sacred sundays vol. 3

surrender. 🌀

“Save Me” shot by Taylor Simone on 35mm film

Every time that I write, I have to remind myself to just relax & breathe. It’s been quite an overwhelming task for me to find the trust and power in my own words, but committing to this newsletter continues to be a pressing matter on my heart. As you read my words, I want to first say thank you. Embrace the lines written on this post tenderly… it took a lot of guts for me to get here and put my thoughts out into the world vulnerably. Each time it gets a little easier, so I deeply appreciate you for being here.

*deep breaths*

S U R R E N D E R

Let’s dive right in.

I am currently stepping out of a season of my life where I felt like I was drowning. My mind flooded with anxiety and my body so submerged in the thick of it all, that my spirit was working overtime to alert me that the direction I was moving in no longer aligned with what was beneficial for my well-being or true calling.

All of the signs had been there for a minute that there were beliefs, environments, thoughts, people, and habits in my life that no longer “felt good” for me. Yet, I ignored and I ignored and I IGNORED. I was fighting my own feelings, my needs, my desires, my own inner knowing. Just a silly stubborn little fish swimming upstream against my own natural current. Overall I was making things harder for myself than I needed them to be. But why… why… why… would I continue to choose to allow my life to be hard when life, in general, is hard enough?

One day it just all started to click.

Glimmers.

Glimmers of God began to twinkle in. A soft presence began to sit with me. A quiet voice began to call my name. A gentle, easeful, and nourishing energy reminded me that I genuinely do not have to stay where it’s ‘hard’. At first, it was subtle but the closer I moved towards it, not only did it get louder but the clearer I could also see.

God threw me a life ring. A life ring to surrender. To release and let go of what no longer served this chapter of my life and to invite in all that ignites, energizes, excites me, AND most importantly brings me peace.

Marianne Williamson writes in her book ‘The Law of Divine Compensation’ that “To the ego mind, surrender means giving up. To the spiritual mind, surrender means giving in and receiving.” I cannot agree more with this message. Ultimately to surrender for me means to give in to what makes me feel good and to give up what does not. Simple as that.

Understand that there is moderation in everything so we do have to find our balance. Too much of anything can be harmful. But my message here is referring to moving towards the things that actually feel good, nourishing, and fulfilling to your overall and for your long-term benefit. Committing to the workout 3x a week might not feel good at first, but once you get into the flow of it and build the habit your body will thank you later for the improved energy levels. The good habits, the good relationships, the good opportunities… all that good adds up over time.

If we can spend the majority of our time continuing to follow things that drain and deplete us mentally, physically, and energetically then why can’t we simply choose to follow the things that make us feel good instead?! I’m thrilled to see what’s on the other side of me choosing to do the things that feel good for me. I hope that you give yourself permission to do the same. When God throws you the life ring, take it, let go, and surrender. There is so much good on the way.

“FOUR WAYS TO FEEL THE GOOD”

1. Feel your fucking feelings.

Is staying up late as fun as you think it is or is the lack of sleep making you groggy? Does going out every weekend actually bring you joy or is it a distraction? Is that person you’re seeing actually treating you how you desire or are you settling? Be real with yourself… Take a moment and ask yourself some serious questions. ‘What feels good for me?” “What doesn’t feel so good for me?” “What can I eliminate that will help me feel better?”

2. Devote time to what lights you up.

This is key. Take a moment to think of the types of places that you crave to visit. The type of people you feel most comfortable with and your authentic self around. The types of foods that make your body feel nourished and light. The types of music that elevate your mood. The style of clothing that you feel beautiful in. Move closer to these things that bring light and joy to your heart, move further away from what makes you feel the opposite. 

3. Prioritize self-care.

Get more sleep. Eat cleaner foods. Take breaks from social settings. Move your body. Spend some time in nature. Read a new book. Schedule yourself a massage. Write in your gratitude journal. Call up your best friend. Get your nails done. The list goes on but the goal here is to care for yourself and remind yourself that you are deserving of all the good.

4. Pay attention to your glimmers.

What are glimmers? To me, glimmers are those precious moments that occur when you remember that there is something greater, deeper, and more powerful than this external world can offer. Whether you call it, God, source, the universe, etc. it is the feeling of the divine nudging and telling you to surrender and be here now.

Glimmers come when you are the most open and present to receive them in the now moment. They can come through strangers, places, books, songs, rituals, homecooked meals, hugs, scents, license plates, butterflies, gentle touch, angel numbers, laughs, nature, therapy, prayer, billboards, family, your internet bestie, naps, stretches…. the list goes on. All you need to do is pay attention.

THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST

I’ve been working on this soothing & melodic playlist for some months now. Each song has been intentionally selected and ordered to guide the process of surrender. I hope that you can listen to these songs and feel open and receptive to aligning with what feels good in your life. Let me know your thoughts on it.

A MUST READ

“For having experienced the fullness of this depth of feeling and recognizing its power, in honor and self-respect we can require no less of ourselves.” - Audre Lorde

I highly recommend reading Audre Lorde’s essay “Uses of The Erotic: The Erotic as Power” which provides an illuminating understanding of how society suppresses women by telling us that our feelings are too much instead of encouraging us to use said feelings as our natural innate compasses that navigates us through life. Long story short it talks about “feeling our way” through life by use of the erotic. I have shared this essay many times on my Instagram and I read it a few times each month. Tip: Read it out loud. Hear your voice. Feel your power.

INTRODUCING “THE LABYRINTH”

I’m so happy to exclusively announce a brand new offering that I am bringing to life. I’m launching The Labyrinth – 1:1 Creative Consultations for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. The Labyrinth is for those who want advice, insights, and guidance on the creative journey from an intuitive, spiritual, and feminine approach. Together we’ll discuss what’s getting in the way with you creatively whether it’s mindset, branding identity, content ideas, or any questions that you’re looking for answers to from my POV. After 10 years of being a freelance creator, I am eager and excited to share the lessons and provide valuable guidance to those who need it. Book your call today or feel free to email me at hello@taylorshunter.com with any questions about the offering!

Thank you for being here and reading, it truly means so much to me. If any portion of this newsletter stands out, could you do me a favor and share it on Instagram and tag me? I’d love to know if my words inspire you in any way :)

And if you really really enjoyed it, please consider becoming a paid monthly subscriber OR gifting a subscription to a friend. Your continued support is appreciated!

With gratitude,

Taylor Simone xoxo