Thank you so much for this. It’s particularly comforting to me, for some reason, that this is written by someone a decade (at least!) younger than me. I guess I thought that having these weird combo feelings was unique to my journey through my fifties -- a moment when the contrast between memories of my many previous lives and my present moment of reinvention are sometimes jarring, to say the least. Yet there is no One Path we all follow. And there is still much for me to learn on the pathway ahead. At this point, all I feel I can predict is that there *will* be some (more) weird, unpredictable shit around some of the corners up ahead. My greatest comfort is that I am much more certain of my ability to navigate it with what I’ve learned so far. And that there are some other compassionate humans out there who’ll be right there with me. I’m ready for (another?) comeback... Will keep you posted. 🙏🏼
Here’s another co-existence I like to assume (and experience): health and illness. Seemingly in opposition, living with chronic illness I’ve learned that it’s less about curing our bodies and more about healing the relationship we have with our bodies. Allowing these two states to live side-by-side is so very liberating. Thank you for articulating the necessity of opposites so beautifully!
This reminds me of something that I see online often, where the sentiment usually is, “you can make the best decision for yourself AND still be sad about it.” It’s true. Layers and multitudes.
This card reading could not have been more timely or pertinent for me. Having just been made redundant - totally out of the blue - it was exactly what I needed to read to remind myself that phoenixes rise from ashes. Thank you, I’m saving your words to re-read over the coming weeks as I seek to rebuild and move forward to a brighter future.
Aaaah, yes, two-fer-one?! Piecaken, indeed! (I remember this one)
I lived with a covert narcissist for decades; over half my life.
He was his shadow-self, self-loathing and violent-self only behind closed doors.
Outside, in the wotld - Mr Charming. In fact once, when I had to sit down on the floor of a supermarket, because I was so unwell...h ewandered off and helped a perfectly well person get something from a top shelf. He literally stepped over my leg to do so.
Both things existing at the same time. Yes. This is true. Even love and hate.
Caroline, I'm sending you love for your scruffy pal. It's so hard. There aren't words.
I know this feeling so well, I always have a multitude of feelings running like a river inside me, it is constant. And it is noisy. I have learned to embrace it, and love it even, as this is what fuels my creativity, and makes me live a sweeter, harder, and fuller life.
Oof. More like ACHEtober. Heavy emotions for sure. I'm sorry about your dog's health <3
Wise words from Semi-sonic remind me of my 2004 yearbook quote from Gin Blossoms, "The past is gone but something might be found to take its place." Cheers to that.
Thank you so much for this. It’s particularly comforting to me, for some reason, that this is written by someone a decade (at least!) younger than me. I guess I thought that having these weird combo feelings was unique to my journey through my fifties -- a moment when the contrast between memories of my many previous lives and my present moment of reinvention are sometimes jarring, to say the least. Yet there is no One Path we all follow. And there is still much for me to learn on the pathway ahead. At this point, all I feel I can predict is that there *will* be some (more) weird, unpredictable shit around some of the corners up ahead. My greatest comfort is that I am much more certain of my ability to navigate it with what I’ve learned so far. And that there are some other compassionate humans out there who’ll be right there with me. I’m ready for (another?) comeback... Will keep you posted. 🙏🏼
Here’s another co-existence I like to assume (and experience): health and illness. Seemingly in opposition, living with chronic illness I’ve learned that it’s less about curing our bodies and more about healing the relationship we have with our bodies. Allowing these two states to live side-by-side is so very liberating. Thank you for articulating the necessity of opposites so beautifully!
What a beautiful way to think about it 🥰
I’d add: loving yourself, even when parts of you let you down - although this is very hard to do sometimes 🥺
This is why this is my favorite newsletter. You capture the multi-faceted emotional aspect and beauty of being human. Better than anyone else! 🙏
Thank you so much, Cathy. That means a lot!
This reminds me of something that I see online often, where the sentiment usually is, “you can make the best decision for yourself AND still be sad about it.” It’s true. Layers and multitudes.
Lovely writing. “So much life,” I said, shaking my head. “So much life.” What a great response to the question!
I’ve not heard it said better than this. Grief and gratitude can co-exist and often do. Thank you for such a comforting message
I love that quotation from Anne of Green Gables! Also I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's declining health -- sending all good wishes your way ♥️
This card reading could not have been more timely or pertinent for me. Having just been made redundant - totally out of the blue - it was exactly what I needed to read to remind myself that phoenixes rise from ashes. Thank you, I’m saving your words to re-read over the coming weeks as I seek to rebuild and move forward to a brighter future.
Best of luck job hunting x
Thank you! 😊
Perfect timing Caroline. I so appreciate your words this morning. Thanks for reminding us all that change is inevitable.
Fuerza-- for what you are going through!
Aaaah, yes, two-fer-one?! Piecaken, indeed! (I remember this one)
I lived with a covert narcissist for decades; over half my life.
He was his shadow-self, self-loathing and violent-self only behind closed doors.
Outside, in the wotld - Mr Charming. In fact once, when I had to sit down on the floor of a supermarket, because I was so unwell...h ewandered off and helped a perfectly well person get something from a top shelf. He literally stepped over my leg to do so.
Both things existing at the same time. Yes. This is true. Even love and hate.
Caroline, I'm sending you love for your scruffy pal. It's so hard. There aren't words.
As with piecaken, congratulations, too.
Rusty xxoxx
I’ve said something similar in times like these… “life is really ‘life’ right now”
I’ve also used “bittersweet “ to describe the mix of two polarized emotions to a friend in a wedding speech. Caroline, we’ve been sharing minds …
I know this feeling so well, I always have a multitude of feelings running like a river inside me, it is constant. And it is noisy. I have learned to embrace it, and love it even, as this is what fuels my creativity, and makes me live a sweeter, harder, and fuller life.
Oof. More like ACHEtober. Heavy emotions for sure. I'm sorry about your dog's health <3
Wise words from Semi-sonic remind me of my 2004 yearbook quote from Gin Blossoms, "The past is gone but something might be found to take its place." Cheers to that.
“Life happens in layers.” So beautifully, infuriatingly true. Holding your pup in my heart today. ❤️
Thank you, Maddie ❤️
NEEDED THIS. Thank you!