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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

I love everything about this post and champion your effort to create a more manageable work schedule. All my life I have followed a pattern of taking on too much and then scaling back.. It's a pattern on repeat for me and probably anyone else whose brain has a tendency towards new ideas and interests. It's so important to remember that we are in the driver's seat, fully in control of what we are building and how we are building it. Thank you for your honest reflection and for being an example of self advocacy.

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Shell Plant's avatar

Thank you Rebecca, that really means a lot to me. Yes, I'm exactly the same - I aim for balance but then get excited and want to try everything. And also constantly in a loop of getting overwhelmed and then streamlining! I also want to do things to a very high standard, and that is only feasible with sufficient time and resources.

I love your line about being in the driver's seat. And fully in control of the life we are building, and how we want to live it. 🥰

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Betty Williams's avatar

Birthdays are always a good time for reflection, aren’t they? Shell, you have shared so much wisdom in this post for all of us to think about when it comes to creative sustainability. You are so talented, my friend and I am happy to read your work regardless of how often you post! I’m glad that you enjoyed your birthday weekend with your family. And I am chuffed that you made tacos and margaritas from my newsletters! 🥰 Sending transatlantic hugs! 🤗 ✈️

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Shell Plant's avatar

Aw thank you so much Betty, that means so much to me! 🥰 Your tacos and margs are the best! I'm loving what you are doing this month!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

👏👏👏 A wonderful post, Shell. But first, and once gain, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I’m glad you had a great day and LOVE that you’ve been cooking with your family. This looked like an epic menu, too :)

I could definitely learn from your example of remembering not to let my enthusiasm run away with me 😅 so thank you for the reminder!

You *are* bloody awesome and your love for writing and food shines through 100%. You could post every 3 months and I’ll still be here to cheer you on :) As long you are happy, that’s what matters.

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Shell Plant's avatar

Aw thank you so much Mark!! Your comment has got me a bit emotional! 🥰 🥰 🥰

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Mark Thomas's avatar

🫶

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Jenn Sharp's avatar

So touching and it hits home. Not just for full-time creators (of which I’m not) but for any person who throws themselves into an endeavor…often to their own detriment. But you know what? There is no shame is tweaking. Adjusting. Finding the balance. Hooray for you for doing that. You are so right in every aspect of this post. 🥰

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Shell Plant's avatar

Thank you so much Jenn, that means so much to me 🥰

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Sheryl O'Connell's avatar

I will happily wait for your fabulous posts… I think your readers will too!

Good on you re-evaluate and regroup, being fabulous full time can be exhausting.

Wishing you continued success in whatever, and wherever you choose to shine your light. I am also looking forward to enjoying more glorious baking posts (and cooking the stacks)from you, however frequent or infrequently you post.

Happy Birthday week/month - we have this in common too 🎂!

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Shell Plant's avatar

Aw thank you Sheryl 🥰 Haha, yes, being fabulous full time can be exhausting! I love that 🤩 Thank you for your kind words!

Oooh, May is a birthday month for you too?

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Lisa McLean's avatar

Your birthday must have been just delicious and a bit of a dream after two cocktails. I would have been retired to the couch.

Very wise shift in your creative writing schedule, your weekly posts were great but totally unsustainable for one woman with a family. You will create something that suits you well. I’m interested to see the collaborations you have planned, that’s a good addition too Shell. Thanks for cooking my croquettes, good to see the boys at the station.

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Shell Plant's avatar

Thank you Lisa! Yes, it was really delicious. Your croquettes went down a storm! And yes, aren't they cute at their cookery station?!

I was a bit giddy after two cocktails, it's true!

Aw thank you, sustainable is key for me! I'm hopeful with more time, I can do an even better job Cooking the Stacks!

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