This is one of the best things I have ever read on Substack, for its wisdom, of course, but also for its excellent writing. Especially this: "I have accepted projects that made me wilt. I’ve snacked on crumbs and called it strategy. I’ve said thank you through gritted teeth while slowly hollowing out." I wish I had been able to read and act on this post before accepting multiple stress-inducing, soul-destroying projects from Callisto Media, a deservedly defunct company, and the only editorial client I have ever fired. Yes, I'm naming names.
Wilted and crumb-fed is a very specific genre of burnout I know all too well. What a hard, holy boundary that must’ve been—to let go of clients that are not aligned with your values. I hope you never have to contort yourself like that again. Here’s to only saying yes to things that don’t hollow us out. (And to writing the rest with our full selves.)
So wonderful. Some of these made me laugh out loud. You are wise. 39 is so young. Your writing is gorgeous, as are you. Thank you for this - a birthday gift.
Oh how I loved reading your field guide for the almost forty. I laughed so much, I think my cheeks are stretched!!
So many so wonderful lines — your inbox is on fire. Believe in the power of baking soda.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us. So many relatable wisdoms, and a few I have tucked away for later reference — doing things with talent not terror being one of them. I am putting on my red lipstick tomorrow and owning it! 🙏
This is one of the best things I have ever read on Substack, for its wisdom, of course, but also for its excellent writing. Especially this: "I have accepted projects that made me wilt. I’ve snacked on crumbs and called it strategy. I’ve said thank you through gritted teeth while slowly hollowing out." I wish I had been able to read and act on this post before accepting multiple stress-inducing, soul-destroying projects from Callisto Media, a deservedly defunct company, and the only editorial client I have ever fired. Yes, I'm naming names.
Wilted and crumb-fed is a very specific genre of burnout I know all too well. What a hard, holy boundary that must’ve been—to let go of clients that are not aligned with your values. I hope you never have to contort yourself like that again. Here’s to only saying yes to things that don’t hollow us out. (And to writing the rest with our full selves.)
Never again. I am blessedly free.
So wonderful. Some of these made me laugh out loud. You are wise. 39 is so young. Your writing is gorgeous, as are you. Thank you for this - a birthday gift.
Your kindness made my day. I’m so glad the piece made you laugh—what a gift in return. Sending you a big, grateful hug.
I sincerely loved reading this beautiful piece! So authentic, wise, funny, and alive. Thank you ❤️
Thank you for reading and the kind words. It truly means a lot!
A beautiful post, as always. Wsdom, humour and compassion in every sentence.
That’s such a kind thing to say—thank you.
thank you so much, T. 🤎✨
Thank you for all the work that you do!
Happy birthday!
Oh how I loved reading your field guide for the almost forty. I laughed so much, I think my cheeks are stretched!!
So many so wonderful lines — your inbox is on fire. Believe in the power of baking soda.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us. So many relatable wisdoms, and a few I have tucked away for later reference — doing things with talent not terror being one of them. I am putting on my red lipstick tomorrow and owning it! 🙏
Thank you so much—this absolutely made my day. I’m so glad the piece brought some laughs and landed in the right places.
Here’s to talent over terror (and excellent lipstick choices). Appreciate you being here.
The self you leave behind
is skin you have outgrown:
Do not look back & grieve it;
Rather, look ahead to the wet, raw, unfinished self you are becoming.
Yes… yes. Thank you for holding that line with me and for being here.
The perfect soft boiled egg: put eggs in pot, fill with cold water, heat to boil, turn off heat & let sit for 3:45 minutes, 3:30 for a bit runny.
Thank you for this wonderful piece!
Thank you for the soft-boiled egg gospel—I’m writing this down immediately.
And thank you for reading. I’m so glad this found you.
Thanks for the Field Notes. Hiram Larew
I'm glad you're here. Thank you for reading as always.