Easily my favorite thing you’ve written. And you’ve written so many of my favorite things. I ache to read and talk about faith, even as it makes me cringe because…who am I to pontificate? And what do I know anyway? The more faith I have, the less I understand, it seems. But I am also led and I cannot imagine it otherwise. This piece feels brave and tender all at once. What a gift and what an inspiration.
Beautiful!! I'm so glad you have that voice -- and that you honor it. It can be easier to ignore. And I'm so glad it guided you through such turbulent, scary, overwhelming, heart crushing times. And that it was with you again in the middle of the road! I mean, it's probably always there, right. There are simply moments when we're better at listening.
Just!! That word is so potent!! I'm glad you homed in on that.
Further proof we're the same person: I was just speaking with a new friend, a devout Catholic yet also seemingly quite liberal, about how curious I am about people's personal beliefs. It's one of my favorite topics. Grace and Gumption indeed.
Everyday Faith with Caroline Cala Donofrio is a show on PBS that I'd tune into every damn time. (I know the more relevant reference would be a podcast, but it doesn't seem right for the show I'm picturing.)
THANK YOU. This would be such a dream. Part Stanley Tucci’s eat-stuff-all-around Italy show, part that-episode-of-Mr.-Roger’s where they tour the crayon factory, and they make only orange crayons. (Do you know what I’m talking about? Core memory.) But spiritual.
Reading your post, I thought of the word "muse" and wondered why that word needs to be restricted to creating art. It sounds like you found a muse for life when you needed one. That faith is so valuable. I hope to find my own one day.
That’s an excellent point. I like thinking of it that way. I was also thinking about how lawyers interpret (and re-interpret) the laws that govern society and how that same approach can be applied to the more esoteric Laws of art and creativity and living with faith.
“(Like when you’re staring down a task so overwhelming your only reaction is to erupt in nervous laughter and then take a nap.)”
This is SO me on overwhelming work days. But you know what, sometimes a big undertaking reminds me that to do the work, I have to be physically able to do it and sometimes a nap, despite the negative connotations that word holds in my internal psyche, is a good start. I usually wake up feeling a little less overwhelmed and a little more ready to start chipping away at the mountain.
My fiance and I are in the middle of a LOT of busy life stuff, and King of Wands energy is exactly the type I need this week.
I’m with you, and am all for naps! (Not always so good at quieting my mind to take one, but it feels so restorative when I do.) A friend takes a daily siesta and swears by it. Best wishes as you navigate the busy life stuff!
Caroline, I’m crying. Again. As Isabel says, my favorite thing you’ve written. I can feel the softness of your heart and your vulnerability of surrender — often the hardest thing, isn’t it, as a Taurus that wants things to be Seen and Felt in the physical world? 🤍🦋 big hugs. I love you.
Caroline, I love this so much! Thank you for sharing your experiences! Lately rather than being a voice it’s an all encompassing thought or feeling. So beautiful and so comforting. The wonder and mysteries of this life defy explanation.
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but this was amazing, moving, and so thought-provoking; and mirrors a journey I’ve been on myself. Have you ever seen the Jodie Foster movie “Contact”? I couldn’t help but be reminded of it as I read this. Just so great, Caroline.
Thank you so much. I did see Contact but it was a while ago (in fact I think I saw it in the theater) and my memory of it is fuzzy, so I’m definitely due for a rewatch! It’s heartening to hear you are on a similar journey. All too often we can think we’re having these siloed experiences when they’re probably more common than we know! And I would happily listen to the broken record of your kind words anytime. ☺️
This is so heartbreakingly beautiful Caroline. I have chills reading it. I recently visited a tarot reader in my hometown and as we discussed the uncertainty I've been facing through a recent life transition (coupled with a general sense that I've "lost" my intuition) she kindly suggested that perhaps I need to "call my ancestors in." She counseled that they couldn't show up on their own, couldn't interfere, but if I called them in it would allow them to guide me. She referred to my ancestors as part of my "spiritual team," a phrase I instantly fell in love with. Perhaps it was a member of your spiritual team reaching out to you that night? Who or what-ever it was, I'm so glad you're listening. Thank you for sharing.
You have given me so much to think about. I think we need to allow for silence to hear that voice, that is unique to each of us. You have inspired me to listen. As always, thank you 🙏
Thank you Caroline. My favourite part: The doing is the reward.... your mission, should you wish to accept it, is simply to attempt. To go forth. To endeavor.
I am off for 2 weeks of holidays (which includes a visit to NYC)! On this holiday I have committed to thinking through my own leap. I get so caught up in the outcome that I don't start. I want to focus back on all that I will learn through the process. Thank you!
I love all of this. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time in NYC (let me know if you have any questions!). But most importantly, so happy to hear you’re taking the space to contemplate your leap.
Thank you! I am skipping all the tourist stuff and just soaking in Brooklyn! If you have any tips on things to do in the evening - events/entertainment I am very open. I have the coffee shops/restaurants on lock!
I created my logo for my genealogy business on Canva today. It’s just one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Little piece by little piece. How do you eat an elephant? (I mean, I wouldn’t but…) One bite at a time.
I had the privilege of hearing That Voice when my dog was sick. He had had part of his tail amputated, and he was beside himself. We accidentally over-medicated him. When I woke up in the morning, he was almost non-responsive. This booming voice said, “GET HIM UP AND MOVING!!!” and so I did. I got a leash on him and fairly dragged him up and down the front walkway. If Narcan for dogs existed, I’m pretty sure that’s what we would have needed.
I love your story about allowing yourself to be led. That’s probably one of the biggest challenges we face - those of us used to being in control of things. I have a nightly gratitude session with my Team and listen to their guidance, even if I choose not to act on it immediately.
Thanks for this message. Confirmation is everywhere!
Thank you, Kris. I so appreciate these glimpses into your experience, both with your dog and your Team. Interesting how in both of our cases the voice showed up in relation to a beloved animal. It makes me wonder if there is something about that tender connection that makes us more receptive to guidance. (Although I'd certainly welcome it always, I admit I might not always be that open to trusting it/acting on it...)
Thank you for writing about this, my friend. First thing on the agenda for our next call = the voices we both hear, because this has also been a thing for the last two years and indeed, I often feel crazy, but less so over time as I too find great comfort in it. It's become more of a "knowing" (?) as time goes on and it's beautiful to trust it and surrender it. Almost like letting someone else carry the weight of the world that I used to insist on carrying myself. Methinks we're ascending, soul sister. ;) HERE FOR IT!
This is so beautiful, Caroline. I loved it and I’m glad I (finally) found a moment of stillness to fully enjoy this piece. I heard a voice like that too once, and didn’t listen to it. And I really paid the price.
Have you ever read anything by Natalie Goldberg? I am reminded of the time I read Waking Up in America and then subsequently devoured all of her books on a journey to discover myself as an artist, writer and human.
Thank you so much, Patti! Funny you should ask, I stumbled across a copy of Writing Down the Bones in a used bookshop back when I was in college and it quickly became a favorite. But I somehow haven't read Natalie Goldberg's other work! Thanks for this reminder.
Easily my favorite thing you’ve written. And you’ve written so many of my favorite things. I ache to read and talk about faith, even as it makes me cringe because…who am I to pontificate? And what do I know anyway? The more faith I have, the less I understand, it seems. But I am also led and I cannot imagine it otherwise. This piece feels brave and tender all at once. What a gift and what an inspiration.
Beautiful!! I'm so glad you have that voice -- and that you honor it. It can be easier to ignore. And I'm so glad it guided you through such turbulent, scary, overwhelming, heart crushing times. And that it was with you again in the middle of the road! I mean, it's probably always there, right. There are simply moments when we're better at listening.
Just!! That word is so potent!! I'm glad you homed in on that.
Further proof we're the same person: I was just speaking with a new friend, a devout Catholic yet also seemingly quite liberal, about how curious I am about people's personal beliefs. It's one of my favorite topics. Grace and Gumption indeed.
Everyday Faith with Caroline Cala Donofrio is a show on PBS that I'd tune into every damn time. (I know the more relevant reference would be a podcast, but it doesn't seem right for the show I'm picturing.)
Thanks for sharing these grounding words <3
THANK YOU. This would be such a dream. Part Stanley Tucci’s eat-stuff-all-around Italy show, part that-episode-of-Mr.-Roger’s where they tour the crayon factory, and they make only orange crayons. (Do you know what I’m talking about? Core memory.) But spiritual.
Caroline,
Reading your post, I thought of the word "muse" and wondered why that word needs to be restricted to creating art. It sounds like you found a muse for life when you needed one. That faith is so valuable. I hope to find my own one day.
That’s an excellent point. I like thinking of it that way. I was also thinking about how lawyers interpret (and re-interpret) the laws that govern society and how that same approach can be applied to the more esoteric Laws of art and creativity and living with faith.
“(Like when you’re staring down a task so overwhelming your only reaction is to erupt in nervous laughter and then take a nap.)”
This is SO me on overwhelming work days. But you know what, sometimes a big undertaking reminds me that to do the work, I have to be physically able to do it and sometimes a nap, despite the negative connotations that word holds in my internal psyche, is a good start. I usually wake up feeling a little less overwhelmed and a little more ready to start chipping away at the mountain.
My fiance and I are in the middle of a LOT of busy life stuff, and King of Wands energy is exactly the type I need this week.
Thanks, Caroline.
I’m with you, and am all for naps! (Not always so good at quieting my mind to take one, but it feels so restorative when I do.) A friend takes a daily siesta and swears by it. Best wishes as you navigate the busy life stuff!
Caroline, I’m crying. Again. As Isabel says, my favorite thing you’ve written. I can feel the softness of your heart and your vulnerability of surrender — often the hardest thing, isn’t it, as a Taurus that wants things to be Seen and Felt in the physical world? 🤍🦋 big hugs. I love you.
Thank you so much, Gwen. I love and appreciate you. 💛
Caroline, I love this so much! Thank you for sharing your experiences! Lately rather than being a voice it’s an all encompassing thought or feeling. So beautiful and so comforting. The wonder and mysteries of this life defy explanation.
Thank you, Helen. Eloquently put. I remain grateful for the mysteries.
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but this was amazing, moving, and so thought-provoking; and mirrors a journey I’ve been on myself. Have you ever seen the Jodie Foster movie “Contact”? I couldn’t help but be reminded of it as I read this. Just so great, Caroline.
Thank you so much. I did see Contact but it was a while ago (in fact I think I saw it in the theater) and my memory of it is fuzzy, so I’m definitely due for a rewatch! It’s heartening to hear you are on a similar journey. All too often we can think we’re having these siloed experiences when they’re probably more common than we know! And I would happily listen to the broken record of your kind words anytime. ☺️
This is so heartbreakingly beautiful Caroline. I have chills reading it. I recently visited a tarot reader in my hometown and as we discussed the uncertainty I've been facing through a recent life transition (coupled with a general sense that I've "lost" my intuition) she kindly suggested that perhaps I need to "call my ancestors in." She counseled that they couldn't show up on their own, couldn't interfere, but if I called them in it would allow them to guide me. She referred to my ancestors as part of my "spiritual team," a phrase I instantly fell in love with. Perhaps it was a member of your spiritual team reaching out to you that night? Who or what-ever it was, I'm so glad you're listening. Thank you for sharing.
It’s the power of the universe for me. Loved reading this. It is Decidedly the opposite of bonkers and speaks truth in volumes!
Thank you, Kristen! Very happy to hear it resonated with you.
You have given me so much to think about. I think we need to allow for silence to hear that voice, that is unique to each of us. You have inspired me to listen. As always, thank you 🙏
Thank you Caroline. My favourite part: The doing is the reward.... your mission, should you wish to accept it, is simply to attempt. To go forth. To endeavor.
I am off for 2 weeks of holidays (which includes a visit to NYC)! On this holiday I have committed to thinking through my own leap. I get so caught up in the outcome that I don't start. I want to focus back on all that I will learn through the process. Thank you!
I love all of this. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time in NYC (let me know if you have any questions!). But most importantly, so happy to hear you’re taking the space to contemplate your leap.
Thank you! I am skipping all the tourist stuff and just soaking in Brooklyn! If you have any tips on things to do in the evening - events/entertainment I am very open. I have the coffee shops/restaurants on lock!
Yes! YES! YESSSSS! All of this!
I created my logo for my genealogy business on Canva today. It’s just one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Little piece by little piece. How do you eat an elephant? (I mean, I wouldn’t but…) One bite at a time.
I had the privilege of hearing That Voice when my dog was sick. He had had part of his tail amputated, and he was beside himself. We accidentally over-medicated him. When I woke up in the morning, he was almost non-responsive. This booming voice said, “GET HIM UP AND MOVING!!!” and so I did. I got a leash on him and fairly dragged him up and down the front walkway. If Narcan for dogs existed, I’m pretty sure that’s what we would have needed.
I love your story about allowing yourself to be led. That’s probably one of the biggest challenges we face - those of us used to being in control of things. I have a nightly gratitude session with my Team and listen to their guidance, even if I choose not to act on it immediately.
Thanks for this message. Confirmation is everywhere!
Thank you, Kris. I so appreciate these glimpses into your experience, both with your dog and your Team. Interesting how in both of our cases the voice showed up in relation to a beloved animal. It makes me wonder if there is something about that tender connection that makes us more receptive to guidance. (Although I'd certainly welcome it always, I admit I might not always be that open to trusting it/acting on it...)
It is interesting, that animal connection. 💙
Thank you for writing about this, my friend. First thing on the agenda for our next call = the voices we both hear, because this has also been a thing for the last two years and indeed, I often feel crazy, but less so over time as I too find great comfort in it. It's become more of a "knowing" (?) as time goes on and it's beautiful to trust it and surrender it. Almost like letting someone else carry the weight of the world that I used to insist on carrying myself. Methinks we're ascending, soul sister. ;) HERE FOR IT!
“There is simply onward. Moment by moment. Big and small”. ✨💛 Thanks, as always, for sharing with us.
Thank you, Meg.
This is so beautiful, Caroline. I loved it and I’m glad I (finally) found a moment of stillness to fully enjoy this piece. I heard a voice like that too once, and didn’t listen to it. And I really paid the price.
Have you ever read anything by Natalie Goldberg? I am reminded of the time I read Waking Up in America and then subsequently devoured all of her books on a journey to discover myself as an artist, writer and human.
Thank you so much, Patti! Funny you should ask, I stumbled across a copy of Writing Down the Bones in a used bookshop back when I was in college and it quickly became a favorite. But I somehow haven't read Natalie Goldberg's other work! Thanks for this reminder.