16 Comments
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Caitlin's avatar

I'm so glad you posted this, it could not have been more timely.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Caitlin. ❤️

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Sarah's avatar

Love your writing so much!

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Sarah!

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Islay's avatar

I truly cannot explain to you how much I needed this message today. You have impeccable timing. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. I don't think I could have conjured up a more perfect newsletter to read this week. I feel *seen* reading your words, and I feel validated in your message of strength in authenticity.

You are incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and honesty with all of us. Keep up the amazing work. xo

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Emma's avatar

10 books?! That's amazing! You tell your imposter syndrome to f-off next time it shows up! And, I can totally relate. I think the issue with writing is that we can easily believe that if we just edit it 1,000 times then it will be perfect. But, "perfect" is a moving target and I really like your encouragement to focus on authenticity instead.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Emma! It's a moving target, for sure. And a lot of times, it's all too easy to compare someone else's completed (edited) work (that they might've labored over for years) to my own rough, percolating, still-in-process writing. Which is completely unfair to whatever I'm working on! Not to mention a pretty easy recipe for stifling creativity.

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Stephanie Blount's avatar

LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Sent it to daddy. The insights are relevant at any age. <3 Thank you for being you.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, my love, for being YOU. So lucky to know you. ❤️

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Jessica Herman Goldman's avatar

This was so insightful and inspiring — I've already shared it with many friends. Thank you for sharing these reflections!

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Jessica! I’m grateful for your support!

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Teddy's avatar

“forever roommate” 🤣

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Jacey's avatar

Thank you for your wonderful writing each week, Caroline. I understand imposter syndrome - and, ironically, it's writing like yours that makes ME feel I shouldn't bother writing. You have such a gift for writing, and I so appreciate your sharing it.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Jacey, both for reading and for the kind words. I really appreciate it! (And please don’t stop writing!)

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Raquel Oliveira's avatar

Reading your words makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Not sure that is the intended effect, though 🙃

There is a saying in German I adore: Aller Anfang ist schwer—every beginning is tough. It's true. I repeat it almost like a prayer whenever my beginnings feel awful.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Warm and fuzzy is good! All things considered, that sounds quite positive to me. 🙂 And I love that saying. It’s very, very true.

Thank you for sharing ❤️

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