17 Comments
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Tara's avatar

I love this, Toby. Such a great reminder message. I'm on vacation this week and reeeally missing my kitchen. It has been my safe space these past few months, as I've recently rekindled my love for baking.

I've promised myself that I won't spend these next several days doom-scrolling, but instead I'll research new-to-me recipes & read a couple of books. In fact, you sent me an autographed bookmark last year & I brought it with me on the trip. 💙

PS -- thank you for helping to save the sea life by recycling beach debris 🐢🐠

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Toby Neal's avatar

Thank you @Tara, I love baking when I'm stressed as well! But it tends to cling to my tummy 😵‍💫

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Julia Dixon's avatar

Loved and needed on this stormy day.

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Joanna Sakievich's avatar

Thank you -- you guessed right. Lots of us needed this.

Having a couple of those "slow motion" days in a row.

I went from being self-employed for decades to a FT employed teacher, and am currently maneuvering back into self-employed because there's an opportunity that I have that I really really want.

But, it scares me! That regular, reliable paycheck (tiny amounts are what I'm used to anyway, so...), having ALL of my time spoken for...I paradoxically loath and miss it.

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Toby Neal's avatar

Sounds like you're being very thoughtful about this.

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Rebecca's avatar

Thank you, a much needed uplift in these trying times!

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Marty's avatar

Such helpful advice when struggling with issues. Also, knowing that God is ultimately in control and has a plan is very helpful to me.

I live in Anahola Kauai, so I am really enjoying your books🤗

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Toby Neal's avatar

Fabulous, many memories in Anahola where some childhood friends lived and I used to visit!

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Beth Robinson's avatar

I appreciate you taking the time to write this extra! Exercise is often my go-to as well. Or calling to check in with a friend who I know is coping with something specific rather than existential and offering her/him support.

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Toby Neal's avatar

Good one Beth! We are not alone.

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Peter Mullens's avatar

More power to your elbow Toby! I agree that just doing something worthwhile, no matter how small, is always worth it.

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Susan Lilly's avatar

I plan to wash windows after lunch. Each swipe with my cloth banishes more than my pets' nose prints. I think better when I'm busy, and I resist more strongly when I am angry. Any inhibitions about "the situation" vanish.

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Toby Neal's avatar

It's a great metaphor, and physcial activity helps so much!

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Maile's avatar

Incisive take! Mahalo for the words ....

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Toby Neal's avatar

I hope it's helpful!

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AQUAHOLIC's avatar

We certainly CAN, and must respond to the current existential threats to our democracy. They are worth fighting for! There is much that can be done in the realm of political action, if that is where concerns are most urgent. Write, call, email your representatives. Join in a Protest, picket, town hall.... RESIST the tyranny! None of us should capitulate or surrender in advance. We're in this together, let's fight, together.

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Toby Neal's avatar

Yes, most definitely! But when we've given, called, marched, donated, posted etc etc, there is a place for finding peace...or people will burn out and become unwell. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

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