23 Comments
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Mary's avatar

I've been a nonprofit fundraiser for 20 years and last week, I resigned. I have no idea what I am going to do, but I knew I couldn't stand one more moment of THAT no matter how successful I was. This newsletter was perfection as I jump off the diving board!

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Congratulations on taking the leap! It sounds like the right choice. Excited to hear about whatever comes next. ❤️

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Jasmine Rasmussen's avatar

I heard something that Jas The Moon Mother said on an old podcast episode from Nov., “The world doesn’t want wisdom; it wants intelligence. They don’t value wisdom.” And I was like, oh. Yes, okay, thank you explaining my life. I had to look up the definitions because I had conflated the two. Intelligence is the accumulation of head knowledge(which, I personally have always found boring). Wisdom is knowledge gained from experiences of living. Wisdom not only knows, it also understands.

It takes courage to drop out of the head and into the body and feel the full spectrum of emotions that is the human experience and then express them. There is nothing lukewarmth about your writing, Caroline. It’s warmth embodied💓

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Jasmine! Such a beautiful sentiment. I think about this all the time, especially in the context of nature, and how we are trained to ignore or even dull so much of our inherent wisdom. But thank goodness for other people who understand. ❤️ Thank you for being thoughtful, as ever.

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Marie Murray's avatar

This is fantastic. Also, Patti Smith is a warm writer, but like, a cool one?

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you! And yes...she's like the writing equivalent of autumn. Or maybe spring. Seamlessly toggling between warm and cool and owning them both.

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Stephanie Blount's avatar

lukewarmth lolll love it!

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Alex Alfano's avatar

As a fellow writer, I couldn't have related to this more. And your words always (like, seriously, always) fill me up—with many things, but most of all, warmth. Thank you for your beautiful work.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you so much, Alex. That's a very high compliment, and it means a lot.

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Lisa's avatar

Just want to say--I am so thoroughly enjoying your newsletter. I'm a visual artist who wants to return to blogging because I care so very much about the things I love, and while I'm a competent writer, I long to have the warmth and elegance that you create with... thank you for all of it. I look forward to it every week. PS, warmth kicks the ass of cool any day.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you. And see, I've always wanted to be a visual artist! I can tell from your words you are also a member of Team Warm, and may I just say, I'm so glad you're here.

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kristi houk's avatar

Money quote (there are many in this post)

"On the worst days, it’s like trying to squeeze orange juice from a stapler."

Just...THANK YOU.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank YOU. It brings me much joy that you appreciate that line. And also, it's true!

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Lisa's avatar

I really loved this. Thank you for writing, it's a highlight of the week.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Lisa.

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Joana's avatar

"The more you push the boundaries of what is comfortable, the greater the potential for enjoyment". Wow! That really spoke to my heart. Thank you! Sending you a hug from Portugal

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Hi Joana! Hugs from NYC!

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Victoria's avatar

And we (your audience) are immensely grateful that you continue doing "homework". You create warmth with words, and that's a very special talent ❤

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Victoria. That made me cry a little bit (in a good way). It means a lot. ❤️

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Joanne Aika Castillo's avatar

This made me smile! I couldn’t agree more about cool and warm writers. At the end of the day, the warm writers are what I keep coming back to time and time again. Love this week’s installment :)

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Joanne! ❤️ I really appreciate it.

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Kathleen's avatar

Sending hugs of support to you as you write. Many, many hugs for this yoe-women's work.

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Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Kathleen. Sending the same to you!

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