I relate to all of this so much! The Christmas season has been so full already that I barely have time to read, let alone write anything. Sitting beside the early morning glow of the tree and reading this is an encouragement!
I can very much relate to your spiraling thoughts on writing, and I love the image of Christmas memories as a glowing tree! Also, please report back on the lip color--I WANT to be someone who can pull off a bold lip but am so intimidated by actually trying it!
Okay, so just a week into this new lip color, and I love it! I'm glad I went into an actual store to look and talk to someone (the girl at the store thought this color would be good with my skin tone + eye color). I definitely still feel a little self conscious when I wear it, because of course people are going to notice! But I'm trying to be more confident than I actually feel, because I do love it!
Talking to someone at the store is a great idea... I never know how to pick the right color! You are inspiring me to actually give this bold lip thing a try instead of just thinking about it!
Keep writing! Oh, please keep writing! I stopped and miss it so, and now feel so stuck in how to start again. You are a wonderful writer and so relatable. Don’t stop!
You should start writing again. 💛 I know I’m not an expert or anything. But pick up your pencil and notebook and start with... “I don’t know what to write about...” and see what you come up with. 💛 I do this sometimes when I feel stuck!!
We dragged our Christmas tree up from the basement — we’ve been sick again so it’s far from being decorated, but the lights are pretty without my contacts in at 2 AM 😆 They make being up with a baby a little more pretty at least.
Thanks, Joy!! I’m re-reading Bird by Bird and I feel like I’m enjoying it more (especially her thoughts on publishing!) this time around than I did the first time.
Loved re-reading this essay! We’re enjoying our “slow time” around here, too. Excited to listen to the respect episode, thanks for sharing! Also- solidarity in the writing spirals 👊🏻
Ok, I have never heard that Gabby Barrett song, but man, it got to me!
I love your writing and am always glad to see your name in my inbox, but I totally understand your angst. Everything feels so complicated, and I get so wrapped up in analyzing everything I'm doing, but at the end of the day, I keep coming back to one thing: I just want to WRITE. So that's what I'm going to do. It may never amount to much, but I am obeying that voice in my head that won't be quiet about my need to get the words out. I wish we lived near each other so we could just sit and talk about all of this!
Thanks, Erin!! Yes, I would love to sit down with you and just chat about it! I know many of my feelings are universal to other writers, but it's easy from behind the screen to assume it's all easy and going well for everyone. ;) Haha. I'm glad you liked that song too!!
I relate to all of this so much! The Christmas season has been so full already that I barely have time to read, let alone write anything. Sitting beside the early morning glow of the tree and reading this is an encouragement!
I can very much relate to your spiraling thoughts on writing, and I love the image of Christmas memories as a glowing tree! Also, please report back on the lip color--I WANT to be someone who can pull off a bold lip but am so intimidated by actually trying it!
Okay, so just a week into this new lip color, and I love it! I'm glad I went into an actual store to look and talk to someone (the girl at the store thought this color would be good with my skin tone + eye color). I definitely still feel a little self conscious when I wear it, because of course people are going to notice! But I'm trying to be more confident than I actually feel, because I do love it!
Talking to someone at the store is a great idea... I never know how to pick the right color! You are inspiring me to actually give this bold lip thing a try instead of just thinking about it!
Keep writing! Oh, please keep writing! I stopped and miss it so, and now feel so stuck in how to start again. You are a wonderful writer and so relatable. Don’t stop!
Thank you, Liz!! That really means a lot.
You should start writing again. 💛 I know I’m not an expert or anything. But pick up your pencil and notebook and start with... “I don’t know what to write about...” and see what you come up with. 💛 I do this sometimes when I feel stuck!!
I relate to all those feels. Love that you showed up anyway 💛
(I am also re-reading Anne Lamott. The perfectionism chapter feels like it was written just for me).
Yes! I’m enjoying her book a lot more this time around.
Ditto.
The quiet mornings and evenings in front of the tree are my favorite too. ❤️🎄
We dragged our Christmas tree up from the basement — we’ve been sick again so it’s far from being decorated, but the lights are pretty without my contacts in at 2 AM 😆 They make being up with a baby a little more pretty at least.
😆😆 I remember those nights!!
I relate to all of this Stacy! From the not having full on traditions to the imaginary book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks, Jill! 💛
So good! I relate to those conflicted feelings about writing/ posting. It’s really tough.
Thanks, Joy!! I’m re-reading Bird by Bird and I feel like I’m enjoying it more (especially her thoughts on publishing!) this time around than I did the first time.
Loved re-reading this essay! We’re enjoying our “slow time” around here, too. Excited to listen to the respect episode, thanks for sharing! Also- solidarity in the writing spirals 👊🏻
I felt sort of silly sharing an old essay... but people do that, right? 😆🫣
All the time. Not silly 😘
As always, your writing is so relatable and such a joy to read! I share your sentiments!
Thanks so much, Tanna!! I appreciate you and your cheerleading of me!
Ok, I have never heard that Gabby Barrett song, but man, it got to me!
I love your writing and am always glad to see your name in my inbox, but I totally understand your angst. Everything feels so complicated, and I get so wrapped up in analyzing everything I'm doing, but at the end of the day, I keep coming back to one thing: I just want to WRITE. So that's what I'm going to do. It may never amount to much, but I am obeying that voice in my head that won't be quiet about my need to get the words out. I wish we lived near each other so we could just sit and talk about all of this!
Also, that sunset pic is so dreamy.
Thanks, Erin!! Yes, I would love to sit down with you and just chat about it! I know many of my feelings are universal to other writers, but it's easy from behind the screen to assume it's all easy and going well for everyone. ;) Haha. I'm glad you liked that song too!!
I am going to take my glasses off at night now to look at the tree. What a powerful image and practice!
I thought about trying the same thing!
Did you try it?? I'm near sighted and have pretty bad vision with without correction. ;)
I look forward to listening to the "Respect" podcast! What's your #1 takeaway from it?
Did you get a chance to listen yet?? I really enjoy all of her episodes! They are short but so encouraging and helpful!