Life is short
and long if you remember
Six years ago this week I closed my massage practice and emptied the office. It was March 2020… the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic… and the beginning of a dark night of my soul period. Not the first and maybe not the last.
I turned inward, bought flour & sugar in bulk, showed up live on social media in my robe a lot… reading cards & books to us. Floundered & fretted until I realized it was time to move back toward family of origin and then that became my focus.
Jump forward six years and I’ve done things eye never imagined… including run for county office and married for the third time. It’s not unusual for me to step beyond my vision… I generally let my heart & soul lead. Going with the flow is a longtime practice and simply a different version of surrender than many people practice. House shopping with someone was new to me, although it wasn’t my first house purchase and my name has never been listed on a county auditor’s office as homeowner.
Deciding where to land was a journey itself. Even though I was born in Cincinnati, the area was pretty new to both of us and the possibilities were wide open. We were thoughtful in our approach, explored neighborhoods from Delhi to Fairfield to Anderson and most areas in between. Ideally… we would be more centrally located with a welcoming & diverse community. Jumping in to a seller’s market and missing out on our first choices, we got real clear on things that mattered most to us…
We prioritized off-street parking, big trees & birds…. and found a home.
It’s not an architectural style either of us wanted. After 5+ years, we’re still both in agreement there. And also, this home is a blessing and offers us so much… including some wonderful neighbors who give us life… and yes, this time I mean two-leggeds.
originally published on March 18, 2026 at substack.com/@sunfisherdi
Humans… People, with all of our peopling often drive me bonkers. Staying present with all that happens in the world is a lot. The struggle to love us all is real. And loving in action can be all the things.
Still, eye keep practicing… with the help of trees, birds, butterflies & four-leggeds. If you are beginning/re-starting/deepening a practice of loving yourself, remember to be gentle with you along the way. Your practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s and in fact shouldn’t…. because it’s yours.
My practices including walking, stretching, yoga, mindfulness, centering & grounding… these ebb & flow, with no day looking exactly like any other. Practicing grace with me on extra levels as I catch up on work, home & connections. What are some of your practices?
Along the way… lengthen your breaths, lower your shoulders, unclench your jaw, drink more water & stretch your being…
Remember that you are more than enough, as you are.
And also, remember to stay curious… about your priorities & practices… about possibilities… because life is long, if you remember.