118 Comments
Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Sitting on the train to work listening to this and had tears rolling down my cheeks Brooke. I don't often comment, but have faithfully listened to everything you've posted and been grateful for your wisdom and insights. I'll be honest and say this is sad for me, I feel like I'm loosing a friend, but only wish the best for you and your family. I'll look forward to your new books being published and always have Slow on my bedside table to keep delving into. Please touch base just to say hello when you can as I'm sure I won't be the only one who misses you. Take care and thank you xx

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

I totally agree with the experience of Brooke being a friend. She has created a beautiful legacy x

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

This took me by surprise… I am happy for you dear Brooke but I am very sad. Nicolas word are exactly what I am thinking. Take good care dear Brooke and Ben - I will miss you deeply 🤍

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Aug 18·edited Aug 18Liked by Brooke McAlary

I feel like a mum who's kid is about to leave for university. In awe of everything they've done but going to miss them terribly. Thank you Brooke and Ben for holding a space for so many of us over these years.

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

I‘m happy for you, sad for me, and I will miss you. Thank you for all the work you‘ve done, you‘ve helped me a lot over the last years. And I‘m so looking forward to your literary fiction! Take care!

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

This morning I lay in bed and finished “Care: the radical art of taking time” with such a full heart, then meandered over here, not knowing, to find this letter. The timing feels true. SO much has been gifted over the years. My early 20’s/uni self has memories of your podcast playing whilst sunshine streamed through the windows and I hung my washing on the clothes rack at home, feeling like I didn’t know who I was, but listening & learning from you helped me to find spaces where I might imagine who I could be becoming.

Thank you for your care Brooke and Ben, Small and Big, and for your slow, authentic and true. 💛

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

All the very very best to you, Ben and the kids Brooke! What a beautifully written goodbye. I am super sad that we won't hear from you anymore but I also have the funniest sense of peace reading this newsletter. I cannot wait for your book to come out and will be so pleased to hear from you again when it does.

Sending you a massive hug, because it sort of feels like we are friends. Which is ridiculous, but that's the way your newsletters always make me feel 🥰

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I don’t think it’s ridiculous at all to consider people friends online. For years, online communities have been my only real connection to people. I wouldn’t be the same without them. ❤️

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Aug 19Liked by Brooke McAlary

Here here, Blythe. 🧡

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

You are so right Blythe!

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Brooke! What a magical, beautiful, generous space you created and shared with us over these years! I'm going to miss your writing in my inbox, but know I can always return to your books for your wisdom and wit. So proud of you for this big decision, and sending you every one of my best wishes for your future! xo

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Brooke and Ben, you will be dearly missed. You were one of my earliest inspirations for a slower paced life and for that I will be eternally grateful! As a long time listener and reader of yours, I (like many here) feel like I'm losing good friends who "get it." That being said, I'm so happy you're shifting to something that feels right for you right now, and I truly admire that! Best of luck in your next endeavors, much love to you both 💜

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I felt that every week brought a new idea or perspective to my life. I’d listen to the podcast while navigating through my own mess of a life. It brought me hope and joy. 🤩

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Dearest Brooke…this post has truly filed me with joy! You have been such a huge positive and transformational force in my life for many years. Your work changed my life. But, I 100% get what you are saying. It’s time to move on and create something new which is only possible because of the journey you have had up to now. Although I will miss your ‘presence’ in my life I am so grateful for what you have given and shared. Wishing you all the very best for the exciting possibilities that lie ahead and thank you 🙏 💚

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

Oh man! I’m so late to this party it’s over! Literally subscribed yesterday! I’m looking forward to doing the workshops and reading through the archives. Enjoying your books immensely- they have helped me so much. Totally understand feeling stuck - I’m there myself. Someone once said to me “When I am stuck….i move”. It’s good to take action. You have to. Go forth and prosper x

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I love the sentiment about moving when stuck. I think that’s key to making any kind of progress. Action and momentum are needed. 😊

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Aug 18Liked by Brooke McAlary

I love that - move when stuck! So simple but true.

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

Your newsletters and voice have been such wonderful company as i have been coming to terms with living with life altering long covid disability these last years. Last week already i had ordered your book Care as its a topic that feels relevant to me. So im looking forward to your continued company as i read slowly through that. Wishing you all the best as you step into what comes next for you.

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

I can’t say that I’m not deeply sorry (for myself! 😬) and I’m honestly choked up - but I hope that the step-back give you exactly what you need…

Sending hug soft hugs 💞

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Ahhh! Good luck, Brooke. Thank you for sharing this with us and thank you for this space. It’s funny, I’m currently re-reading “Care” and just wrapped up the kindness chapter. I see, understand and support you. Always listen and be kind to yourself 💙.

Looking forward to future email pop ins and novel readings (solid misfit crew and anything to do with the woods? Sign me up). Wishing you all the best ✨big shout out to Ben!

Cheers!!l

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Of course I will miss your words and voice, but I completely understand. Using your life as source material can be draining and exhausting. Lately I feel a shift in the way people show up for others and for themselves. It’s time that we all listen to what we need, even if it’s a whisper. That can be difficult these days with all the noise. I am in a similar place. I want a change, but I’m not sure what that will look like. Taking the steps to listen and do something new is courageous and amazing. I am grateful to have been a part of your journey and I wish you, Ben and your kiddos all the best. Live your fullest, most magical life. We will be here when you pop in! 😊❤️🎉🥰

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

I had to read this twice, just to make sure I was reading what I was reading! I will definitely miss your writing and podcasts. Thank you for all your wisdom over the years. I have been listening since 2016 and you have had such a postive impact on how I live my life. (And Ben has made me laugh...a lot!). Wishing you and your family all the very best. I will continue to revisit your books, podcast and workshops. Can't wait for your novel...I've only just gotten into the fantasy genre! Xx

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Oh Brooke, congratulations! I feel the opposite of let down by your announcement; I feel lifted up by your example. I’m excited for your present and your future. And I will gobble up that fantasy book when you publish it. Love to you and your family.

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I agree with Nicole. Setting an example by showing up for yourself first is amazing. Wise lady ❤️

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Congratulations Brooke and Ben on the summation of an amazing back catalogue of insights and honesty. I have really benefitted from learning about intentional living from you. And now I can't wait to get old and forgetful so I can listen to all the pogpasts again and enjoy them afresh! Wishing you all the best for the future as more doors open for you. Thank you so much.

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Aug 14Liked by Brooke McAlary

Good for you. I'll miss you. Thank you.

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Aug 15Liked by Brooke McAlary

This is so wise, and the perfect ending. There IS only so much to say. I’d love for more people to realise this. Thank you for everything. 💚

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