Amen! I, too, have a voice that says, "Who do you think you are, thinking you can write a novel and that anyone will read anything you write?" I remind myself that's not the point. I write because I know it's what I'm supposed to be doing at this point in my life—channeling any residual orange-slice energy (I never actually sliced oranges, but I know the competitive snack vibe), growing out my grays, and running with that gut feeling to write, write, write. I cannot solve the world's problems, but if there was ever a time for more empathy, understanding, and processing of our world, this is it.
So well said Catherine. To put writing out into the world is to throw a baited fishing line looking for a bite of connection. I connected with this. Thanks.
"We admit it: we never liked Pinot Grigio or those moms with orange slices at the soccer games, wearing cute outfits and make-up on a rainy Sunday at 8:00 am." OMG, those moms! I was such a messy-haired outsider in those days, but they smiled politely and tried to pretend otherwise. It's a relief to be in midlife now, with grown kids who turned into fabulous adults (despite the lack of orange slices.)
This. Herstory was untold for most of human ‘his’tory and now it’s time. Normalise women’s lives and we start changing how women are seen… and what’s possible. I sometimes think I’m writing into the void but then I think even if that’s true the mere act of writing helps me process my life and show others that their feelings and thoughts are normal… as Seamus Heaney wrote..: my pen is my sword
Love, this Catherine: "Look. We’ve stopped pretending we wanted that job, that marriage, those bullshit expectations to shut up and smile..." There is something really nice about looking at the next generation and saying..."ok, Yours! I'm done with that bit now."
I think the idea of sharing our stories is a confirmation that we aren't alone and we aren't making it all up. This is a restart button phase of life. and ...who knew?
Yes! I'm also a older white lady living in the land of Bernie, Ben and Jerry :) And this....
"When I started writing (mostly personal essay and memoir), the voices in my head whispered, “No one cares,” and “Who do you think you are?”Then I published, and I heard something else: Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story."
Exactly what happened to me... keep writing and sharing...
I am trying, but I am also tired, and peri-menopausal, ha.
I am also reminded of something that Dr. Clarissa Este said, that we were made for these times. She used the analogy of a great ship and how great ships were not made to sit in quiet, idyllic harbors. They were made to brave the storms, the rough, the dangerous.
Lovely post - thanks for the pep talk! I often have to remind myself that writing is not frivolous and that in fact it's the written word that gives me sustenence - so clearly it's important and necessary.
Amen! I, too, have a voice that says, "Who do you think you are, thinking you can write a novel and that anyone will read anything you write?" I remind myself that's not the point. I write because I know it's what I'm supposed to be doing at this point in my life—channeling any residual orange-slice energy (I never actually sliced oranges, but I know the competitive snack vibe), growing out my grays, and running with that gut feeling to write, write, write. I cannot solve the world's problems, but if there was ever a time for more empathy, understanding, and processing of our world, this is it.
"Processing the world" ❤️
So well said Catherine. To put writing out into the world is to throw a baited fishing line looking for a bite of connection. I connected with this. Thanks.
I appreciate the comment!
"We admit it: we never liked Pinot Grigio or those moms with orange slices at the soccer games, wearing cute outfits and make-up on a rainy Sunday at 8:00 am." OMG, those moms! I was such a messy-haired outsider in those days, but they smiled politely and tried to pretend otherwise. It's a relief to be in midlife now, with grown kids who turned into fabulous adults (despite the lack of orange slices.)
LOL! Happy to meet you.
This. Herstory was untold for most of human ‘his’tory and now it’s time. Normalise women’s lives and we start changing how women are seen… and what’s possible. I sometimes think I’m writing into the void but then I think even if that’s true the mere act of writing helps me process my life and show others that their feelings and thoughts are normal… as Seamus Heaney wrote..: my pen is my sword
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!
Love, this Catherine: "Look. We’ve stopped pretending we wanted that job, that marriage, those bullshit expectations to shut up and smile..." There is something really nice about looking at the next generation and saying..."ok, Yours! I'm done with that bit now."
I think the idea of sharing our stories is a confirmation that we aren't alone and we aren't making it all up. This is a restart button phase of life. and ...who knew?
I hope the next generation's B.S. detector is more highly tuned than ours! 😝
Love this so much, Catherine.
Aw, thank you!
I love this!
Thanks Gemma!
Yes! I'm also a older white lady living in the land of Bernie, Ben and Jerry :) And this....
"When I started writing (mostly personal essay and memoir), the voices in my head whispered, “No one cares,” and “Who do you think you are?”Then I published, and I heard something else: Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story."
Exactly what happened to me... keep writing and sharing...
Thanks Ali!
What a siren call!
Like the mermaids calling the ship captains, not without risk.
Indeed but as any shop captain that chooses to follow, well worth it ☺️🌊
I love this. "Work hard. Be brave. Believe."
I am trying, but I am also tired, and peri-menopausal, ha.
I am also reminded of something that Dr. Clarissa Este said, that we were made for these times. She used the analogy of a great ship and how great ships were not made to sit in quiet, idyllic harbors. They were made to brave the storms, the rough, the dangerous.
Thank you for this post - I see you, my friend. 💜
Thank YOU for the comment. Women are resilient. We’ve learned how to weather storms.
Lovely post - thanks for the pep talk! I often have to remind myself that writing is not frivolous and that in fact it's the written word that gives me sustenence - so clearly it's important and necessary.
I had to remind myself!!