Yay you! I am happy to hear that you are giving yourself this time. I appreciate your voice and thoughts. I do hope you will share what you are working on so we can continue to read your words. I like this little nook you made. I guess I am a lucky one that doesn’t pay much attention to substack. Your space here feels like a special spot hidden behind ferns after you pass the waterfall. Not everyone knows how to get there, but those who do,know the magic of it.
Thank you, Kari. I love the visual of a hidden spot behind ferns. What a beautiful sentiment. I deeply appreciate the support and will be back soon! And in the meantime, I’ll surely keep you posted on all.
I look forward to hearing about your book and reading it! Your writing never fails to capture me and my imagination and take me on a journey. It's wonderful and amazing and brave that you're doing the hard thing and focusing on what YOU need and not what others (or the substack app) are demanding/requiring. Good luck, you've got this!!
Thank you, Natane! I appreciate the support and encouragement (today and always). I’ll be back soon(ish), Hopefully with news and a renewed vision. See you soon.
You’ve captured the feeling many of us writers on Substack have been feeling… and I admire your commitment to your writing (by focusing on your book instead of forcing the weekly posts). Routing for you! 🙌
Your next layer deserves light. If your leaving means an even more you emerges here, there, or somewhere else that’s not the weirdness that is Substack, I’m all fucking in. (I might be holding a vigil in the meanwhile.) Speaking of vigils, last night I went to a Catholic cathedral on purpose (not a funeral) for the first time in ten years seeking a dramatic bookend to a big era that’s wrapping up. It was meaningful but I gotta say… it’s been just as holy listening to Dr. Dog’s ST album and reading your newsletter on the couch in my pjs surrounded by animals “…momentarily connected to something that sustains us. No matter how secular, no matter how common, no matter how small.”
Now unbuckle your seatbelt and go move freely about the cabin.
Thank you! For these beautiful words and your ongoing support and the always excellent glimpses and insights you share. Reading on a couch surrounded by animals is my preferred state…maybe as holy as it gets! Excited to return —and catch up — soon.
So glad you’re doing what you need to do for your work—I’ve been following you for years now, and I’m so excited for the next iteration. Thank you for the eternal inspiration and guidance—what a lighthouse you are. 🤍 Sending you all the best writing vibes!
Thank you, Emily. (Your comment popped up first after publishing and it made cry, in the best way.) I so appreciate you sharing this journey and am excited to come back soon!
WHEW. Even though we're on different professional journeys, so much in this essay felt personally resonant. I've been grappling with many of the same feelings in recent months, and—as always!—am so glad you put words to this struggle. Even though I'll miss your presence here, I'm also *really* glad that you're tuning into your needs and stepping away for all the reasons you mentioned here.
"Somewhere within me, a voice whispers, remember why you started." Indeed. ❤️ Sending all the positive novel karma your way, Caroline!
Thank you so much, Maddie. I didn’t want to get too schmoopy in the post (it’s not like I’m leaving altogether) BUT I feel I must thank you for your support in so many ways over these last few years. Hands down the very best part of my Substack experience has been the connections and friendships — the people — I’ve gotten to know, through their writing and comments and sometimes IRL. It’s really what’s kept me going. And your insights and encouragement and the parts you share of your own journey have meant so much. So thank you!
I am so touched to read this, Caroline. I see a lot of "rhymes" in the experiences we've shared these past couple of years, and your essays have consistently been sources of wisdom/solidarity/levity precisely at the moment each was required in my own life. Plus, you're just an all-around awesome person! I'm so grateful we've connected here.
Here's hoping you're getting everything you need from your break. 🤗
Caroline - for however long you're gone, I'll be here when you come back or follow you elsewhere. Your words are comforting and I often come back to your posts, especially the ones with lists!
Kinda funny, I've experienced similar emotions on Substack, I have seen notes bashing ghostwriters and I think of you when I see them. I have noticed how Substack caters to what makes them money and for that, I think of what to do with the audience I have if substack wasn't around.
I don’t blame you. Substack really IS spiralling and probably the reason I’ve held on to your blog for so long. Wishing you all the best, Caroline. We’ll be here for you whenever you’re ready. 🌻
May this gift you offer yourself bring peace, the freedom to roam freely in your own creative space, and the delight of doing something because you long to do it.
Boom.
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” (Joseph Campbell)
I often switch the word ‘being’ with ‘becoming’ …becoming who you are.
Such awareness and courage Caroline. You’re a role model for us all.
Thank you, James! I can always count on you for a word of wisdom. So grateful to know you.
Yay you! I am happy to hear that you are giving yourself this time. I appreciate your voice and thoughts. I do hope you will share what you are working on so we can continue to read your words. I like this little nook you made. I guess I am a lucky one that doesn’t pay much attention to substack. Your space here feels like a special spot hidden behind ferns after you pass the waterfall. Not everyone knows how to get there, but those who do,know the magic of it.
Thank you, Kari. I love the visual of a hidden spot behind ferns. What a beautiful sentiment. I deeply appreciate the support and will be back soon! And in the meantime, I’ll surely keep you posted on all.
i love this and i was nodding in agreement and confusion the entire time. Enjoy the pause
Thank you!
I look forward to hearing about your book and reading it! Your writing never fails to capture me and my imagination and take me on a journey. It's wonderful and amazing and brave that you're doing the hard thing and focusing on what YOU need and not what others (or the substack app) are demanding/requiring. Good luck, you've got this!!
Thank you, Natane! I appreciate the support and encouragement (today and always). I’ll be back soon(ish), Hopefully with news and a renewed vision. See you soon.
I SO, SO admire you Caroline. Be well, be happy but most of all BE YOU. 💙
Thank you, Sally! 💛
You’ve captured the feeling many of us writers on Substack have been feeling… and I admire your commitment to your writing (by focusing on your book instead of forcing the weekly posts). Routing for you! 🙌
Your next layer deserves light. If your leaving means an even more you emerges here, there, or somewhere else that’s not the weirdness that is Substack, I’m all fucking in. (I might be holding a vigil in the meanwhile.) Speaking of vigils, last night I went to a Catholic cathedral on purpose (not a funeral) for the first time in ten years seeking a dramatic bookend to a big era that’s wrapping up. It was meaningful but I gotta say… it’s been just as holy listening to Dr. Dog’s ST album and reading your newsletter on the couch in my pjs surrounded by animals “…momentarily connected to something that sustains us. No matter how secular, no matter how common, no matter how small.”
Now unbuckle your seatbelt and go move freely about the cabin.
Thank you! For these beautiful words and your ongoing support and the always excellent glimpses and insights you share. Reading on a couch surrounded by animals is my preferred state…maybe as holy as it gets! Excited to return —and catch up — soon.
So glad you’re doing what you need to do for your work—I’ve been following you for years now, and I’m so excited for the next iteration. Thank you for the eternal inspiration and guidance—what a lighthouse you are. 🤍 Sending you all the best writing vibes!
Thank you, Emily. (Your comment popped up first after publishing and it made cry, in the best way.) I so appreciate you sharing this journey and am excited to come back soon!
WHEW. Even though we're on different professional journeys, so much in this essay felt personally resonant. I've been grappling with many of the same feelings in recent months, and—as always!—am so glad you put words to this struggle. Even though I'll miss your presence here, I'm also *really* glad that you're tuning into your needs and stepping away for all the reasons you mentioned here.
"Somewhere within me, a voice whispers, remember why you started." Indeed. ❤️ Sending all the positive novel karma your way, Caroline!
Thank you so much, Maddie. I didn’t want to get too schmoopy in the post (it’s not like I’m leaving altogether) BUT I feel I must thank you for your support in so many ways over these last few years. Hands down the very best part of my Substack experience has been the connections and friendships — the people — I’ve gotten to know, through their writing and comments and sometimes IRL. It’s really what’s kept me going. And your insights and encouragement and the parts you share of your own journey have meant so much. So thank you!
I am so touched to read this, Caroline. I see a lot of "rhymes" in the experiences we've shared these past couple of years, and your essays have consistently been sources of wisdom/solidarity/levity precisely at the moment each was required in my own life. Plus, you're just an all-around awesome person! I'm so grateful we've connected here.
Here's hoping you're getting everything you need from your break. 🤗
Enjoy the break and good luck with the book. It's always inspiring when someone prioritizes what they really need and want most. ❤️
Thank you so much, Amelia! ❤️
Caroline - for however long you're gone, I'll be here when you come back or follow you elsewhere. Your words are comforting and I often come back to your posts, especially the ones with lists!
Kinda funny, I've experienced similar emotions on Substack, I have seen notes bashing ghostwriters and I think of you when I see them. I have noticed how Substack caters to what makes them money and for that, I think of what to do with the audience I have if substack wasn't around.
I hope the time away is recuperative!
Well done for priorising what you need and articulating it so clearly. Great role modeling for the rest of us 👌
Thank you so much!
I don’t blame you. Substack really IS spiralling and probably the reason I’ve held on to your blog for so long. Wishing you all the best, Caroline. We’ll be here for you whenever you’re ready. 🌻
❤️ a spacious pause to you! The love is reflected back🫶🏼
Thank you, Victoria!
May this gift you offer yourself bring peace, the freedom to roam freely in your own creative space, and the delight of doing something because you long to do it.
Exquisite, funny, and kind. Glad to find you here
Thank you, Sean!