246 Comments
Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

When you find your hands working against your heart, your feet need to be leading you toward the door.

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The word no is a complete sentence.

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I'm not young, and it has taken a good lifetime to realize I can say no - and expect it to be respected - and I must listen to no, and not try to bully or manipulate my way past that boundary. And I realize no has no power in a world without many and wonderful "yesses!"

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Speed kills. Move at the speed of trust.

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i agree! i don't know where the door is, but i know the key is "Don't hurry." : )

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Do you want advice, or do you want re-assurance?

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author

I like that -- I've learnt to ask that kind of question when people are asking for feedback on poetry.

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Let it happen, first.

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author

That’s such an exercise in patience.

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I wish I'd read this earlier today! : ) thank you

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

It’s also giving to receive.

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

You have a big decision. You'll need to toss a big coin.

(Spoken by a man whose life experience I respected.)

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

We all suffer from feelings.

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author

I’ve been re-reading Michael Eigen’s book “Emotional Storm” this week. Do you know it? It’s very good. Your line reminds me of it.

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

I have not yet read this latest by Eigen. Looks fascinating. I first heard this observation from the psychoanalyst Mark Solms.

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author

Oh it's a 2005 book - I've just been re-reading it. It's magnificent

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Begin again

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When you write this work, sin boldly, do not let those who hurt you control your work. This is for you, this is for those who need it too.

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

there are no ordinary moments

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a good reminder and nudge to wake up for me right now! thanks

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Sep 26, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

No one is thinking about you. (it sounds harsh but it's liberating)

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author

So many of the things that can be harsh can also be helpful (although I've known people who've used that truism as an excuse to just be harsh too)...

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Oh yes Amy, how much wish I would have thought more about this and embraced as a young woman. But good advice and reminder for an old woman too! : )

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

"Rest."

"Let me care for you."

"Treat yourself like you're loved."

Advice I never wanted.

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author

That can be tough to take, but such good advice.

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

"Be prepared" doesn't mean "know the answers"; it means "know the given questions well enough that you are compelled to ask your own questions instead."

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Sep 25, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

You did that because that's what you needed to do. Let's not pathologize it.

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author

What a kindness - yes. I like that. The automatic pathologizing of something is often not helpful.

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Sep 26, 2022Liked by Pádraig Ó Tuama

If you are out with your beloved, and your words begin to have an edge to them, eat something.

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author

I like the idea of turning to nurture when you begin to be barbed. Thanks Samantha.

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Wonderful and I've never heard this suggestion. I'm pocketing it! Thanks

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