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Oh, somehow this is exactly what I needed. My freelance projects have massively slowed down the last month or so (because of summer holidays) and I’m finding it hard to take that break to focus on my creative work. Instead I spend time worrying… I’m really going to try your tips! Focusing especially on the forging connections here on Substack!

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I can appreciate where you’re coming from. I used to struggle with the feast and famine nature of my work as a designer, but summer and winter are generally quieter times and so focusing on side projects is a good use of my time. As is working in my own marketing and preparing for busier seasons.

Enjoy cultivating that community 🥰

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Aug 6Liked by Sarah Robertson

Great perspective, Sarah. Rest + play = fuel!

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LOVE that summary. Thanks for reading and commenting, Erin, especially after my impromptu Substack hiatus!

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I'm on holiday at the moment. I notice intermittent anxiety about not writing here or restacking or commenting. Equally I can feel a return of connection to nature, a slower pace and clearer values.

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Hope you're having a lovely time away. I was away last week and decided to delete Instagram and Substack after a day so I could be more present. I didn't find it easy, though! There is always some push and pull when I'm winding down but I do feel rested. Curious to know what the shift in values has felt like!

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Fantastic article Sarah. Thank you! I love taking a moment some mornings to enjoy my coffee and maybe have a walk through the garden, if the weather allows, to see what's growing/changed.

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That sounds like a nourishing way to begin each morning. I’m imagining a barefoot walk so you can ground into your day 🥰

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Great post, Sarah! I have new term energy in abundance right now following our big trip, but the reality is far more... Chore-filled. While I can though, before normality resumes with full force next week, I'm loving the idea of scheduling in some creative time as a non-negotiable each day. A wee appointment with myself that will give a bit of form to these days. I've also decidd on a SS break and have Sunday's post locked and loaded to give me time between then and the end of the month to genuinely take stock and also devote some deep time to bigger projects...

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Ooh I’m curious to see what you decide to do for yourself each day! I can imagine the return home feels a bit discombobulating after 6 weeks away so it’ll be nice to find ways to ground yourself. Welcome home 💛

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Aug 6Liked by Sarah Robertson

Ah this was a beautiful reminder Sarah, thank you. I am realising that currently I am either in full mum mode or creative/work mode (or at least thinking about it) and whilst I love both, there is not a huge amount of time to rest/relax/play in between it all. I will be calling on your ideas to help me to weave in the rest and play into my everyday xx

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I hear you. These ideas serve as a reminder for me as much as for anyone else! We can’t escape the push and pull of family life and studio life, but we can punctuate our days with short and sweet activities that fuel us along the way 💛

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So interesting you talk about the language of ‘slow’ because recently I’ve been using ‘steady’ instead when it comes to my pace and that feels way more grounded and adaptable too. So excited for you and your launch! Xx

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The ‘slow living’ movement has got me questioning it. Plus some conversations here about privilege.

I remember your focus on the word ‘steady’ and you’ve reminded me mine was ‘present’…that’s been a bit of a struggle but we can only try!

And thanks lovely. So glad the day is almost here! I’ve been talking about it forever 😅💛

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Horse trainer Mark Rashid writes "Sometimes the fastest way to get there is by going slow." I'm currently laying on a couch at a friend's house, with a purring cat, to recharge.

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Sounds perfect. Did you know the vibration of the purr can calm and heal your nervous system? Lots more benefits, too. My cat turns 4 tomorrow so a good excuse for extra cuddles.

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Yes I did know :) Happy Birthday to your kitty!!

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Thank you. Seems like yesterday she was a tiny wee thing!

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Looking forward to this launch Sarah.

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Me too! 18 months in the making!

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The best things take time… like a good whiskey! 😝

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True! I’ll need a stiff drink after launch 😅

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Love this idea of a rest and play pick and mix, such great suggestions. It's so refreshing to read that you are making rest and play part of your launch preparation, so you can show up with the energy that you need during your launch. Something that I'll be trying for future launches for sure xx

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A pick 'n' mix somehow felt more accessible than a to do list! I really am trying my best to schedule rest and play in among all the launch activities. We'll see how that plays out over the next month 😀 💛

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Yes, and it has a more playful element to it too. I’d love to read another post about how it all worked out with bringing more play and rest in, after the launch period too, I find the behind the scenes so interesting xx

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I’m planning to share a weekly launch diary (starting Monday) so you can catch up on that or follow me on Threads for a daily diary 😃

https://www.threads.net/@thesearethedays.co

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That sounds fab, I'll be following along ❤️ x

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That sounds fab, I'll be following along ❤️ x

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Aug 11Liked by Sarah Robertson

Love this 🥰🥰🥰

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Glad it resonated with you 😀

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