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Jodie Benveniste's avatar

Thanks for this Rachael! I’ve heard pieces of these messages from Liz in various forums but it was interesting to hear how she packaged it all in a dedicated weekend. It can seem easy to just say, ‘I don’t care’ - like that’s the solution. But I suppose what might be more relevant is ‘why do I care?’ If we unpack that a bit then we can decide whether we want to continue caring or not!

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

I LOVE that. Why do we care! I'm going to consider that from now on. Thank you! x

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Kim Lock's avatar

Ooh I love that too! And I suspect it will usually come down to a fear of what other people might think! xx

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

I think you’re right!

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Jodie Benveniste's avatar

Yes very likely! And then we could ask ourselves, am I caring more about them than myself? Might just dislodge a bit more space to choose what actually feels best in that situation ❤️

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Jenny Kessell's avatar

Love what you wrote about the weekend course you did Rachel! Love Big Magic - and Elizabeth Gilbert’s writing - she’s so eclectic! I apply the Big Magic principles to my art. Love Gandhi’s quote too - I’d go further to say I don’t want people trampling through my brain without permission! And yes!! So True about not caring - if we think of care as meaning we attach importance to something, then it’s easier to knock back the requests (cover quotes!!) and basically “not care” - people can ask all they want - doesn’t mean we should answer!! Thanks again! 💕

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Aw I love that you apply Big Magic prinicples to your art. It's such an amazing book. And I also like your addition to Gandhi's quote. Yes, the not having to reply to everything has been liberating even after only a week. x

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Catherine Brauer's avatar

Really loved your letter from the office of the principal - after a shock diagnosis June 2024 - this is exactly what I needed to read and some of which to apply to my life going forward

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but you should DEFINITELY write your own letter! x

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Catherine Brauer's avatar

Thanks Rach - it sucks but it is what it is :) writing my own letter sounds like an awesome idea!

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Sara Foster's avatar

This sounds fascinating and really appreciate you taking the time to share all this! Love lots of the lessons here - all salient reminders ❤️❤️

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

It was certainly an interesting weekend, causing us to think hard about a lot of things. x

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Pamela Cook's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing this peek into the weekend Rachael. It does sound magical. Now kicking myself for not going!

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

It was interesting indeed! x

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Meg Dunley's avatar

What fabulous takeaways! I saw her for one hour and that felt incredible so I can only imagine how much you would have gained. I love these permissions you have now given yourself

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Anytime with Liz is inspiring I think :) And yes, I probably should print the permissions out so I remember! x

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Reannon's avatar

Rach, I love that letter! I’m going to write one for myself. Thanks for the inspiration x

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Oh I'm so glad! x

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Kim Lock's avatar

Rach I read this smiling the whole way through! Love all this. Thank you for sharing. (And I know you have a fabulous author support network, but if you're ever feeling wobbly before or after saying 'no' to something, drop me a message and I'll cheer you on! It can be hard to do but I promise you it's worth it - it makes the heart-felt YES infinitely magical!) xx

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Aw thanks Kim - I really appreciate that - and the same goes to you. ALWAYS here for you. x

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Vanessa McCausland's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Rach! Just what I needed to read on a Monday morning. So much to ponder in all this.

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

Oh you're welcome! Thanks for reading. x

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jessy joseph's avatar

Thanks Rachael for sharing your experience at the workshop by Elizabeth Gilbert. Sounds like you had a wonderful day. There were times in my life I would have liked to write a letter to the most difficult people in my life, but now the necessity doesn’t arise as they have left the world. When an individual is in a family set up, it’s so difficult to put our needs first . The phrase ‘I don’t care’ it sounds a little negative for few situations. Overwhelming is no solution to anything. When I used to compare myself to others, it depressed me but then I learnt to let go.

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Rachael Johns Author's avatar

I'm glad you're no longer in the situations where you need to write that letter. And yes, no good ever comes from comparing ourselves. x

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