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Rick Lewis's avatar

I think this is my favorite essay of your's yet. First, this observation is so astute. "Moulding can be a self-inflicted endeavour as much as it can be imposed by others." And in my own self-observation I'd say that moulding is actually even more inflicted from within than imposed. That may not be true in childhood, where we have no choice but to adopt the ways of our caregivers to get the love that we need, but at a certain point we are the only ones who are driving compliance to fixed models of behavior.

This idea leads so beautifully to your highlight of Leonard Cohen's advice to "forget your perfect offering" - encouragement that could hardly be more on point for those of us attempting to make a living as guides, teachers, or content creators. You talk about the need for pattern breaks, and the kind of literal vacation break you describe is certainly useful, though I am most intrigued by introducing catalysts for relaxation right into the middle of the "job" and practicing to find a way to make the work fun and easy. Though that idea runs counter to my self-moulding, which is that work has to feel like WORK!

Finally, you talk about the required co-existence of reason and passion, a final gem you weave into this masterful essay centered on the journey of Margaret Tredeau. The need for that blend is near and dear to my heart as a balance of the two are essential to my primary vocation as a professional speaker. New forms of reasoned perspective is the deliverable when speaking to an audience, but passion is the delivery vehicle. And the same could be said for our writing, which you have just demonstrated so beautifully in this very article of yours.

Thanks for the work you put into it.

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Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Rick summed up what I had to say. Fabulous piece, Alexandra.

I'd say I fall on the passion side of the spectrum, and I don't know whether that is a good thing or not!

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