"Stay steady"—Quick Sunday Read
An inkling to tickle your thoughts and your words
Keeping things simple today. It’s been a couple of weeks since my last post/newsletter so I don’t want the day to slip by without a hello.
Hello, Friend.
I’ve been a bit off my axis as of late, off-kilter on the home front, dealing with some vulnerable family things which I will share about soon. And, I’m coming up for air from a week with an annoying flu.
It’s been a bit foggy, wobbly, and unsteady.
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.
A Quick Word - Words have power. Use them well.
This week's word: Steady
Dan Rather often discusses his father’s words of comfort in times of worry and crisis. “Steady,” his father would say. It became Dan’s mantra in those times of need and is the title of his smart, informative, and yes, often comforting Substack publication. He ends each newsletter with the signoff: “Stay steady.”
It brings me solace every time.
Steady. What a reliable word.
It's an adjective that means "firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving." Or “continuing to happen or change at a gradual and regular rate.”
As a verb, it means “to make something stop shaking or moving.” Or, “to become calm and controlled, or to help someone do this.
Stable. Balanced. Firm. Fixed. Secure. Fast. Safe. Committed. Dedicated. Devoted. Faithful. Stalwart. Staunch. Steadfast. Unwavering.
A peaceful mindset to carry through and forge on.
“If you want a steady hand, first seek a steady mind.”— Heather Plett
Steady is regulating and slowing the breath.
Steady is relaxing the muscles in your face. Sometimes you don’t realize how much tension you hold in your face.
"I want a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved.”— Shana Abe
Steady is the stillness of nature. Even in chaos, there’s something about bare feet on the grass.
Steady is in our pet’s affection. They always seem to know. Angels with whiskers. My cat’s purrs steady me.
Steady is the safe family container—families we’re born to and families we create.
“The heart just craves now for a steady beat."— Kashyapi
Steady is graceful body movement that balances your energy. Yoga, casual walks, Qi Gong. I took part in some steadying Qi Gong sessions this week. The concentrated balancing of my body’s chi (energy fields) really helped.
Steady is simple foods and good nutrition.
Steady is reading good words and is balanced intake of information—hard to do with all the misinformation swirling everywhere. It’s doing the research. It’s discernment.
“Slow but steady wins the race."— Aesop
Steady is even-tempered and letting triggers roll off your back.
Steady is consistent progress, not a race against the clock.
Steady is surrendering to the reality of a challenging situation, offering the opportunity to be present and deal with it.
With a steady hand. A steady mind. A steady heart.
Take a few moments this week to steady yourself…
Journal Prompt
Prompt: What does steady mean to you? Reflect on a time when steadiness shifted things for you.
Want to go deeper into your life? Consider embarking on a journaling quest:
The Art of Journaling to Transform Your Life & Live Your Purpose
A Quick Share
Here are a few more things worth sharing this week:
A quote I’m pondering this week: “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” Thich Nhat Hanh… His simple descriptive words made me exhale as I felt my face relax.
Steady is my prayer for the many victims of Hurricane Helena. This beautiful piece captures a mother’s journey, including some ways to help:
“Nobody Wants This” on Netflix. Loved the first season of this show. A relationship and sex podcast host (Kristen Bell) and an unconventional rabbi (Adam Brody) meet cute at a party and the possibly impossible journey ensues. Incredible chemistry and smart dialogue make it bingable. Twice… hey I’ve been on my couch all week. Here’s the trailer.
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah — A gorgeous and at times difficult read that I felt deeply. “The Women” is the story of one woman, a nurse who went to Vietnam, but it shone a light on all women who put themselves in harm's way for their their country, and all too often been forgotten. It’s a story about deep friendships and bold patriotism. It’s about courage under fire and “Women can be heroes.”
A creative journey starts with one step.
What do you want to create?
Perhaps a Creative Jam Session is the key to opening the portal to your highest imagination.
Now's the time for your Projects, Passion, and Purpose™! Book a year of creativity with me and you'll be amazed at what you accomplish.
You can also bring me on as a writer. Need help with a story, treatment, screenplay, bio, website, outline, newsletter, or profile? I’m your ghost. :)
Email me to chat about it. cindy@cindyyantis.com.
I hope you have a great week filled with staying steady. And, kindness.
Keep creating, abundantly,
Beautiful. It's a word and a mindset that isn't sexy and it's value is overlooked. I'm glad you're feeling better, happy to see you in Mt inbox (I'm catching up on all things too)