16 Comments
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Benthall Slow Travel's avatar

This felt so steady — not hype, not fear-fuel, just grounded agency. I especially appreciated the reframing that uncertainty isn’t a phase to wait out, it’s the environment we’re living in. That single line explains so much of the collective fatigue right now.

Your distinction between reacting and choosing feels particularly important at this stage of life. I see it so clearly in my own rhythms: when I’m consuming more than I’m creating, polling others instead of listening inwardly, clarity slips. When I move — even imperfectly — it returns.

What I love most here is the lack of moralizing. This isn’t about hustling harder or pretending the world isn’t on fire. It’s about reclaiming authorship in small, daily ways — attention, focus, follow-through — and letting that be enough.

Thank you for writing something that respects both reality and agency. This feels like the kind of piece people will come back to in March, not just read in December.

– Kelly

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Kelly for your thoughtful response. I'm glad it resonated and I hope people do read it as these are hard won lessons that I'm still working on myself! Happy New Year! 🥳

Benthall Slow Travel's avatar

Thank you, Jo — that shows in the writing. Hard-won lessons carry a different kind of weight, and this one lands with real steadiness. Wishing you a gentle, grounded start to the year. 💛

Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT's avatar

✅✅✅✅✅✅✅ Jo that is for ALL 7 choices you mentioned. I've applied all throughout most of my adult life however, I'm getting better at it. 😉

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Kathleen! Yep, lifelong learnings...

Small Town World Traveler's avatar

This felt familiar. The part about staying longer than feels comfortable especially.

I’ve been in a season of doing less, choosing more carefully, and letting things take the time they actually require. Writing through it has been part of how I stay honest instead of reactive.

Grateful for how you articulated this.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thank you! 😁👏

Not Exactly Ana's avatar

We need more people like you - spreading their wisdom and knowledge all over the world! 🌍

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thank you Ana! 😊🙏

Mary's avatar

Thank you, Jo!! This is excellent. All 7 hit home for me. Time to take action!

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Mary! Go for it! 😊

Adelaide Rix's avatar

I love "become an action-taker" because all the theorizing, list-making, discussions, and intentions accomplish ZERO. Thanks for the push!

Jo Barnes's avatar

Absolutely! Thanks for reading Adelaide. 🙏

Michael Jensen's avatar

Number 5 is definitely the one I struggle with...

Jo Barnes's avatar

Me too! I'm still trying to find the loop hole! 😂

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Jan 18
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Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Alison! I agree! 😊