30 Comments
User's avatar
Saved by Grace's avatar

Hi Patricia, I absolutely love reading your posts as I find them so reassuring; your journey reflects my experiences so closely that I feel seen, even though we don't know each other. My deepest layer that I'm changing is stopping self criticism, believing everything is my 'fault'. That and the shame I've felt for thinking I must be weak. Of course, I'm far from weak and I know that now, but it's taken a long while for me to let that go. I read this quote today 'all you need is already within you, only you must approach yourself with reverence and love. Self condemnation and self distrust are grievous errors...all I plead with you is this; make love of yourself perfect'. Isn't that beautiful? I've started writing in the journal you sent us...so far, so good 🙂

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Hi Karen,

Thank you so much for sharing this—it truly touches my heart to know that my words make you feel seen ❤️

I’m so proud of the work you’re doing to let go of self-criticism and shame. That quote is absolutely beautiful—it perfectly captures the essence of self-love and self-compassion!

And I’m thrilled to hear you’ve started writing in the journal I sent! I hope it becomes a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and celebrate your growth

Expand full comment
Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Your closing message about having the courage to keep going really resonated with me. Life can be so challenging at times, and it's easy to feel discouraged or defeated. But as you so beautifully articulated, it's the act of moving forward, one step at a time, that ultimately leads us to where we need to be. So here's to 2025, and to all the steps we'll take along the way – may they be filled with courage, faith, and the unwavering belief that we're exactly where we're meant to be. 🩵

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you, Alexander. Your words really resonate with me as well. Life can definitely feel overwhelming at times, but it’s those small steps forward that make all the difference. I’m so glad the message connected with you.

Here’s to 2025 and the courage we’ll all continue to find on our journeys 🩵

Expand full comment
Candice Anderson's avatar

I can't thank you enough for the beautiful content you create. Over the last few months it feels as if you are writing specifically for me. Your writing has offered me validation countless times. You have helped me in my season of surrendering and patience. Thank you for the light you share. 💛🙏💙

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Candice,

Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words—they mean so much to me ❤️

I’m truly grateful that my writing has resonated with you and offered you validation during this season. Knowing it has been helpful inspires me to keep sharing!

Expand full comment
LaRae's avatar

Once again, you speak my heart right to the core. U say the words my heart is begging to say. Thanks to you, I am going to begin my healing journey of not being able to say no or have a voice of how I really feel. I’m want to learn and am learning. I want that joy that comes from surrender and deep seated happiness. Most importantly the joy that God wants for me. Thanks again for taking the time to share of your journey.

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

I’m deeply touched that my words resonate with you in such a meaningful way ❤️

Learning to say no and express how you truly feel is life-changing! I’m so proud of you for taking that step. A couple of months ago, I wrote a post that I think will help you a lot. It’s my step-by-step guide to saying no and setting boundaries! I know how isolating that journey can feel, so I shared everything that helped me go from people-pleaser to someone who honors their own needs.

https://consciouslyy.substack.com/p/boundaries-the-step-by-step-guide

I hope it’s helpful for you as you continue your journey!

Expand full comment
Hayley's avatar

"And the more I prioritize these little rituals, the more I realize they aren’t little at all—they’re the foundation for everything else."

This sums it up perfectly.

A lovely post that I will come back to I'm sure!

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you, Hailey 🫶🏼 I'm so glad my words resonated with you!

Expand full comment
Marieb's avatar

Thank you for the humility and for Point 1!! 🙏❤️

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you for reading! 🙏

Expand full comment
Linz Walking Wilder's avatar

I resonate so much with your experience and I love your writing. I feel I was guided here ❤️

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you so much. That means a lot to me ❤️

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Beautiful advice, Patricia. I especially love your suggestions to step back, surrender, and let love guide us.

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you once again, Sandra ❤️

Expand full comment
Meliss's avatar

I just had to leave my beloved dog at the vet for emergency surgery. While I am waiting I am reading and rereading your piece because it is grounding me. Thank you.

All things do appear when they are needed or you are ready for them.

Expand full comment
Meliss's avatar

Thank you. She is nearing the end of her time close to 16 years at this point. Four years spent in an abusive environment, five years in the shelter with no adoption offers. Then we came along and everything changed. She is very resilient and we fully expect her to live these coming months surrounded by everything and everyone she has come to know and love. As for me, the writings on Substack have opened a door for me and I too will surround myself with the things and people I know and love until it is time to say “goodbye for now.”

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

It means so much to me that my piece is grounding you during this difficult time. You’re absolutely right—things often appear just when we need them most!

It’s so hard to leave a beloved pet in such a vulnerable moment. A few years ago, I had to leave my dog for emergency surgery too, so I know exactly how that feels. Sending so much love and strength to you and your dog ❤️

Expand full comment
Tricia Odham 🔥's avatar

You are speaking my language. Definitely time for me to upgrade my subscription. Thank you for your offering. ✨️✨️✨️

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you so much, Tricia! I’m so glad my words are speaking to you ✨️

Expand full comment
Mary Kay's avatar

A LOVELY read, resonated throughout -- very timely, TY!

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you so much, Mary. I'm glad it resonated with you!

Happy New Year!

Expand full comment
William Morris's avatar

Patricia, Where do the paid subscribers find the Inner Compass Journal?

Thank you for the beautiful work you do.

William

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Hi William!

The Inner Compass Journal is included in the welcome email for paid subscribers. Sometimes that email can end up in the spam folder, so it’s worth checking there if you haven’t seen it. I’ve also included the journal in the last part of the Creating Safety Within series, which you can find here (at the end of the article): https://consciouslyy.substack.com/p/youre-not-low-maintenance-you-just

Let me know if you have any trouble accessing it!

Thank you so much for supporting my writing - it truly means a lot to me 🫶🏼

Expand full comment
William Morris's avatar

Patricia,

Thank you for helping me find this. I look forward to doing the work.

Best wishes,

William

Expand full comment
Tiffany's avatar

2,3, and 4 really resonate with me. I learned many of the same or similar lessons as you in 2024, but you articulated them beautifully. I’m a natural-born storyteller, but I really struggle with the “How can I make this concise and valuable for others” part of content creation and I feel like your list was created out of your own stories, but had tangible steps to take and created ideas for others. I’m hoping to get better at bridging that divide in the new year.

Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Hi Tiffany,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment—it means a lot to me that some of the lessons resonated with you 😊

I completely get how challenging it can be to balance sharing personal stories with making them concise and valuable for others. It’s definitely something I’ve had to work on over time, so I know you’ll get there too!

Wishing you lots of creativity and growth as you bridge that divide in the new year. You’ve got this!

Expand full comment
Kat's avatar

"stop fighting long enough to listen" - this has been the hardest thing for me to do this year. but once I started listening, it has become so much easier to let go and just be. Faith & Trust over fear & doubt. Thank you again for such honest writing.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jan 4
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Patricia W.'s avatar

Thank you so much, Shreya ❤️ It’s so touching to know that my stories resonate with you in that way.

I’m really grateful you’ve been reading and revisiting my work—it inspires me to keep sharing. Thank you for being here!

Expand full comment