Good morning! I am trying to embrace my experience and years vs self-sabotage the aging process through my page, You Look Tired. This week I'm on the road for work and I miss the times when younger me could intake caffeine without a panic attack... And I'm pretty sure the barista gave me regular coffee this morning (green sick face)
I literally stood and watched the barista make this mistake 10 minutes ago (algorithms are wild!!). She had to re-pour my shots. Thank God, I caught it.
Thanks, Jaimee. I felt like there was more to say as I was writing that part of the post. Then I remembered my reaction to that scene in the Barbie movie when the mom takes her daughter's Barbies away and tells her she's too old to be playing with dolls. It wan then that I realized that this was not just my experience but one that many girls faced.
Evelyn -- this is a powerful post. I definitely had issues with my mom -- I'm learning to think of her (and the child that I was) with compassion. Your article certainly helps move towards that place.
Yes! Compassion is where I landed, too. Sh*t rolls downhill as they say. I can have compassion for the little girl in my mom who was parentified at 12. I am proud to be a cycle breaker. Just because those behaviors happened in the past, they can end with me.
Most weeks, the day I publish keeps changing. I have an outline content calendar, and its flow or route changes. I've no other 'big writing projects' but I'm continuously researching and writing up insights to use now/later in the website or different format. I've nurtured my 'knowledge management system' since 2018 ;-) My #1 priority is always caregiving appointments, etc, so I write in between. However, my post format changes between resources, insights, and personal experiences, which makes things easier - but then I'm website building.
1) "Dementia, Music and Creativity Anthology": A collaboration anthology focusing on Dementia, Music and Creativity. - contains the Dementia Action week articles and starts to house new creative endeavours ...I found The Grace Notes Community Singers and added Amy Standridge's work today - SO COOL!
2) Web published "COUNTDOWN to Carers Week 9 - 15 June. I Care About Equality for Carers this #CarersWeek. Do You?
I’m sharing the Carers UK information and resources to enable anyone who cares to add their voice in solidarity to this campaign. Let’s turn up the volume on vital issues. What can you do to help? #Carers Week #Caring about Equality
🗄️ Campaign Details, at the end of the article are links to key facts and evidence-based research 🧰 Downloadable resources for print/social media
I stay open to regularly tweaking my rhythm with Substack as needed. When I first started, I was on here all the time, but my Substack didn't become what I wanted to financially so I shifted things around and now it's got a little less priority but I play around with it and have fun with it more. If that makes sense. I fit it in where it feels good, I suppose - where it gives me energy instead of draining it.
My favorite this week was that I shared a two-part interview with painter Ciera about mental health and creativity. The first part is answered only in her images and the second elaborates in words.
If anyone is moved to comment, I know she would love to see some responses!
That definitely does make sense! I love this: "I fit it in where it goes good... where it gives me energy instead of draining it." I'm still learning this!
Hello! Jessica, I too am finding the balance between Substack writing and other writing. I'm working on an essay for June's Woodstock NY opening story slam and I also have a newsletter due on Monday. I'm a bit obsessed with simplifying life in all the ways we can so that we can focus on our creativity and all that is meaningful to us! I am sure I don't engage or post nearly the # of notes I "should". https://danalaquidara.substack.com/
Good morning! Last week I shared Part I of my reflection on a complicated "homecoming" with the ashes of my parents and grandparents. Part II is up this week. https://mo25.substack.com/p/roots-part-ii
Loved your post. When my mother died, my three siblings and I gathered in Sweden to bury her ashes where she was born -- it was the first time in 40 years that all of us had been together! Since then, we've managed to get together more often. Her death brought us "home."
Oh, I love that. Thank you for sharing. It's strange how death can change our perceptions of everything we thought was fixed -- home, family, relationships -- and make it all more mutable.
To answer Jessica's question, Substack IS my main writing practice these days. It took the place of academic writing for me, and I'm much happier. When school is in session, I've found that giving myself an hour each morning to write--first thing, without opening email or anything else--helped keep me grounded because I could feel like I'd done something that was important to me no matter what the rest of the day brought. I'm imagining that's how I'll do summer too, though I think I can take more than an hour each morning. (I'm hoping to bank a bunch of posts for when life is busy.)
This -- writing in the morning, first thing, nonnegotiable -- has always been what works best for me as well, whether it was my academic writing, journalism, or any other type of writing. Thanks for sharing, Erica :)
Hi! I work a full-time corporate job and a Mom of 3 teen boys. I enjoy writing on substack but find consistency to be my biggest challenge. I want to write what's meaningful in the moment where I've had time to put thought in. I write about creating a more connected, happier and joy-filled life—grounded in science, research and personal stories. My latest post about my oldest son graduating from high school and the little "wisdom" I have to share for him and other graduates. https://katherinelibonate.substack.com/p/the-one-piece-of-advice-i-hope-my
Hello, this week I shared a post on parenting young adult children -- not for sissies! Sometimes I don't even like my children...and then I remember this:
So honest and smart! I actually posted this in a note a couple of weeks ago. Think you might enjoy:
Love this quote I've had pinned on my bulletin board since my kids were babies. (They're now adults, but I still keep the quote on display.) It's from Carl Semmelroth, Ph. D.
"Parenting is more like gardening than sculpting. Like flowers, children contain the 'plan' for their development. When you plant what you thought was a red tulip and it comes up yellow, you don't spray its blossoms with red paint."
Didn’t publish this week, but working on two stories simultaneously. One is about Jung’s inner child, the nervous system, and the case for public television. The other is about striking a balance between productivity and creativity and the potential pitfalls of a disciplined life. Waiting to see which makes it to my Substack first!
Happy Fri-Yay All! As far as Jessica's question about fitting in the Substack writing, I'm still figuring it out. But generally, I reserve afternoons for Substack writing and try to get to my other to-dos in the morning. Not an exact science for sure.
As for my article this week, I wrote about how traveling with my octogenarian father can be a real trip.
Love the prompt… for me, Substack is my weekly writing practice. I started ReSwissed because I wanted the challenge of regularly sharing my writing, plus forcing myself to learn about my newish home in Switzerland.
That said, I’d like to be pitching more outlets and think I’ve started using “oh I have to write this newsletter” as an excuse to avoid the scarier thing (pitching). So I’m considering switching to every 2 weeks to give myself more time for other things. But… I also really like doing the newsletter.
Anyway, this week I wrote about joining our town’s community boundary day, where you walk the borders of the town… with multiple snack breaks
Hi Linda, I think we connected a while ago, I'm not sure. I'm following you now and will make a note of your Substack (currently heavily oversubscribed right now! ;-))
Reason being - I used to live in Basel, first in Breisacherstrasse, then St Jacobstrasse (imagine Fascnacht!), then Steinbuhlweg in Allschwil before moving to Zug.
I miss Basel. When I visit my friends and I walk along the canal to the Beyeler. aahhh nostalgia!
Oh, my, goodness-- how did I miss this? If it isn't too late, I would like to offer my piece last Friday. My son was denied parole last fall and this is a glimpse into what it is like to write a parole board on behalf of your son for the next shot at him coming home. Raw, real, and all of that stuff...
Like others here, it can be challenging to stick to my writing goals. I am the primary caregiver to my mother, who has Lewy Body Dementia, and try to write when our aide is here. But there is so much that needs to be done and, like most women, everything else seems to come first. I do appreciate this opportunity to post once a week, and share with other women who may have similar experiences.
Good morning! I am trying to embrace my experience and years vs self-sabotage the aging process through my page, You Look Tired. This week I'm on the road for work and I miss the times when younger me could intake caffeine without a panic attack... And I'm pretty sure the barista gave me regular coffee this morning (green sick face)
https://open.substack.com/pub/jaimeekosanke/p/marathon-not-a-sprint?r=19jxel&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I literally stood and watched the barista make this mistake 10 minutes ago (algorithms are wild!!). She had to re-pour my shots. Thank God, I caught it.
That is wild. So glad you caught it! Really great to connect here Bridget!
Agreed! Decaf friends, unite!!
Good morning. This week I published part 8 of my 10 part mother wound series. I share a lot about the process I've gone through and continue to navigate in dealing with my "mommy issues." https://revevelynb.substack.com/p/how-i-learned-to-connect-with-my
Your exploration of dolls and emotional ties is fascinating. I'd read more on this topic if you continue to dive into it!
Thanks, Jaimee. I felt like there was more to say as I was writing that part of the post. Then I remembered my reaction to that scene in the Barbie movie when the mom takes her daughter's Barbies away and tells her she's too old to be playing with dolls. It wan then that I realized that this was not just my experience but one that many girls faced.
I will check it out!
Evelyn -- this is a powerful post. I definitely had issues with my mom -- I'm learning to think of her (and the child that I was) with compassion. Your article certainly helps move towards that place.
Yes! Compassion is where I landed, too. Sh*t rolls downhill as they say. I can have compassion for the little girl in my mom who was parentified at 12. I am proud to be a cycle breaker. Just because those behaviors happened in the past, they can end with me.
Happy Friday Midstack Share Thread, folks! Howdy, Jessica
Most weeks, the day I publish keeps changing. I have an outline content calendar, and its flow or route changes. I've no other 'big writing projects' but I'm continuously researching and writing up insights to use now/later in the website or different format. I've nurtured my 'knowledge management system' since 2018 ;-) My #1 priority is always caregiving appointments, etc, so I write in between. However, my post format changes between resources, insights, and personal experiences, which makes things easier - but then I'm website building.
1) "Dementia, Music and Creativity Anthology": A collaboration anthology focusing on Dementia, Music and Creativity. - contains the Dementia Action week articles and starts to house new creative endeavours ...I found The Grace Notes Community Singers and added Amy Standridge's work today - SO COOL!
https://www.carermentor.com/p/dementia-and-music-anthology
2) Web published "COUNTDOWN to Carers Week 9 - 15 June. I Care About Equality for Carers this #CarersWeek. Do You?
I’m sharing the Carers UK information and resources to enable anyone who cares to add their voice in solidarity to this campaign. Let’s turn up the volume on vital issues. What can you do to help? #Carers Week #Caring about Equality
🗄️ Campaign Details, at the end of the article are links to key facts and evidence-based research 🧰 Downloadable resources for print/social media
https://www.carermentor.com/p/countdown-to-carers-week-9-15-june
Fascinating, Victoria! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your writing practice. I would love to have any kind of content calendar!
I stay open to regularly tweaking my rhythm with Substack as needed. When I first started, I was on here all the time, but my Substack didn't become what I wanted to financially so I shifted things around and now it's got a little less priority but I play around with it and have fun with it more. If that makes sense. I fit it in where it feels good, I suppose - where it gives me energy instead of draining it.
My favorite this week was that I shared a two-part interview with painter Ciera about mental health and creativity. The first part is answered only in her images and the second elaborates in words.
If anyone is moved to comment, I know she would love to see some responses!
https://createmefree.substack.com/p/interview-with-cierra-g-rowe-part (visual)
https://createmefree.substack.com/p/interview-with-painter-cierra-g-rowe (words)
That definitely does make sense! I love this: "I fit it in where it goes good... where it gives me energy instead of draining it." I'm still learning this!
I'm definitely all about only doing it when it's feeding you and not draining you!
Hello! Jessica, I too am finding the balance between Substack writing and other writing. I'm working on an essay for June's Woodstock NY opening story slam and I also have a newsletter due on Monday. I'm a bit obsessed with simplifying life in all the ways we can so that we can focus on our creativity and all that is meaningful to us! I am sure I don't engage or post nearly the # of notes I "should". https://danalaquidara.substack.com/
Yes, that's the thing! You can feel a lot of "shoulds" when you start writing on Substack.
Good morning! Last week I shared Part I of my reflection on a complicated "homecoming" with the ashes of my parents and grandparents. Part II is up this week. https://mo25.substack.com/p/roots-part-ii
Loved your post. When my mother died, my three siblings and I gathered in Sweden to bury her ashes where she was born -- it was the first time in 40 years that all of us had been together! Since then, we've managed to get together more often. Her death brought us "home."
Oh, I love that. Thank you for sharing. It's strange how death can change our perceptions of everything we thought was fixed -- home, family, relationships -- and make it all more mutable.
Read and commented. So beautiful.
Thank you so much, Dana.
Good morning! My post this week was nominally about birthdays, but really about seeing people. https://ericalucaststonestreet.substack.com/p/birthdays-whats-missing?r=25crho
To answer Jessica's question, Substack IS my main writing practice these days. It took the place of academic writing for me, and I'm much happier. When school is in session, I've found that giving myself an hour each morning to write--first thing, without opening email or anything else--helped keep me grounded because I could feel like I'd done something that was important to me no matter what the rest of the day brought. I'm imagining that's how I'll do summer too, though I think I can take more than an hour each morning. (I'm hoping to bank a bunch of posts for when life is busy.)
This -- writing in the morning, first thing, nonnegotiable -- has always been what works best for me as well, whether it was my academic writing, journalism, or any other type of writing. Thanks for sharing, Erica :)
Hi! I work a full-time corporate job and a Mom of 3 teen boys. I enjoy writing on substack but find consistency to be my biggest challenge. I want to write what's meaningful in the moment where I've had time to put thought in. I write about creating a more connected, happier and joy-filled life—grounded in science, research and personal stories. My latest post about my oldest son graduating from high school and the little "wisdom" I have to share for him and other graduates. https://katherinelibonate.substack.com/p/the-one-piece-of-advice-i-hope-my
This is a great one -- read, liked, and commented. Congratulations to you and your son from a fellow Class of 2025 parent!
Wonderful advice for any age! I actually posted a note yesterday that supports your wisdom. A very distilled version of one of your points:
We are always in such a hurry to get to the next thing.
The world doesn't care how fast we go. It spins at the same pace regardless.
Find your peaceful pace and settle into it. You’ll get to where you’re going.
This reminded me that I love graduation speeches & it’s that time. I need to seek out some more.
Now thinking about who my people are. Inspired to send them a text.
Hello, this week I shared a post on parenting young adult children -- not for sissies! Sometimes I don't even like my children...and then I remember this:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-164581027
So honest and smart! I actually posted this in a note a couple of weeks ago. Think you might enjoy:
Love this quote I've had pinned on my bulletin board since my kids were babies. (They're now adults, but I still keep the quote on display.) It's from Carl Semmelroth, Ph. D.
"Parenting is more like gardening than sculpting. Like flowers, children contain the 'plan' for their development. When you plant what you thought was a red tulip and it comes up yellow, you don't spray its blossoms with red paint."
Didn’t publish this week, but working on two stories simultaneously. One is about Jung’s inner child, the nervous system, and the case for public television. The other is about striking a balance between productivity and creativity and the potential pitfalls of a disciplined life. Waiting to see which makes it to my Substack first!
Both sound fascinating! Hopefully we'll read one of them next week!
Ooh, that first one sounds interesting with its surface-level-very-different elements. I'm looking forward to it!
Happy Fri-Yay All! As far as Jessica's question about fitting in the Substack writing, I'm still figuring it out. But generally, I reserve afternoons for Substack writing and try to get to my other to-dos in the morning. Not an exact science for sure.
As for my article this week, I wrote about how traveling with my octogenarian father can be a real trip.
https://open.substack.com/pub/distractedbyprettythings/p/lessons-from-traveling-with-my-80?r=43tgx8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I'm sure it helps to have a daily/weekly "container" just devoted to Substack writing! Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed reading your article, Leslie. I also read 'The Weight of my Sister's Descent' - heartaches for her and your family.
Following you now and will look out for your posts.
Thanks so much! I followed you back.
Hi all!
Love the prompt… for me, Substack is my weekly writing practice. I started ReSwissed because I wanted the challenge of regularly sharing my writing, plus forcing myself to learn about my newish home in Switzerland.
That said, I’d like to be pitching more outlets and think I’ve started using “oh I have to write this newsletter” as an excuse to avoid the scarier thing (pitching). So I’m considering switching to every 2 weeks to give myself more time for other things. But… I also really like doing the newsletter.
Anyway, this week I wrote about joining our town’s community boundary day, where you walk the borders of the town… with multiple snack breaks
https://ljgolden.substack.com/p/checking-the-border-stones
Thanks for sharing! I think many of us can relate to the pitching dilemma.
I also really like doing my newsletter and prefer that to many other things I "should" be doing!
Hi Linda, I think we connected a while ago, I'm not sure. I'm following you now and will make a note of your Substack (currently heavily oversubscribed right now! ;-))
Reason being - I used to live in Basel, first in Breisacherstrasse, then St Jacobstrasse (imagine Fascnacht!), then Steinbuhlweg in Allschwil before moving to Zug.
I miss Basel. When I visit my friends and I walk along the canal to the Beyeler. aahhh nostalgia!
It’s so easy to get oversubscribed on here. Delightful to connect with someone who knows where Allschwil is.
https://open.substack.com/pub/hilaryconnors/p/fairy-godmother?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1ksyw1
I wrote about an important woman from my childhood. As I was restitching the wings back on the fairy she had made, I waxed whimsical.
Oh, my, goodness-- how did I miss this? If it isn't too late, I would like to offer my piece last Friday. My son was denied parole last fall and this is a glimpse into what it is like to write a parole board on behalf of your son for the next shot at him coming home. Raw, real, and all of that stuff...
https://www.blacksheepmom.com/p/the-etiquette-of-groveling
Like others here, it can be challenging to stick to my writing goals. I am the primary caregiver to my mother, who has Lewy Body Dementia, and try to write when our aide is here. But there is so much that needs to be done and, like most women, everything else seems to come first. I do appreciate this opportunity to post once a week, and share with other women who may have similar experiences.
https://tracydrolet.substack.com/p/self-care?r=eldoh
I’m happy with this abecedarian that I wrote off the prompt “assignment.” https://open.substack.com/pub/kdbonville/p/assignments?r=4e5q4&utm_medium=ios