-- I love your words! This one ignites contemplation with precision and grace. I am finishing an essay exploring the idea of fluidity, and it’s really an inspiring matter. The way we can embrace the power within and forge ahead fearlessly. Happy New Year, Carol! Xo.
-- Oh A.K., being called a fighter holds such a special significance for my heart. Thank you! Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, success, and moments of inspiration! Xo.
Caroline this makes my heart SOAR. What strikes me the most--because it has been my experience--is that we can only see the beauty and dignity and honor in trying once we've let go of all of our self-criticisms that mask our fear. As long as you are DOING THE THING with your heart thumping in the open air, you are succeeding. I can't imagine a world in which you crawl back into a pre-'23 self. It's just not feasible. You know my mind is in the baby-gutter but all I can see is that you've given birth to a new version of yourself--and you don't shove a baby back once it's been born. Simply can't. You're free my friend. In the cold, shivery, thrilling world.
Isabel, I'm fighting against tears of gratitude and love. Your presence, your writing, your support have helped make 2023 one of the best. You are a teacher!
I'm free, you're free, and the infinite is before us!
It seems that 2023 was a year of serious (and playful) growth for many of us. Perfectly prosed and easy to feel exactly what you were feeling, thinking, etc.
My big challenge this year, aside from also doing a deep dive into how to promote health in my sweet body again, continues...simply what to do with myself now.
And yes, while we may not be healed fully (are we ever?), we can be whole.
This was so beautiful (and generous) to experience as a reader, Caroline—thank you. I especially appreciated your reflection below and the internal accounting that followed (of self care and deep learning):
« I’m reflecting because maybe the seeds I planted this year can grow into something beautiful. Maybe all the internal work I’ve been doing is ready to be reflected outside of me. Maybe I am ready for more, because in 2023… »✨💫
And yes indeed, those seeds you are planting / cultivating are magical—I imagine and hope that they continue to take root within you and to surprise you and guide you in the new year (and beyond) as they bloom in uniquely beautiful and meaningful ways. 🪷🌱 Thanks for writing and sharing this tenderly beautiful and hopeful piece.💚
Veronica, I’m so moved by this comment! Thank you for your generosity! It means so much to me that I have your readership and support. I’m sending you all the best juju I can muster for 2024 🤍🤍🤍
So beautifully said and I like the perspective of "this is the work I did this year and maybe in 2024 I can use that work to continue growing." I look back on 2023 and see a common theme—and that is, "I'll be okay." Happy New Year Caroline and thanks for sharing. :D
This is so beautiful! Full of self awareness, courage and strength. This made me even more excited for the next year! We must, with more clarity, carrying the fortified and distilled gems of 2023 in a zip file, compressed, leaving space for what is to be learned in the coming year. Keeping and practicing the same old virtues with embodied more skillfully. Courage, open mindedness, fortitude, purity, self awareness, connection.
I salute the divinity in you and to all of us here. ❤️
curious as to several things first why you of all people would confuse narcissism (clearly i cannot imagine that was ever you) with the kind of introspection a sensitive intelligent passionate person is prone to second hmmmm whatever was it you said "no" to and were proud of i'm exactly the opposite haha
glad you made it safe and sound back from the deeeeeep south and treating yourself to slowed pace of joy you have found brings the most resonate peace
i will say as a veteran of these self-critical nightmare scenarios.. they are never fully vanquished and simmer like a caged beast (yeah i just had huron so worked up fetching a ball his tongue is 2 feet long!) those feelings ie lifting weights in the basement if not welcomed in accepted which you describe here and no longer with fear but welcoming embrace they are part of us too!
i wish you such a wonderful year and life ahead full of love and successes and continued release froim fear of failing of falling there is only shame in avoidance you have drawn to you those who matter i trust xo
Whenever someone acts different or is in a bad mood, I always decide that I am the root cause. But literally no one else is ever thinking of me as much as I am.
I'm so grateful for you readership, for finding you this past year, for your writings, and encouragement. It has meant more than I could possibly type.
dont worry procrastinating even more joyously than ever and oddly just thinking of La. as im relearning how to play (and tune down for) slide for Zeppelin's When the Levee Breaks
part of my ridiculous medley of Zeppelin songs (no singin g) in like 5 minutes ill record when theres a break in the uhhhhhmmm negligible action ha and then it saves from writing anything this week lol
if i cud dub over id play the harmonica part its alot easier than trying to hit slide notes at correct pitch but like writing or anything else you just kind of wing it and get as close to feel as possible music is my cherished metaphor lol
I love your interpretation of resolutions...I'm going to follow you. I do a weekly mantra. I pull three cards (i.e. commitment, nourishment, respect) and I meditate on them throughout the week!
I'm so grateful we found each other this year. I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me that you are here and engaging with my writing. It means so so much!
-- I love your words! This one ignites contemplation with precision and grace. I am finishing an essay exploring the idea of fluidity, and it’s really an inspiring matter. The way we can embrace the power within and forge ahead fearlessly. Happy New Year, Carol! Xo.
Thank you so much my friend!! I can’t wait to read your thoughts, hopefully soon. Happiest New Year ❤️
happy new year to you!!! i look forward as well to your experience of fluidity i had no doubt you were fearless (fighter LOL) insert heart here
-- Oh A.K., being called a fighter holds such a special significance for my heart. Thank you! Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, success, and moments of inspiration! Xo.
Caroline this makes my heart SOAR. What strikes me the most--because it has been my experience--is that we can only see the beauty and dignity and honor in trying once we've let go of all of our self-criticisms that mask our fear. As long as you are DOING THE THING with your heart thumping in the open air, you are succeeding. I can't imagine a world in which you crawl back into a pre-'23 self. It's just not feasible. You know my mind is in the baby-gutter but all I can see is that you've given birth to a new version of yourself--and you don't shove a baby back once it's been born. Simply can't. You're free my friend. In the cold, shivery, thrilling world.
Isabel, I'm fighting against tears of gratitude and love. Your presence, your writing, your support have helped make 2023 one of the best. You are a teacher!
I'm free, you're free, and the infinite is before us!
I ADORE YOU!!!!
And now I’m openly crying. How good it feels to be tender enough to love each other and be moved this way. Brava, dear friend. 🧡
happy new year btw theres no crying in baseball xo
We’ve tapped into the good stuff ❤️❤️❤️
yeah she's not bad
Mahahaha I can’t help myself
It seems that 2023 was a year of serious (and playful) growth for many of us. Perfectly prosed and easy to feel exactly what you were feeling, thinking, etc.
My big challenge this year, aside from also doing a deep dive into how to promote health in my sweet body again, continues...simply what to do with myself now.
And yes, while we may not be healed fully (are we ever?), we can be whole.
Happy New Year...E
Elisabeth, thank you!! I'm hoping that this year is everything that of each of us needs it to be. I'm grateful for your presence.
And I for yours! 😘
This was so beautiful (and generous) to experience as a reader, Caroline—thank you. I especially appreciated your reflection below and the internal accounting that followed (of self care and deep learning):
« I’m reflecting because maybe the seeds I planted this year can grow into something beautiful. Maybe all the internal work I’ve been doing is ready to be reflected outside of me. Maybe I am ready for more, because in 2023… »✨💫
And yes indeed, those seeds you are planting / cultivating are magical—I imagine and hope that they continue to take root within you and to surprise you and guide you in the new year (and beyond) as they bloom in uniquely beautiful and meaningful ways. 🪷🌱 Thanks for writing and sharing this tenderly beautiful and hopeful piece.💚
Veronica, I’m so moved by this comment! Thank you for your generosity! It means so much to me that I have your readership and support. I’m sending you all the best juju I can muster for 2024 🤍🤍🤍
Glad to hear it, and thank you—I’m sending that magical juju right back to you as well. 💫🪄✨💚
Great and wonderful learning and growth happened for you, wishing you amazing 2024 as well.
Thank you so, Alexander! Happy new year!!
So beautifully said and I like the perspective of "this is the work I did this year and maybe in 2024 I can use that work to continue growing." I look back on 2023 and see a common theme—and that is, "I'll be okay." Happy New Year Caroline and thanks for sharing. :D
Yes yes yes! We will be okay!! Thank you, Claire. And my 2024 will definitely include some of the books you recommended this morning 😊
I'm feeling so happy for you! Also for having the opportunity to read your words. Happy New Year! 🤍✨
Thank you, Francine! It means so much to me that you are here. And I’ve so enjoyed seeing you pop over notes. Thanks for sharing 🤍
Yes! I'm just learning how to use substack haha. Notes are easier and quicker to share. But, maybe an essay will come out this week...
This is so beautiful! Full of self awareness, courage and strength. This made me even more excited for the next year! We must, with more clarity, carrying the fortified and distilled gems of 2023 in a zip file, compressed, leaving space for what is to be learned in the coming year. Keeping and practicing the same old virtues with embodied more skillfully. Courage, open mindedness, fortitude, purity, self awareness, connection.
I salute the divinity in you and to all of us here. ❤️
Thank you, my dear friend! Finding you was such a gift in 2023. I’m excited to continue growing with you ❤️❤️❤️
"If all anyone utters about me is “It looks like she’s trying,” then I’m whole. I’m upholding my end of life’s twisted bargain." Yes! Yes! Yes!
I see us both trying!!!
The pumpkin metaphor really gutted me! How beautiful! I loved this and felt every word. Your words are so touching!
Thank you so much Lindsey. I'm so honored you read this.
Thank you for this beautiful piece, I'm with you!
Thank you so much! I’m so honored you read this 🤍
Oh Caroline, I am so moved by your exquisite words. Just the perfect New Year's post.
Thank you thank you, Arty! Finding you was one of the highlights of 2023 😊
🥹🥹 Same!
curious as to several things first why you of all people would confuse narcissism (clearly i cannot imagine that was ever you) with the kind of introspection a sensitive intelligent passionate person is prone to second hmmmm whatever was it you said "no" to and were proud of i'm exactly the opposite haha
glad you made it safe and sound back from the deeeeeep south and treating yourself to slowed pace of joy you have found brings the most resonate peace
i will say as a veteran of these self-critical nightmare scenarios.. they are never fully vanquished and simmer like a caged beast (yeah i just had huron so worked up fetching a ball his tongue is 2 feet long!) those feelings ie lifting weights in the basement if not welcomed in accepted which you describe here and no longer with fear but welcoming embrace they are part of us too!
i wish you such a wonderful year and life ahead full of love and successes and continued release froim fear of failing of falling there is only shame in avoidance you have drawn to you those who matter i trust xo
Whenever someone acts different or is in a bad mood, I always decide that I am the root cause. But literally no one else is ever thinking of me as much as I am.
I'm so grateful for you readership, for finding you this past year, for your writings, and encouragement. It has meant more than I could possibly type.
I hope you and Huron take it easy this weekend!
dont worry procrastinating even more joyously than ever and oddly just thinking of La. as im relearning how to play (and tune down for) slide for Zeppelin's When the Levee Breaks
part of my ridiculous medley of Zeppelin songs (no singin g) in like 5 minutes ill record when theres a break in the uhhhhhmmm negligible action ha and then it saves from writing anything this week lol
Oh god that’s the best song...it’s easy to get stuck in a Lead Belly spiral 🌀
if i cud dub over id play the harmonica part its alot easier than trying to hit slide notes at correct pitch but like writing or anything else you just kind of wing it and get as close to feel as possible music is my cherished metaphor lol
This is beautiful.
We're on the same wavelength!!
I love your interpretation of resolutions...I'm going to follow you. I do a weekly mantra. I pull three cards (i.e. commitment, nourishment, respect) and I meditate on them throughout the week!
I'm so grateful we found each other this year. I cannot tell you how much joy it brings me that you are here and engaging with my writing. It means so so much!
Hugs and love to you!!!!!