Love this finish: "I’m grateful to be more embodied and open-hearted. I’m grateful for the obstacle that altered my path. Otherwise, I’d likely still be in my head, not in touch with my emotions, and probably pretty damn miserable, which is curious because if you told me back then what I’m dealing with now, I would’ve thought that it would be miserable. But it’s not. And I’m not."
You and Dee both remind me frequently to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. Glad to be walking this road together.
One of my favourite books is called Remember, Be Here Now, by Baba Ram Das, aka Richard Alpert. Your article reminded me of it. I admire your strength and commitment to "the journey ".
Beautifully written, Lyle. Served as a powerful reminder to stop and breathe in the now. Thanks for sharing your heart. Blessings to your family this holiday season 💜
“I wanted to keep my word with Em more than I wanted to keep my publishing promise. I wanted to be present with my family more than I wanted to uphold a self-imposed deadline. And I’m glad I did.”
Thank you for showing us your way so beautifully. It's a relief to see that despite the avalanche of events, desires, and obstacles you've experienced and continue to experience (the duty of love seemingly fighting for the time your personal growth would claim), you are living a 'now' that exudes contentment and, I would say, grace.
That now becomes even tighter as events take place in our lives, pushing us (those things we cannot control) to striving with and for each second, just as you have in writing this piece. It seems to me you've left your skin and flesh in the game, in writing it, yet have come out rejoicing.
You are to be commended, congratulated.
May great rewards come your way!
Enrique (please forgive the personal tone from a stranger).
And here MY “now” is four days after your “now” and it makes absolutely no difference when it was published because I got to read this at the perfect time for where I’m at in this moment Christmas night. Thank you for this significant perspective. Obstacles truly are gifts.
This was a great piece, Lyle. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for introducing me to Substack. I can't remember how I subscribed to your newsletter years ago, but I do remember that you opened the door to an amazing world for me. Merry Christmas, and best wishes to you and your family in 2025.
Well-done! I first heard about Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations from an interview with Jerry Seinfeld. Fascinating! Bring present in the now is a great skill to hone. It’s important to those around us and I think we can always improve the degree to which we are present and engaged!
These words are going into my pocket so I can keep one hand on them for a while, "my work is to not get too far ahead of myself." Needed this right now. Thank you.
Love this finish: "I’m grateful to be more embodied and open-hearted. I’m grateful for the obstacle that altered my path. Otherwise, I’d likely still be in my head, not in touch with my emotions, and probably pretty damn miserable, which is curious because if you told me back then what I’m dealing with now, I would’ve thought that it would be miserable. But it’s not. And I’m not."
You and Dee both remind me frequently to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. Glad to be walking this road together.
yes, great ending--and it ties back to the subhead, which I had almost missed: "not searching..."
One of my favourite books is called Remember, Be Here Now, by Baba Ram Das, aka Richard Alpert. Your article reminded me of it. I admire your strength and commitment to "the journey ".
Beautiful Lyle. 🙏 I am rewarded even in the wait for it ☺️
You’ve lived a journey unlike any other—as we all do—and you’re stronger and more compassionate because of it. Thanks you for sharing.
Beautifully written, Lyle. Served as a powerful reminder to stop and breathe in the now. Thanks for sharing your heart. Blessings to your family this holiday season 💜
“I wanted to keep my word with Em more than I wanted to keep my publishing promise. I wanted to be present with my family more than I wanted to uphold a self-imposed deadline. And I’m glad I did.”
Thank you for articulating the truth of reality!
Thank you for showing us your way so beautifully. It's a relief to see that despite the avalanche of events, desires, and obstacles you've experienced and continue to experience (the duty of love seemingly fighting for the time your personal growth would claim), you are living a 'now' that exudes contentment and, I would say, grace.
That now becomes even tighter as events take place in our lives, pushing us (those things we cannot control) to striving with and for each second, just as you have in writing this piece. It seems to me you've left your skin and flesh in the game, in writing it, yet have come out rejoicing.
You are to be commended, congratulated.
May great rewards come your way!
Enrique (please forgive the personal tone from a stranger).
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, Enrique! I appreciate the personal tone and feel very seen by you
The word 'rest' comes to mind.
And here MY “now” is four days after your “now” and it makes absolutely no difference when it was published because I got to read this at the perfect time for where I’m at in this moment Christmas night. Thank you for this significant perspective. Obstacles truly are gifts.
Glad to hear it was helpful for you. Merry Christmas!
This was a great piece, Lyle. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for introducing me to Substack. I can't remember how I subscribed to your newsletter years ago, but I do remember that you opened the door to an amazing world for me. Merry Christmas, and best wishes to you and your family in 2025.
Thank you for the kind words and well wishes, Morvarid! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
This is a beautiful post, Lyle. And I am grateful you found Foster and I found your authoring circle! Have a great Christmas!
Well-done! I first heard about Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations from an interview with Jerry Seinfeld. Fascinating! Bring present in the now is a great skill to hone. It’s important to those around us and I think we can always improve the degree to which we are present and engaged!
btw "I was immediately ??? by this 1,000+-year-old philosophy"
^^^^^^^
Whoops! Can you tell I was debating a few different words there? lol
Beautifully simple, honest, and true.
Awesome Lyle, that was so good! Thank you.
These words are going into my pocket so I can keep one hand on them for a while, "my work is to not get too far ahead of myself." Needed this right now. Thank you.
Beautiful, Lyle. What a journey with your daughter. I love the notion of life's hurdles being seen as The Path.