Gail D. Hughes
This is a brief list of books I have read that have given insight and wisdom along my path.
​
Thailand, 16 June 2025
Today I was doing my daily reading of Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef, and today's reading felt so fitting considering the state of the world.
​
"War is the unfolding of miscalculations." Barbara Tuchman
​
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and conflict, we are reminded of the dangers that come from clinging to the illusion of control. Whether between nations or within our own lives, the belief that we can understand and manage every outcome often leads to more harm than good.
​
It is not just the miscalculations that lead to conflict. It is the very act of calculating, of assuming we can always predict, fix or dominate. True peace begins when we step back from the need to control everything and instead cultivate humility, flexibility and compassion.
​
Wars are disastrous, whether between countries, within communities or in our own hearts. Let today be a call to release control and embrace understanding.​​
​
Blessings,
Gail (the transglobal, sauntering, nomadic, retired elder of excellence, gypsy!)
This is a brief list of books I have read that have given insight and wisdom along my path.
​
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 11 April 2025
Greetings,
Woke up inspired… Enjoy!
I have been reading Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef for over 35 years. I’m not sure how I first came across the book, but when I used to commute from the Bay Area (Berkeley/Oakland) on the BART (metro train) to my job in San Francisco in the mid to late 1980s, I made time to read daily inspirational passages as a form of meditation and preparation for the day. At that time, I worked during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and needed a source of strength and inspiration for my mental and spiritual health, given the devastation of those early years. It helped me centre myself.
​
On a side note, I remember rushing to finish the day’s passage before getting off at my train stop. How ironic, given the title of the book.
​
To this day, I still have the same book and travel with it for inspiration. When relevant, I share it with others. Today’s reading feels especially relatable. It speaks about busyness, rushing, and distractibility, the life of a workaholic. I remember when our kids were young, I would be in the kitchen, having just finished cooking. Everyone would be settled and ready to eat, and yet I would be eating while standing, still doing things like tidying up and looking for items, just staying frantically busy, trying to stay ahead. I didn’t know how to stop myself. My husband had to tell me to sit down, eat, and relax. He had to point it out because I truly didn’t realise I was constantly keeping myself busy or jumping to the next task.
​
So, today’s reading is incredibly relevant to me, even 35+ years later. I share this with you in the hope that it might resonate.
​
Blessings,
Gail (the transglobal, sauntering, nomadic, retired elder of excellence, gypsy!)