"All writing, when done from an honest place is a reminder of our belonging in the world." What a beautiful, thought-provoking post. Thank you, Jeff, and I wouldn't miss your workshop next week.
Funny, I looked through photos of the 90’s when my daughters were young on Tuesday night and all those insecurities of being that mom who tried so hard floored me. The weight, the hair, the clean house, I didn’t have, even the irritated look on my husband’s face as I scrambled for the “white picket fence house” dream.
Yesterday, I watched as my grown daughters browsed through the packets upon packets. They told their stories. They made up stories of the youngest just waiting to be able to dominate the world. Joy filled my heart at what great women they and delighted in their beautiful, authentic smiles. We “wasted” hours yesterday afternoon or did we?
Writing and painting both feel like waiting at a desk, ears covered by headphones, bent near a receiver listening for signals. I appreciate this post, and I hear you.
Writing is a relationship with your readers. It is to me at least. And if you are doing it right, you have no expectations beyond starting a conversation.
Gosh, Jeff. You have a way of speaking truth into my life exactly at the right time :-). Starting with the “is this true” advice, Byron Kate’s “Loving What Is” book recommendation, and above the reminder of why our work is important & who it serves.
Biggest lessons I’ve learned this past year especially--- I’ve always had community & people supporting me, it just didn’t look the way I thought it would (or should).
I didn’t heal in isolation at all. I healed in the community I made, and the community who surrounded me even when I didn’t want anything to do with them.
This book I’m writing is not about me...it’s about the readers who need the same sort of hope and understanding I longed for in my own journey through healing. It’s an honor and privilege to give them their voice back and a path out of the desert.
As my first effort is undergoing the first edit, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, with my whole soul for your vulnerability and honesty. All of this. I now remember why I started this crazy project eight years ago. Keep going!
"Writing is a game of attention..." nice play on the dual meanings of this, Jeff. And, great reminder that "We tell our stories not just for ourselves but for those who cannot."
I write to grow—myself, my consciousness, my heart, my awareness, my world... and, certainly, also to speak to, and hopefully to help or inspire others along the way. Here's a recent reflection of mine on "growth" as a writer:
Interesting. I don't "write to remember" I am "not alone." I write to help others see they are not alone, but then I am operating in some epic struggle to save the world.
As usual, a heartfelt piece. As one prone to curmudgeonly isolation, I was reminded that we need others. I’ve just been burned so many times by the sins of others that I am reluctant to venture forth. I must say, however, that there ARE a few people out there worthy of trust. Writing for public consumption seems to be a way to expand the circle without too much initial risk.
I’m glad to have been there with Chad to make a bad day better. I write to teach what I know. I’m surprised that I know something others don’t. I lean on my spouse too, sometimes not enough. Hoping for both of us that there are more good days than bad ones.
“I am all on my own. It’s up to me. No one is going to rescue me. I’ll have to figure it out for myself. "
Yup. This is definitely the script that I have running in the background of my mind on most days. Its nice to know, in an odd way, that I am not the only one who feels this way, and that there is a way to counterbalance it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
"All writing, when done from an honest place is a reminder of our belonging in the world." What a beautiful, thought-provoking post. Thank you, Jeff, and I wouldn't miss your workshop next week.
Thank you, Joyce! More to come soon. :)
Funny, I looked through photos of the 90’s when my daughters were young on Tuesday night and all those insecurities of being that mom who tried so hard floored me. The weight, the hair, the clean house, I didn’t have, even the irritated look on my husband’s face as I scrambled for the “white picket fence house” dream.
Yesterday, I watched as my grown daughters browsed through the packets upon packets. They told their stories. They made up stories of the youngest just waiting to be able to dominate the world. Joy filled my heart at what great women they and delighted in their beautiful, authentic smiles. We “wasted” hours yesterday afternoon or did we?
Or did you. ;)
Love that.
Writing and painting both feel like waiting at a desk, ears covered by headphones, bent near a receiver listening for signals. I appreciate this post, and I hear you.
Yes. Well said. Thank you, Seth.
The “truisms are not always true.” Thank goodness. 💛
Heh. Indeed.
Writing is a relationship with your readers. It is to me at least. And if you are doing it right, you have no expectations beyond starting a conversation.
Writing, first and foremost, is a relationship with yourself that you happen to share with others. At least it is for me. :)
Beautifully put. Like therapy and networking all in one.
Gosh, Jeff. You have a way of speaking truth into my life exactly at the right time :-). Starting with the “is this true” advice, Byron Kate’s “Loving What Is” book recommendation, and above the reminder of why our work is important & who it serves.
Biggest lessons I’ve learned this past year especially--- I’ve always had community & people supporting me, it just didn’t look the way I thought it would (or should).
I didn’t heal in isolation at all. I healed in the community I made, and the community who surrounded me even when I didn’t want anything to do with them.
This book I’m writing is not about me...it’s about the readers who need the same sort of hope and understanding I longed for in my own journey through healing. It’s an honor and privilege to give them their voice back and a path out of the desert.
As my first effort is undergoing the first edit, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, with my whole soul for your vulnerability and honesty. All of this. I now remember why I started this crazy project eight years ago. Keep going!
This book club by Chad gives me a lot of ideas for something I want to build for healing communities
Very cool! I was so honored to be a part of it. It was refreshing for me. :)
I've just started this platform to write. It reduces my anxiety and even though l can't read all the writings I'm glad l read yours today
"Writing is a game of attention..." nice play on the dual meanings of this, Jeff. And, great reminder that "We tell our stories not just for ourselves but for those who cannot."
I write to grow—myself, my consciousness, my heart, my awareness, my world... and, certainly, also to speak to, and hopefully to help or inspire others along the way. Here's a recent reflection of mine on "growth" as a writer:
https://bowendwelle.substack.com/p/the-love-of-strangers-1000
Interesting. I don't "write to remember" I am "not alone." I write to help others see they are not alone, but then I am operating in some epic struggle to save the world.
As usual, a heartfelt piece. As one prone to curmudgeonly isolation, I was reminded that we need others. I’ve just been burned so many times by the sins of others that I am reluctant to venture forth. I must say, however, that there ARE a few people out there worthy of trust. Writing for public consumption seems to be a way to expand the circle without too much initial risk.
I’m glad to have been there with Chad to make a bad day better. I write to teach what I know. I’m surprised that I know something others don’t. I lean on my spouse too, sometimes not enough. Hoping for both of us that there are more good days than bad ones.
I never feel alone, no matter what I am doing even if I am isolated from any other people.
“I am all on my own. It’s up to me. No one is going to rescue me. I’ll have to figure it out for myself. "
Yup. This is definitely the script that I have running in the background of my mind on most days. Its nice to know, in an odd way, that I am not the only one who feels this way, and that there is a way to counterbalance it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I loved this article!
I started writing online this year as a way to connect and be more vulnerable so it's great to hear that I am not alone.