Just wanted to add that I love Whitney Houston and like you Caroline I thought the lyrics were 'Trust your feelings'. Her loss was so tragic. I think that maybe Whitney didn't trust her feelings and look to others for her self-worth.
Beautiful article! It's so hard to trust yourself and listen to your intuition when especially as women we have been taught to not pay attention to our feelings, to not trust ourselves and to look to others for answers. It's a long life process but I am getting there because NOBODY knows you more than yourself. Thank you sharing!
Beautiful piece! I find myself constantly seeking answers everywhere but I have to remind myself over and over again that it’s an inner quest. Thank you for the words you put out in this world; it lands with me every time.
Hi Caroline, it’s me, the one who saves your newsletters to read when I need them. They sit unread until a moment when I need a philosophical nudge, an emotional push, or just a thoughtful pause. I’m behind on these but I guess that means my last couple of weeks have been filled to the brim. I never forget they’re there, though, and here’s why: I feel so aligned with how you write about life and the tender, curious way you seem to view the world around us. It helps tenderize my heart a little, sometimes toward myself, other times toward others. I would love to hear more about whether you’ve always approached things with such curiosity, and how that’s shaped you as a writer and human. Can you cultivate curiosity in such a binary-biased world? Did you/your family cultivate it? Or did it come naturally? Or both?
Steph, I love that you save the newsletters for when they’re needed. That’s exactly how I wish for them to exist in the world — not a burden, the way unread emails and magazines can be, but a friend that’s waiting if and when you want connection. Your comment made me so happy, thank you. ❤️ And these are such good questions! They were exactly what I needed in this moment, as I’m approaching a new project that’s more memoir-like than I’m used to, and it has me questioning exactly what you write, as to why we are the way we are — nature vs nurture vs circumstance vs mystery. The short answer is that if my childhood journals are any indication, I think I’ve always been this way, but it’s likely the result of a number of influences. I’m an only child who spent a lot of time on my own as a kid, reading and daydreaming and communing with backyard squirrels. That fostered a curiosity that is good for writing and not always so good at parties, but it’s a trade-off I’m okay with. Thank you for asking. I appreciate your curiosity, and would love to discuss these themes in a larger way in the future.
As I work to rebuilding my life after aeons of coercive control and abuse, I am keeping a daily journal. I wanted to let you know that from time-to-time, I copy your words into my journal with "By Caroline Donofrio", because you ARE a sage.
Thank you for your 'old soul' wisdom! You're much younger than me, yet your wisdom is ages older than your years.
Rusty, Thank you for this beautiful comment. I am touched that my words land with you, and deeply honored for them to have a place in your journal. I'm so grateful that you are here. Sending you warm wishes today, and always. xx
Just wanted to add that I love Whitney Houston and like you Caroline I thought the lyrics were 'Trust your feelings'. Her loss was so tragic. I think that maybe Whitney didn't trust her feelings and look to others for her self-worth.
Beautiful article! It's so hard to trust yourself and listen to your intuition when especially as women we have been taught to not pay attention to our feelings, to not trust ourselves and to look to others for answers. It's a long life process but I am getting there because NOBODY knows you more than yourself. Thank you sharing!
Thank you, Yvonne. Agree with everything you say here!
Beautiful piece! I find myself constantly seeking answers everywhere but I have to remind myself over and over again that it’s an inner quest. Thank you for the words you put out in this world; it lands with me every time.
Thank you so much, Kristin! ❤️
Just for giggles, my brother in laws band covered that song and it’s a pretty great video. Check it out if you’d like.
https://youtu.be/x4E7vZmHSiM
The video is great! Especially love the Lite Brite graphics. :) Thanks for sharing.
Dear Caroline, you are the best! I love your writing so much and missed it on Cup Of Jo to find you here. All the best from Berlin!
Thank you! ❤️ So glad you’re reading. Warm wishes from New York!
Ahh I needed this one. Thank you friend ❤️
Thank you, friend. ❤️
Hi Caroline, it’s me, the one who saves your newsletters to read when I need them. They sit unread until a moment when I need a philosophical nudge, an emotional push, or just a thoughtful pause. I’m behind on these but I guess that means my last couple of weeks have been filled to the brim. I never forget they’re there, though, and here’s why: I feel so aligned with how you write about life and the tender, curious way you seem to view the world around us. It helps tenderize my heart a little, sometimes toward myself, other times toward others. I would love to hear more about whether you’ve always approached things with such curiosity, and how that’s shaped you as a writer and human. Can you cultivate curiosity in such a binary-biased world? Did you/your family cultivate it? Or did it come naturally? Or both?
Steph, I love that you save the newsletters for when they’re needed. That’s exactly how I wish for them to exist in the world — not a burden, the way unread emails and magazines can be, but a friend that’s waiting if and when you want connection. Your comment made me so happy, thank you. ❤️ And these are such good questions! They were exactly what I needed in this moment, as I’m approaching a new project that’s more memoir-like than I’m used to, and it has me questioning exactly what you write, as to why we are the way we are — nature vs nurture vs circumstance vs mystery. The short answer is that if my childhood journals are any indication, I think I’ve always been this way, but it’s likely the result of a number of influences. I’m an only child who spent a lot of time on my own as a kid, reading and daydreaming and communing with backyard squirrels. That fostered a curiosity that is good for writing and not always so good at parties, but it’s a trade-off I’m okay with. Thank you for asking. I appreciate your curiosity, and would love to discuss these themes in a larger way in the future.
Caroline,
As I work to rebuilding my life after aeons of coercive control and abuse, I am keeping a daily journal. I wanted to let you know that from time-to-time, I copy your words into my journal with "By Caroline Donofrio", because you ARE a sage.
Thank you for your 'old soul' wisdom! You're much younger than me, yet your wisdom is ages older than your years.
With much gratitude,
🥰 Rusty xx
Rusty, Thank you for this beautiful comment. I am touched that my words land with you, and deeply honored for them to have a place in your journal. I'm so grateful that you are here. Sending you warm wishes today, and always. xx
They most certainly land, settle, inspire and comfort.😘