omg, Jenny! What stupendous photos!!! I especially like the license plate "Eeeek!" I wonder what NYC would look like if you were in a totally different mood or place in your creative cycle? ;-) This is a great super-duper piece.
Thank you Penney!! Haha, that totally cracked me up too, just a few doors away from my place or I would’ve missed it! That car is still parked there and continues to entertain 😂 I have you to thank for being so comfortable in “goo” states...I can’t tell you how many people reference our liminal space episode for the Pivot podcast! The city really does change to fit one’s moods, as you’ve experienced too ☺️
For those who are curious, via our ol' friend Wikipedia:
"Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" is a short story by the American writer Herman Melville, first serialized anonymously in two parts in the November and December 1853 issues of Putnam's Magazine and reprinted with minor textual alterations in his The Piazza Tales in 1856. In the story, a Wall Street lawyer hires a new clerk who, after an initial bout of hard work, refuses to make copies or do any other task required of him, refusing with the words "I would prefer not to."
I love that it's part of a two-part serial too, just like I do here on 'doh :) 🙏
I encourage you to take that sabbatical leave, Jenny! Look at all the signs the universe provided encouraging you to choose yourself! I'm on one right now in fact. And when I return to work in February 2024 it will have been 18 months of rest, reflection, reassessment, recovery, and rejuvenation!
Originally, I'd planned a year off having completed the most crazy and ambitious thing I'd ever come up with, an undertaking that took almost 15 years to complete because of an unplanned life-changing interruption along the way. I finished it just in time for my 50th anniversary in business and while both were incredible highs, I realized I was tired. Bone tired. Beyond running on adrenaline tired!
Hence starting the year-long sabbatical. But, when the year was up, I was not ready to go back to work. So, I stayed on my leave and figured I'd know when it was time, no matter how long it took. Turns out, my creative light is only starting to spark interest in my business again now and I'm giving it space to catch fire.
In case you're wondering ... no, I didn't have money sacked away and yes, that does create a bit of anxiety plus it requires a lot of trust in the universe to have your back.
One thing that helped though is I keep a year's worth of rent in cash on hand so I can sleep soundly indoors. But, that's a long-time habit of mine after growing up food-and-shelter insecure as a child.
For the rest, I had to be resourceful and live simply (thankfully, another habit of mine). And there did come a point where I used a couple of the rent envelopes for good purpose so next year I'll want to replace those for a full year of rent savings.
I plan to fully enjoy the remaining two-and-a-half months of my sabbatical knowing, come February, if I'm not 100% ready, I can always extend it another 6 months to make a full two years of thinking about what's next for me. Given my age, the stakes are high as I likely have just 10 or so more years on the planet and I want to love, love, love how I spend them! That requires conscious choice.
That's what it means to be free. To spend your life-time exactly how you want to, with whom you want to and in the way you want to. With freedom comes responsibility. The gift of entrepreneurship is the ability to live responsibly and fully inhabit our lives and relationships with others and our work.
I look forward to seeing you enjoy your sabbatical too! All the best to you, Jenny!
Linda! I am so moved by your generous comment and sharing — your story and spacious sabbatical adds so much to this conversation. I really appreciate you addressing the elephant-in-the-break-room financial questions too, super inspiring! Huge thanks for sharing, and in such rich detail. Sending good thoughts your way for this next phase of your liminal state and subsequent becoming :) ✨🦋✨ Here’s to the best decade yet!!
Ryder is the goodest boi always. He's your little sherpa, making sure you do what's goodest for you. You have inspired me to do my own walking essay of serendipity signage. I have no doubt that you'll do whatever next move is in your highest good and I'll be here to cheer on whatever that is. XO
Ooh, I would love to see the results of your own serendipity signage walk!! Please do share! Last night I had a dream that I was carrying my goodest boi in my arms . . . was only sad when I woke up that I'm not strong enough to do that IRL . . . yet! Haha, one day 😆 Happy belated Thanksgiving, my beautiful brilliant friend!! ❤️🧡
I love how cities speak to us through signs that are literally signs! I go on Oracle Walks in Camden that remind me so much of your magical experience. And my messages have gotten ever more clear - these days I get printed words in black and white so there is no mistaking the spiritual significance. I've spent the past week really tuning into something that I know is true for me in the deepest way, despite all of the messages around me that it's not possible. And as I got off the tube on Saturday, someone stepped in front of me with a bag that said simply and in all caps: WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW.
I wish for you the courage to ignore all of the circumstances in your world that clutter your truth by suggesting that you need to do anything other than exactly what is right for you to do, and the comfort of knowing that you will *always* be supported.
Thank you so much Patrick! Your encouragement and support truly means the world to me. And I love that you've been getting your own powerful messages in printed words, black and white! Clear as day!! I had a new slew of signs come in during today's walk — can't wait to hear about one of yours if you ever post about it sometime :) This line is so beautiful: "I wish for you the courage to ignore all of the circumstances in your world that clutter your truth by suggesting that you need to do anything other than exactly what is right for you to do, and the comfort of knowing that you will *always* be supported." Thank you!!
Amazing post! As you know, I’ve taken a sabbatical for much of this year. Stopping and pausing various projects, including my podcast, was necessary to do a hard reset and to try and hear what I and my life need and want. Big love to you xx
Thank you Nat!! Our conversations over coffee have been top of mind, including your observations, loving and bold encouragement, wise words about when to let things go, what to ask oneself in order to do so. “Have I accomplished what I set out to?” You’ve been living by example and it has inspired so many of my next moves!!
I LOVE this photo essay, Jenny! Your eye for capturing serendipity in signage is inspiring. ✨ I bet a well-deserved sabbatical would offer the space to uncover even more hidden treasures. ✨🌟✨💛✨ Here's to more exploration and alllllll the delightful surprises it brings!✨
Thank you Jenn!! It’s funny, on some days “nothing” happens at all (I’m just floating around in my head), and on others, like this particular Tuesday, I was rich in never-ending messages jumping out! Thank you for your encouragement...if only I had a seasonal journal-planner to jot more notes down in during the quiet sabbatical ;-) Sooner than later I will! 😆🌺🐝🙏✨
This post in itself feels like a sign for me. I turn 49 in a couple of weeks which means I am heading into my 50th year. In Jewish tradition the 50th year, or year of Jubilee, was a year of living differently, a year of living off of the fruit and ‘riches’ that had been accumulated in previous years. It was also a year of letting things go and being released from things that had hampered other growth. I have been pondering the idea seriously and am encouraged that others also see the value in stopping, or slowing down, which feels so counter cultural.
🥳 Happy almost birthday Benjamin! What a beautiful application of Jubilee that would be — thank you for reminding us of that here :) I remember learning about it during my semestermat Union Theological Seminary, but hadn’t considered it as applied to individual lives, which is so powerful :) As above, so below! I love that this walking inquiry gave you some signs and permission slips in the affirmative to take a break too, and to enjoy all the fruits and riches of your life and labor surrounding this big milestone :)
Aww thank you so much DC and AR!! First joint comment ☺️🙏❤️ Can’t wait to see you both tomorrow!! Beyond grateful to know you’re here reading, and I especially love picturing you reading together 😍🥰
Jenny, I had a Thomas’s English Muffin today inspired by your walk and the images you chose. Especially liked the shot of Ryder and you. IThe hiatus in new subscriptions may be a result of despair with current events among the sensible, caring and creative people who would normally discover you. You have made gift subscriptions available - folks, let’s do our part and help Jenny to shine her light where it’s most needed.
John! I love knowing you had a Thomas English Muffin today inspired by ‘doh!! Very true re: subscriptions and revenue and the correlation with world events; we’re feeling that so strongly in our household too. Your words of support and encouragement, even around gift subscriptions, are above and beyond! It really means so much - thank you for being here reading 🙏❤️☺️
The ability to see things, especially words. So many of us pass the day on auto-pilot with our eyes but you have the skill to see things that for others just blend into background noise.
It made me thing of The Da Vinci Code, or Sherlock and their ability to see things that are in sight but somehow hidden or not noticed.
Cool photo tour!
Good luck with your decision and thinking through a sabbatical. It's a tough one. You did an amazing interview podcast a while back mentoring someone through a similar decision on taking time off. Could they return the favour and help you process through the emotions, fears, goals, excitement and practicalities?
Yes, it really does feel like Da Vinci Code moments, where certain words and phrases glow and make themselves seen/known! I love this last line of your comment, and in fact you and the BFF community have already been so helpful tot hat end :) "You did an amazing interview podcast a while back mentoring someone through a similar decision on taking time off. Could they return the favour and help you process through the emotions, fears, goals, excitement and practicalities?" Happy holidays, my friend! I'm so grateful to have met you this year!
Likewise, super to have met you this year. (PS Don't want to overload the comments thread but I listened to this song exploder episode at the weekend and it made me think about you, your writings and all the substackers.... I swapped out the first line of "waves will catch you" to be "words will catch you" (I initially misheard) and somehow it really seemed to resonate. https://songexploder.net/sampha
Ooh, I love Sampha -- great rec!! Can’t wait to listen to this 🎶💥episode, and wouldn’t have found it otherwise; I always appreciate your comments here!
omg, Jenny! What stupendous photos!!! I especially like the license plate "Eeeek!" I wonder what NYC would look like if you were in a totally different mood or place in your creative cycle? ;-) This is a great super-duper piece.
Thank you Penney!! Haha, that totally cracked me up too, just a few doors away from my place or I would’ve missed it! That car is still parked there and continues to entertain 😂 I have you to thank for being so comfortable in “goo” states...I can’t tell you how many people reference our liminal space episode for the Pivot podcast! The city really does change to fit one’s moods, as you’ve experienced too ☺️
I think I'll try it here in Florida; walking the beach. It's where all the characters hang out when it isn't bike week!
Ooh, so fun!! I can’t wait to see what pops up for you when you do!! 🥰☀️🏖️🐚🌊
I really loved accompanying you and Ryder on your signs and symbols tour.
My two favorites : The Bartleby quote of I'd prefer not to. and the fruit loops. Ryder has good taste ib cereal!
Thank you David, and you just filled in a clue for me! I didn't realize that's a Bartelby quote :)
For those who are curious, via our ol' friend Wikipedia:
"Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" is a short story by the American writer Herman Melville, first serialized anonymously in two parts in the November and December 1853 issues of Putnam's Magazine and reprinted with minor textual alterations in his The Piazza Tales in 1856. In the story, a Wall Street lawyer hires a new clerk who, after an initial bout of hard work, refuses to make copies or do any other task required of him, refusing with the words "I would prefer not to."
I love that it's part of a two-part serial too, just like I do here on 'doh :) 🙏
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartleby,_the_Scrivener
I encourage you to take that sabbatical leave, Jenny! Look at all the signs the universe provided encouraging you to choose yourself! I'm on one right now in fact. And when I return to work in February 2024 it will have been 18 months of rest, reflection, reassessment, recovery, and rejuvenation!
Originally, I'd planned a year off having completed the most crazy and ambitious thing I'd ever come up with, an undertaking that took almost 15 years to complete because of an unplanned life-changing interruption along the way. I finished it just in time for my 50th anniversary in business and while both were incredible highs, I realized I was tired. Bone tired. Beyond running on adrenaline tired!
Hence starting the year-long sabbatical. But, when the year was up, I was not ready to go back to work. So, I stayed on my leave and figured I'd know when it was time, no matter how long it took. Turns out, my creative light is only starting to spark interest in my business again now and I'm giving it space to catch fire.
In case you're wondering ... no, I didn't have money sacked away and yes, that does create a bit of anxiety plus it requires a lot of trust in the universe to have your back.
One thing that helped though is I keep a year's worth of rent in cash on hand so I can sleep soundly indoors. But, that's a long-time habit of mine after growing up food-and-shelter insecure as a child.
For the rest, I had to be resourceful and live simply (thankfully, another habit of mine). And there did come a point where I used a couple of the rent envelopes for good purpose so next year I'll want to replace those for a full year of rent savings.
I plan to fully enjoy the remaining two-and-a-half months of my sabbatical knowing, come February, if I'm not 100% ready, I can always extend it another 6 months to make a full two years of thinking about what's next for me. Given my age, the stakes are high as I likely have just 10 or so more years on the planet and I want to love, love, love how I spend them! That requires conscious choice.
That's what it means to be free. To spend your life-time exactly how you want to, with whom you want to and in the way you want to. With freedom comes responsibility. The gift of entrepreneurship is the ability to live responsibly and fully inhabit our lives and relationships with others and our work.
I look forward to seeing you enjoy your sabbatical too! All the best to you, Jenny!
Linda! I am so moved by your generous comment and sharing — your story and spacious sabbatical adds so much to this conversation. I really appreciate you addressing the elephant-in-the-break-room financial questions too, super inspiring! Huge thanks for sharing, and in such rich detail. Sending good thoughts your way for this next phase of your liminal state and subsequent becoming :) ✨🦋✨ Here’s to the best decade yet!!
Ryder is the goodest boi always. He's your little sherpa, making sure you do what's goodest for you. You have inspired me to do my own walking essay of serendipity signage. I have no doubt that you'll do whatever next move is in your highest good and I'll be here to cheer on whatever that is. XO
Ooh, I would love to see the results of your own serendipity signage walk!! Please do share! Last night I had a dream that I was carrying my goodest boi in my arms . . . was only sad when I woke up that I'm not strong enough to do that IRL . . . yet! Haha, one day 😆 Happy belated Thanksgiving, my beautiful brilliant friend!! ❤️🧡
This is so, so wonderful.💖
I love how cities speak to us through signs that are literally signs! I go on Oracle Walks in Camden that remind me so much of your magical experience. And my messages have gotten ever more clear - these days I get printed words in black and white so there is no mistaking the spiritual significance. I've spent the past week really tuning into something that I know is true for me in the deepest way, despite all of the messages around me that it's not possible. And as I got off the tube on Saturday, someone stepped in front of me with a bag that said simply and in all caps: WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW.
I wish for you the courage to ignore all of the circumstances in your world that clutter your truth by suggesting that you need to do anything other than exactly what is right for you to do, and the comfort of knowing that you will *always* be supported.
Thank you so much Patrick! Your encouragement and support truly means the world to me. And I love that you've been getting your own powerful messages in printed words, black and white! Clear as day!! I had a new slew of signs come in during today's walk — can't wait to hear about one of yours if you ever post about it sometime :) This line is so beautiful: "I wish for you the courage to ignore all of the circumstances in your world that clutter your truth by suggesting that you need to do anything other than exactly what is right for you to do, and the comfort of knowing that you will *always* be supported." Thank you!!
Amazing post! As you know, I’ve taken a sabbatical for much of this year. Stopping and pausing various projects, including my podcast, was necessary to do a hard reset and to try and hear what I and my life need and want. Big love to you xx
Thank you Nat!! Our conversations over coffee have been top of mind, including your observations, loving and bold encouragement, wise words about when to let things go, what to ask oneself in order to do so. “Have I accomplished what I set out to?” You’ve been living by example and it has inspired so many of my next moves!!
I LOVE this photo essay, Jenny! Your eye for capturing serendipity in signage is inspiring. ✨ I bet a well-deserved sabbatical would offer the space to uncover even more hidden treasures. ✨🌟✨💛✨ Here's to more exploration and alllllll the delightful surprises it brings!✨
Thank you Jenn!! It’s funny, on some days “nothing” happens at all (I’m just floating around in my head), and on others, like this particular Tuesday, I was rich in never-ending messages jumping out! Thank you for your encouragement...if only I had a seasonal journal-planner to jot more notes down in during the quiet sabbatical ;-) Sooner than later I will! 😆🌺🐝🙏✨
Ahhh yes I like to think they jump out when we need them the most 💛
Thank YOU for the continued encouragement!🐝✨🌟📝
This post in itself feels like a sign for me. I turn 49 in a couple of weeks which means I am heading into my 50th year. In Jewish tradition the 50th year, or year of Jubilee, was a year of living differently, a year of living off of the fruit and ‘riches’ that had been accumulated in previous years. It was also a year of letting things go and being released from things that had hampered other growth. I have been pondering the idea seriously and am encouraged that others also see the value in stopping, or slowing down, which feels so counter cultural.
🥳 Happy almost birthday Benjamin! What a beautiful application of Jubilee that would be — thank you for reminding us of that here :) I remember learning about it during my semestermat Union Theological Seminary, but hadn’t considered it as applied to individual lives, which is so powerful :) As above, so below! I love that this walking inquiry gave you some signs and permission slips in the affirmative to take a break too, and to enjoy all the fruits and riches of your life and labor surrounding this big milestone :)
so creative, Jenny - loved it!
Dorie & Alexis
Aww thank you so much DC and AR!! First joint comment ☺️🙏❤️ Can’t wait to see you both tomorrow!! Beyond grateful to know you’re here reading, and I especially love picturing you reading together 😍🥰
Jenny, I had a Thomas’s English Muffin today inspired by your walk and the images you chose. Especially liked the shot of Ryder and you. IThe hiatus in new subscriptions may be a result of despair with current events among the sensible, caring and creative people who would normally discover you. You have made gift subscriptions available - folks, let’s do our part and help Jenny to shine her light where it’s most needed.
John! I love knowing you had a Thomas English Muffin today inspired by ‘doh!! Very true re: subscriptions and revenue and the correlation with world events; we’re feeling that so strongly in our household too. Your words of support and encouragement, even around gift subscriptions, are above and beyond! It really means so much - thank you for being here reading 🙏❤️☺️
"Maybe I’ll add back slowly, an elimination diet for creativity." What a concept! Love!
Thank you Claire! I really appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment :D
This is lovely, Jenny! Josh Ritter is an absolute favorite of mine and the soundtrack is a perfect companion to your thoughts. xo
Loved this and loved the idea of putting the question out there and then being open to the answer coming to you in different ways!
Thank you Dimple! Happy holidays and big huge hugs to you & Kajal!!
Oooh, you have a super power!
The ability to see things, especially words. So many of us pass the day on auto-pilot with our eyes but you have the skill to see things that for others just blend into background noise.
It made me thing of The Da Vinci Code, or Sherlock and their ability to see things that are in sight but somehow hidden or not noticed.
Cool photo tour!
Good luck with your decision and thinking through a sabbatical. It's a tough one. You did an amazing interview podcast a while back mentoring someone through a similar decision on taking time off. Could they return the favour and help you process through the emotions, fears, goals, excitement and practicalities?
Yes, it really does feel like Da Vinci Code moments, where certain words and phrases glow and make themselves seen/known! I love this last line of your comment, and in fact you and the BFF community have already been so helpful tot hat end :) "You did an amazing interview podcast a while back mentoring someone through a similar decision on taking time off. Could they return the favour and help you process through the emotions, fears, goals, excitement and practicalities?" Happy holidays, my friend! I'm so grateful to have met you this year!
Likewise, super to have met you this year. (PS Don't want to overload the comments thread but I listened to this song exploder episode at the weekend and it made me think about you, your writings and all the substackers.... I swapped out the first line of "waves will catch you" to be "words will catch you" (I initially misheard) and somehow it really seemed to resonate. https://songexploder.net/sampha
Ooh, I love Sampha -- great rec!! Can’t wait to listen to this 🎶💥episode, and wouldn’t have found it otherwise; I always appreciate your comments here!