I loved this. Especially for Super Bowl weekend. (I just watch for the overpriced commercials 🫢)
I think when you’re really enjoying the journey and focusing less on the outcome, that is when you know you’ve found your thing. Of course big bang rewards are great too. I’ve learned that enjoying your everyday is just as glorious as winning the Super Bowl.
I’ve been drawing the Knight of Wands a lot for a while now and your reading today really resonated with me. I like the idea of viewing that card as a reminder to listen to and engage with the imagination, but also being open to seeing all of the possibilities in what is already around us.
Thank you, Nikhil. I’m so glad it resonated with you. The Knight of Wands shows up all the time in personal readings, but has never come up for the newsletter before! It was about time.
“How liberating to accept that a project’s success ultimately isn’t up to us — only its quality. You can pour your heart into it. You can give it your time and attention. You can leave it all on the page. But how the world reacts is very much not up to you.”
When I stop by Office Hours here, there is so much frustration in "How do I grow my subscribers?" How many get-rich-quick books have there been? How long before we learn there is no recipe for anything? And this is perfect, Caroline. They can't all be hits (and we still live in the mystery of why the post we slaved over is barely noticed but the one we kind of brain-dumped was beloved). Why can't we let mysteries be mysteries and just stay curious? It might make things a little more enjoyable. xo
Yes yes yes. That’s a big part of why I felt compelled to run it this week. I’ve seen so many threads reverse engineering how to go viral or voicing frustration that something isn’t performing as hoped. (And I 100% understand that impulse…and have found myself caught up in the same many times over.) But it’s mean to put that on ourselves when we only control one small part of the equation!! And also, shouldn’t we be striving to be resonant, rather than viral? Someone should really change that terminology. I’d rather be like a glorious echo than a pathogen. But maybe that’s just me.
Nope, not just you, my friend! I think the point is to have fun and do good work. Whether that's to make people think, laugh, feel or realize we are all connected. We should feel good about doing our best, and not because we have a good ratio. Not everything can be a hit. Not everyone is going to be famous. And, let me tell you, that last one is a blessing. And you are a glorious echo ringing in your own, unique voice, Caroline. xo
Beautiful, as always, Caroline. "Whenever I sit down to write (this newsletter included), I remind myself, 'they cannot all be hits.' I say this not to discourage myself, but so that I can actually type something." YES YES YES.
A little late to the party here, but I think this is such an interesting thought I couldn't help but comment!
I've gone into things with the idea that I've "nailed it" when in reality it's a flop, and vice versa. I try to remind myself to do things for ME first because if I'm happy about it, I won't care if it's a hit or a bust. It's like collecting art - buy a piece because you love it, not because you think it'll be worth more some day. If it never accumulates monetary value, but you love it - you won't care!
I feel like that's why it's so important to be your most authentic self. I think authenticity enhances the *magic* that goes into hit-making!
Love this. I sometimes wonder whether the piece we are missing as our rational minds try to figure out how to be 'successful' is dharma or destiny. I think our hard work and good intention intersects with the universe's plan for us. No matter how hard we work, if it's not dharmic/not in the plan we cannot force it, and sometimes we find ourselves pushing against the wrong doors....
Thank you for this wonderful piece. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on finding "hits." But I relate so well to your love of writing since childhood. That! That's what I love to feel when I begin writing.
I stopped writing for other people (magazines and copy writing work) because the generic voice (to sell ads), and pressure took away the fun. I began writing as a kid to entertain myself. I still do.
I notice my most popular stories are the ones I felt most passionate about. The ones I would jump out of the shower dripping wet to start writing, the ones that made me feel itchy if I didn't pour into words, immediately.
Whether my stories or my books are "hits" with other people isn't why I write. I do it because I love storytelling and to connect to people who may relate. I'm so grateful for readers who enjoy my tales and feel a connection, but I will continue writing as I did as a kid--because it gives me joy--not for others idea of success (going viral, fame, money).
“I may never know how to make a hit. But I’d like to make a difference.” Such a beautiful reminder. I also love the reminder of the childlike feeling of what it was to start writing in the first place. Here for the journey, not for the destination ❤️
This could be a high school graduation speech. Wonderful. I related with so much of this, but as I try to untangle my own creative unrest, this part hit great piece!
"The best part about being a beginner is that you’re not aware of the knowledge you’re lacking. You can’t see the possible stumbling blocks. You don’t know if you’re setting out on an impossible task. You’re not yet focused on making a hit — you’re just trying to make something. And when you’re learning and experimenting and seeing what works, a lot of good can come out of that."
Thank you for re-posting this, it was really helpful to read it again. There is so much chance and luck that goes into 'success', so maybe you are suggesting that we look again at what success is. Do we need accolades and many people to see it or do we need the satisfaction of a job well done? I love the image of you waving goodbye and wishing your writing good luck as it flies off into the world. Your job is done. Luckily, you have many readers who adore your writing so your words are working their magic, finding their luck, and landing in the right place :)
Thank you! I always think about those who wrote brilliant books but maybe the marketing didn’t land or the pub date coincided with, say, a pandemic. Or about the difference between critical success and commercial success and personal fulfillment. And I’m so very grateful for this readership that is willing to explore it all, too!
Favorite line, “I may never know how to make a hit. But I’d like to make a difference.” Words to live by.
Thank you, Kris.
I second Kris!! ✨💕🎯
I loved this. Especially for Super Bowl weekend. (I just watch for the overpriced commercials 🫢)
I think when you’re really enjoying the journey and focusing less on the outcome, that is when you know you’ve found your thing. Of course big bang rewards are great too. I’ve learned that enjoying your everyday is just as glorious as winning the Super Bowl.
Yes! I second absolutely all of this. (Including the commercials. :)
I’ve been drawing the Knight of Wands a lot for a while now and your reading today really resonated with me. I like the idea of viewing that card as a reminder to listen to and engage with the imagination, but also being open to seeing all of the possibilities in what is already around us.
Thank you, Nikhil. I’m so glad it resonated with you. The Knight of Wands shows up all the time in personal readings, but has never come up for the newsletter before! It was about time.
“How liberating to accept that a project’s success ultimately isn’t up to us — only its quality. You can pour your heart into it. You can give it your time and attention. You can leave it all on the page. But how the world reacts is very much not up to you.”
Your words changed me today. Thank you 💘
When I stop by Office Hours here, there is so much frustration in "How do I grow my subscribers?" How many get-rich-quick books have there been? How long before we learn there is no recipe for anything? And this is perfect, Caroline. They can't all be hits (and we still live in the mystery of why the post we slaved over is barely noticed but the one we kind of brain-dumped was beloved). Why can't we let mysteries be mysteries and just stay curious? It might make things a little more enjoyable. xo
Yes yes yes. That’s a big part of why I felt compelled to run it this week. I’ve seen so many threads reverse engineering how to go viral or voicing frustration that something isn’t performing as hoped. (And I 100% understand that impulse…and have found myself caught up in the same many times over.) But it’s mean to put that on ourselves when we only control one small part of the equation!! And also, shouldn’t we be striving to be resonant, rather than viral? Someone should really change that terminology. I’d rather be like a glorious echo than a pathogen. But maybe that’s just me.
Nope, not just you, my friend! I think the point is to have fun and do good work. Whether that's to make people think, laugh, feel or realize we are all connected. We should feel good about doing our best, and not because we have a good ratio. Not everything can be a hit. Not everyone is going to be famous. And, let me tell you, that last one is a blessing. And you are a glorious echo ringing in your own, unique voice, Caroline. xo
Beautiful, as always, Caroline. "Whenever I sit down to write (this newsletter included), I remind myself, 'they cannot all be hits.' I say this not to discourage myself, but so that I can actually type something." YES YES YES.
Thank you, Kate.
Really great! Also - I never noticed that about the caterpillar’s boots either. This is now my fun fact of the month. 🐛👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you, Chris!
A little late to the party here, but I think this is such an interesting thought I couldn't help but comment!
I've gone into things with the idea that I've "nailed it" when in reality it's a flop, and vice versa. I try to remind myself to do things for ME first because if I'm happy about it, I won't care if it's a hit or a bust. It's like collecting art - buy a piece because you love it, not because you think it'll be worth more some day. If it never accumulates monetary value, but you love it - you won't care!
I feel like that's why it's so important to be your most authentic self. I think authenticity enhances the *magic* that goes into hit-making!
Love this. I sometimes wonder whether the piece we are missing as our rational minds try to figure out how to be 'successful' is dharma or destiny. I think our hard work and good intention intersects with the universe's plan for us. No matter how hard we work, if it's not dharmic/not in the plan we cannot force it, and sometimes we find ourselves pushing against the wrong doors....
Thank you for this wonderful piece. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on finding "hits." But I relate so well to your love of writing since childhood. That! That's what I love to feel when I begin writing.
I stopped writing for other people (magazines and copy writing work) because the generic voice (to sell ads), and pressure took away the fun. I began writing as a kid to entertain myself. I still do.
I notice my most popular stories are the ones I felt most passionate about. The ones I would jump out of the shower dripping wet to start writing, the ones that made me feel itchy if I didn't pour into words, immediately.
Whether my stories or my books are "hits" with other people isn't why I write. I do it because I love storytelling and to connect to people who may relate. I'm so grateful for readers who enjoy my tales and feel a connection, but I will continue writing as I did as a kid--because it gives me joy--not for others idea of success (going viral, fame, money).
“I may never know how to make a hit. But I’d like to make a difference.” Such a beautiful reminder. I also love the reminder of the childlike feeling of what it was to start writing in the first place. Here for the journey, not for the destination ❤️
This could be a high school graduation speech. Wonderful. I related with so much of this, but as I try to untangle my own creative unrest, this part hit great piece!
"The best part about being a beginner is that you’re not aware of the knowledge you’re lacking. You can’t see the possible stumbling blocks. You don’t know if you’re setting out on an impossible task. You’re not yet focused on making a hit — you’re just trying to make something. And when you’re learning and experimenting and seeing what works, a lot of good can come out of that."
This was 100% the post I needed today. Your words always resonate, but these REALLY hit. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 💗
I’m so glad it resonated! Thank you, Erin.
Knight of wands feels perfect for this Monday. Imagine what is possible
Yes! A good card for a Monday.
Thank you for re-posting this, it was really helpful to read it again. There is so much chance and luck that goes into 'success', so maybe you are suggesting that we look again at what success is. Do we need accolades and many people to see it or do we need the satisfaction of a job well done? I love the image of you waving goodbye and wishing your writing good luck as it flies off into the world. Your job is done. Luckily, you have many readers who adore your writing so your words are working their magic, finding their luck, and landing in the right place :)
Thank you! I always think about those who wrote brilliant books but maybe the marketing didn’t land or the pub date coincided with, say, a pandemic. Or about the difference between critical success and commercial success and personal fulfillment. And I’m so very grateful for this readership that is willing to explore it all, too!
Loved this - and very much needed the reminder that pressure is creativity killer numero uno.
Thank you, Christie! I’m glad you enjoyed it.