you that needs to be tended to right now.
I'm wholeheartedly with Amanda - we need to follow the creative cycles in our lives, and embrace a season of rest. And trust that's a crucial part of taking care of ourselves and being able to connect with other through our writing.
Because at the end of the day, we're all human and we're all after belonging & connection.
And 2025 had been a dumpster fire 🔥 (again) so as I said before - don't discount that. Instead find the supportive places that encourage you to care for yourself in different, richer, deeper ways.
I love everything you've said here, Jen. Thank you.
2025 HAS been a dumpster fire ... and it's only getting more dumpstery and more firey. So - definitely cutting myself some slack there.
I appreciate you tying the existential crisis of purpose to burnout, even if it's a tough reality check to acknowledge. It's also an important reminder to, as you said, "hold yourself with kindness and tap into the part of you that needs to be tended to right now."
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be among people who not only get it, but who - like you - are willing to share their wisdom and offer hugs and cheerleading as well.
I love this so much, Jamie! I love the idea of just being and being present as more than enough. Rest as essential and nonnegotiable. We don’t have to have purpose. We can just experience life and try to enjoy it and share our art and that’s more than plenty.
Exactly. Funny - when I read your comment it made me think that - obviously - we need to reclaim some of what makes being a kid so great. 😃
💯
I'm honoured to be quoted in this lovely piece, Jamie. And I agree with your mum! I also love the Pamela Clapp piece. Thank you for sharing that - and for writing this. I love seeing your thinking on the page.
Thank you so much, Christina - for being quotable and for being here. 😊
I agree with my mum, too ... she knows a thing or two, for sure!
Glad you enjoyed Pamela Clapp's piece. I was just talking to a couple of friends this morning, one of whom lived abroad in Belgium for a few years, about how eye-opening it is for Americans to step outside our borders and see how other people look. My friend described Americans as being the most "desperate" and "frantic" people she'd come across in her travels. I definitely feel that. Especially now.
I wonder what it would take to shift us toward a slower, more balanced way of living. I'm not sure it's possible while we are living in a reality created by and for the 1%, but I'm willing to explore the idea!
xo
"A reality created by and for the 1%". That seems to totally sum up the situation in America at the moment. I'm fascinated by the "energy" of different countries/cultures. The American Dream is all about continuing effort. Laudable in many ways, but exhausting... xx
I love how you tied in comments from your readers. Brilliant, beautiful and thoughtful. I actually found you through Tina's writing. She mentioned you, so I looked you up. And was not disappointed.
I appreciate the idea of sharing other writers within the body of your work. It is a lovely nod to those who boost us when we most need it.
My favorite comment was your mom. Now that I'm an old(er) lady, I too, shall cast off the restraints of purpose and enjoy being.
Thank you for showing up for us.
Hello, Deborah! Apologies for the belated reply ... it's been a hectic week! I'm so glad you found your way here, and am especially tickled that your favorite comment was my mom's. It made her day that several people really liked what she said. Me too! And I love how you've put it - "cast off the restraints of purpose and enjoy being" ... that feels like a wonderful invitation.
Thanks so much for being here and for adding to the conversation. 💜
I appreciate your thoughtful interaction. ✨
I enjoyed how you structured this – it's just the right amount of "thought-out" and I like how it continues the conversation of the previous post. Maybe conversation is the direction lots of us want to go in right now?
Love all these excerpts, but my favorite might be from your mom. Simple and to the point.
Hi, Tina!
You can always count on my mom to say it simply and to the point. 🥰
I think you might be onto something about conversation. It feels a little like we're all looking around, tentatively asking, "You too?" There is a reason that "divide and conquer" is such a unbiquitous saying. When people get together to talk and share their experiences, everyone gets a little smarter, a little more compassionate, and a little more hopeful. Conversations are catalysts - sometimes for individual transformation, sometimes for something bigger.
There you go again ... inspiring Good Ideas.
Thanks for coming by. Love to hear your thoughts. 💜
Agree!
There are periods in our lives that are fallow—trust that that time is needed to being forth something new. I often feel the pull of rest and fallowness, and now I bless and welcome it.
I am still trying to learn that level of grace, Marcia. I know in my heart that fallow times are crucial and should be embraced, but everything in the world around me keeps hissing, "Faster, faster, faster!" I want to be strong enough to pull the handbrake and get off the train, so to speak. And I want to be able to reboard once I've had an afternoon of lying on my back among the poppies looking up at the clouds.
Well! That was a journey! ;)
An afternoon of lying among the poppies gazing into the clouds sounds like heaven. :)
Jamie, thank you so much for including my piece, it truly means a lot.
I love how you connected it to Under the Tuscan Sun (a favorite of mine too!). That shared thread of slowing down and savoring life feels so universal—whether in France, Italy, or right here on Substack.
And with everything happening in the world right now, it’s no wonder the words feel a bit stuck. Sometimes stepping back, even briefly, is exactly what creativity needs. 💛
I already replied to your restack (thank you!), but reading this again is making me want to have an "Under the Tuscan Sun" watch party. How lovely it would be to escape into that world for a couple of hours ... relive that journey and that epiphany of finding beauty and joy in slowness and imperfection and letting go of expectations and focusing on good food, good friends, and good will in general?
As Liz Lemon of "30 Rock" says, "I want to go to there." 😉
Yes to all of this. A Tuscan Sun watch party sounds like exactly the kind of escapism we need—sun-drenched plates of pasta, unexpected joy, and a total collapse of five-year plans. Let’s romanticize slowness and second chances for a minute.
Also: Liz Lemon always knows the vibe. I want to go to there, too.
I needed this today. Thank you Jamie. It's a downtime for me atm, but it's a must, for time to look after self.
You're so welcome, Eileen. Look after yourself like you mean it!
I have come to love the art of muddling. From some hard-earned, self-directed experience, muddling is valuable and necessary. I love your posts and find that it also gives me an opportunity to look more deeply into my own processes, thoughts, words, and feelings. I so appreciate your writing, Jamie!
Muddling is the best! As are noodling and puttering, which are not as intrinsically challenging as muddling through, but are definitely related ... maybe second cousins twice removed or something.
Whatever their relation, I agree with you that these modes of being are valuable and necessary. They are part of the creative cycle as it pertains to art and to plain, old life.
Thanks so much for being here and for your kind words. I'm so glad we are in each others' orbit! xo
I’m sorry - you did not think this was well thought out and structured? Or were you angsting over not being diligent “enough” when writing it? Please reconsider!
I loved this compilation of comments you found helpful as you worked through your question of purpose. I am honored to have a place in it, and I loved reading all the rest! The perspectives you shared all ring true to me, as they do to you.
I especially resonated with Pamela Clapp’s comment about purpose in French culture: “What they value instead is curiosity. Culture. Taste. The art of paying attention. Of being present, not just purposeful.” I believe that curiosity is one of life’s superpowers. It drives all that follows on her list.
Your angsting has taken us all along on a beautiful exploration of self-discovery - one we can all learn from. Isn’t that what great writing does? 💕❤️💕
Thank you so much, Cathy. 🥰
And didn't you love Pamela's piece? It makes me realize how blind we can be over here in America ... not realizing that there's more than one way to live life, and what we're being told we should do over here is maybe not the best/healthiest/most joyful way to go.
I just read somewhere about the "wellbeing economy" concept that some European countries are thinking of implementing. I know almost nothing about it, but the name is certainly intriguing. I wonder what it would take to initiate a conversation about that over here.
Thanks for coming along on my angsty journey, Cathy. Always happy to walk alongside you!
I am no stranger to angst myself, so I am very happy to walk alongside you. 😁 I looked up wellbeing economy and love what I'm seeing! Thank you for mentioning it.
On a somewhat related note, I am reminded of something I experienced a few years ago that demonstrates how different European and American work cultures are. A client in Europe had an out of office message that stated that he was going to "rest and disconnect," and that he would respond to messages when he returned. If someone did that here, they would no longer be a valued team player or other such nonsense. We have much to learn...!
"Sometimes I'd just rather have a conversation." Me too, Jamie, me too, and I so appreciate these "conversations".
And I'm so glad you're here to be part of the conversation, Jess. 💜
This is such a thoughtful piece. My feeling is writing is a natural skill you've totally embodied to be able take us through this beautiful & messy inner journey of confusion, a bit of burnout, and an existential crisis of purpose (which is also a sign of burnout) and have us feel a little more connected, a little less alone, and like we read something from your heart. 💛
Writing is what you do, it's not who are you. But if it's a way into your inner world then that's an amazing thing you can switch between the two. Commercial work and inner work with it.
But I've learned it takes a certain skill to make that switch gently with yourself. To hold yourself with kindness and tap into the part of you that needs to be tended to right now.
I'm wholeheartedly with Amanda - we need to follow the creative cycles in our lives, and embrace a season of rest. And trust that's a crucial part of taking care of ourselves and being able to connect with other through our writing.
Because at the end of the day, we're all human and we're all after belonging & connection.
And 2025 had been a dumpster fire 🔥 (again) so as I said before - don't discount that. Instead find the supportive places that encourage you to care for yourself in different, richer, deeper ways.
I'll meet you there. ♥️
I love everything you've said here, Jen. Thank you.
2025 HAS been a dumpster fire ... and it's only getting more dumpstery and more firey. So - definitely cutting myself some slack there.
I appreciate you tying the existential crisis of purpose to burnout, even if it's a tough reality check to acknowledge. It's also an important reminder to, as you said, "hold yourself with kindness and tap into the part of you that needs to be tended to right now."
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be among people who not only get it, but who - like you - are willing to share their wisdom and offer hugs and cheerleading as well.
I'll meet you anywhere you like!
A lovely and thoughtful piece. Thank you for taking the time to write this beautiful essay.
Thank you for sharing a key piece of inspiration. Mark!