This is wild, but I saw that talk on YouTube awhile ago (I subscribe to TED) and it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing it from your experience - it feels extra special to me now.
I love the visual of an audience responding to your story and how incredible that felt. I felt a similar euphoria in the depths of my grief and depression when I started blogging at the dawn of when blogging first became a thing (2005ish). I could put my feelings out into the world and get a signal back that yes, this despair is real and hard, but you’re not alone.
I love imagining the world when blogging was brand new. (NOT giving you an assignment, but it would be fun to read a compare and contrast with sharing about your life then and now. Where’d we get off track? Is Substack doing something to “right” things? Or not? But again, this is not an assignment.)
That’s so special that you had seen the video. KC is a champion for a lot of people in my neurodiverse circles. 🧡
I’ve watched KC’s TED talk, read her book and follow her podcast. Its more special with your behind the scenes peek into your story. Thank you for sharing this with us. Imagine if struggle was just struggle, without the stigma? As Emily Nagoski says in Burnout: “When you think you need more grit, what you need is more help. When you think you need more discipline, what you need is more kindness. And when you think someone else needs more grit, what they need is more help. And when you think someone else needs more discipline, what they need is more kindness.”
This part really resonated with me "In years past, this would have been unthinkable. I thought doing my dishes made me a good person, a valuable wife and a talented homemaker and designer." I continue to be surprised (and shook) by all the ways that grief has shifted parts of my identity- especially unremarkable, but fundamental things about me- like being organized, a quick thinker, fast learner, neat and tidy.
Thanks for chiming in here! Grief has a bluntness that is hard to ignore. It’s not a “respecter of persons.” It’ll point out exactly what it wants to. 🫤
I read KC’s book when everyday tasks felt so daunting. One particularly difficult night, I washed one mug, just like the story from the book. And I had my cup of coffee the following day.
I didn't know you when you wrote this, Amanda, but now, after reading it and hearing KC share your story, I can deeply feel the stirrings of your grief and the relief of being seen. I'm so happy you attended that TED talk; what a gift it must have been! Being seen and accepted for our pain, suffering, and humanity is more significant than any award or accolade. Your efforts to help others feel seen are also deeply appreciated and not unnoticed.
So powerful! Thank you for sharing, my friend.
This is wild, but I saw that talk on YouTube awhile ago (I subscribe to TED) and it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing it from your experience - it feels extra special to me now.
I love the visual of an audience responding to your story and how incredible that felt. I felt a similar euphoria in the depths of my grief and depression when I started blogging at the dawn of when blogging first became a thing (2005ish). I could put my feelings out into the world and get a signal back that yes, this despair is real and hard, but you’re not alone.
Thank you for sharing this story.
I love imagining the world when blogging was brand new. (NOT giving you an assignment, but it would be fun to read a compare and contrast with sharing about your life then and now. Where’d we get off track? Is Substack doing something to “right” things? Or not? But again, this is not an assignment.)
That’s so special that you had seen the video. KC is a champion for a lot of people in my neurodiverse circles. 🧡
This was a wonderful read and a beautiful story.
And I especially liked your take away about giving a gift to other writers by letting them know you engaged with their work
Thank you
I’ve watched KC’s TED talk, read her book and follow her podcast. Its more special with your behind the scenes peek into your story. Thank you for sharing this with us. Imagine if struggle was just struggle, without the stigma? As Emily Nagoski says in Burnout: “When you think you need more grit, what you need is more help. When you think you need more discipline, what you need is more kindness. And when you think someone else needs more grit, what they need is more help. And when you think someone else needs more discipline, what they need is more kindness.”
I love imagining alllllll of this. Imagine if we didn't think we needed fixing? 🫶
What a great quote!
Thanks Jeffrey, I’m very fond of it.
This part really resonated with me "In years past, this would have been unthinkable. I thought doing my dishes made me a good person, a valuable wife and a talented homemaker and designer." I continue to be surprised (and shook) by all the ways that grief has shifted parts of my identity- especially unremarkable, but fundamental things about me- like being organized, a quick thinker, fast learner, neat and tidy.
Thanks for chiming in here! Grief has a bluntness that is hard to ignore. It’s not a “respecter of persons.” It’ll point out exactly what it wants to. 🫤
I read KC’s book when everyday tasks felt so daunting. One particularly difficult night, I washed one mug, just like the story from the book. And I had my cup of coffee the following day.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Fabulous, gripping and illuminating storytelling, Amanda!
I didn't know you when you wrote this, Amanda, but now, after reading it and hearing KC share your story, I can deeply feel the stirrings of your grief and the relief of being seen. I'm so happy you attended that TED talk; what a gift it must have been! Being seen and accepted for our pain, suffering, and humanity is more significant than any award or accolade. Your efforts to help others feel seen are also deeply appreciated and not unnoticed.
So powerful to read this. Thanks for sharing it.