21 Comments
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Ralton Morrison's avatar

This was a refreshing and lovely read. Thank you. I have been in a writing slump and the battle of finding that balance between work responsibilities and passion projects is one I know all to well. I hear you. I see you. In sharing your own experience you highlight the need for quiet voices, courage to continue, and a nudge for those of us (it's me...I'm 'those of us') to get back into the creative flow.

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Ah Ralton, you are far too kind. Go you! You’ve got this ❤️

Cathy Park Kelly's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, Riley. The constant tension between income-work and passion work can stretch us too thin sometimes. But, as you say, thank God for reading! Looking forward to reading whatever your being-self chooses to write.

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Thanks so much, Cathy! Your kind words mean a lot.

Tiaan La Grange's avatar

It's lovely to have you back, Riley. This is such a good reminder to change perspectives; what pays the bills isn't always what feeds you.

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

So very true! Thanks, Tiaan :)

Erica Livingston's avatar

"Imperfect, slower, but present." Love it. Might borrow.

You've got this, R x

Amy Heydenrych's avatar

Beautiful post Riley! Your voice matters, and I always look forward to your words and reviews - they are a breath of fresh air and your passion is palpable. Wishing you a year of gentleness and contented creativity x

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Ah, this means so much to me. Thank you so much, Amy! x

Jen Thorpe's avatar

Welcome back. We've missed you. Go easy on yourself. You are enough.

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Thank you, Jen x

Marius du Plessis's avatar

I absolutely love this, Riley. It is a manifesto of honesty: the glorification of busy and the commodification of our time and passion has to stop! May this year be gentle, and if it isn't, may you find gentleness in the liminal spaces between the rocks. x

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Thank you, M. Always x

Marius du Plessis's avatar

The great irony of that inner saboteur (thank you Mrs RuPaul Charles) is this: I always look at you and marvel at your words, your consistency, your joy. I can't wait for your videos, your reviews, your substacks. And you already know what I think about your long-form writing. x

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

This made me smile! You're the best of us, M. Thank you <3 x

Zubayr Charles's avatar

Thank you for sharing. This fast-life and hustle culture really kills reading for me. I wish I had more time to both read and write.

Keep on keeping on, Riley. You’ve got this 🫂

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

I hear you! Thank you, Zubayr.

Diane Pretorius's avatar

Your honesty is refreshing. Remember the creativity and healing are not linear. We take a winding path, sometimes looping back on tracks we’ve already covered. I see you in this, and I’m cheering you on through all of it.

Riley Herbert-Henry's avatar

Thank you, Diane. It means a lot! x

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Jan 9
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