This reminds me of the whole "it's everyone's first time being alive" mindset that's been going around on the internet. All of us are just figuring things out perpetually, but getting hung up on (potential) mistakes that we (might) make does not help anyone. We're human, we're going to fuck up sometimes. If we can accept that and be present, life becomes a lot more manageable.
Ooooooo I have to have a think on that! Everyone’s first time being alive… I feel like there’s a word that means something like everyone you pass out on the street are experiencing their own inner world/story. I can’t seem to remember what it was.
What a beautiful, free-flowing read! 🥹 I absolutely loved every second of it. Your flow of writing reflected moving in life with presence, rather than lagging behind with dread, which I feel would be seen in more abrupt, short-sentenced writing; the reading voice would just be completely segmented, instead of fluid.
Your technique is so wonderful. 💕 I truly commend you on it!
Maybe we all need to slow down and realize that many things are out of our control. As a total control freak, I have had a lot of trouble over the years with intentionally stressing myself out over things that I really have no control over. I realized that I was torturing myself in this way.
High five on this! Stoicism was my first venture into "not torturing" myself but just the awareness that there will always be uncontrollable factors, that it is that alone which makes life beautiful and terrifying, and everything in-between... well, a journey to say the least!
My therapist talks about anxiety a lot the same way as the dread spiral in this piece- it’s often trying to help with something. Rather than focusing on getting rid of it, trying to acknowledge it, thank it for trying to help, and looking at what aspect of life it’s trying to help with. What is it pointing me towards?
SO good! The reframe “the real measure of being alive is how present you are for the fleeting, ordinary details that, in retrospect, turn out to be everything.” ✨🤯
Thank you for composing this- I think I restacked 10 different quotes I want to come back to💕
I could highlight this entire essay. It truly speaks to my soul. I have to say, all of your work does. Thank you for articulating what feels trapped and convoluted inside of me. You are such a beautiful and thoughtful writer ❤️🩹
I am not sure that I agree with your (presumed) definition of dread. It seems to me that dread is not about uncertainty. Indeed, it is about certainty. The certainty that you will fail. The certainty that you will lose everything. The dread that you will die. Some of the things we dread are absolute, like death, but most dread can spring from the certainty of future events. Wondering what might be does not seem like dread at all. It seems more like contemplation.
This was such a great read. I really like the idea of allowing dread to coexist with feelings of being present, and that to have those feelings of dread means you have the ability to be present. I have really been trying to be present in life recently and notice the small things and this piece was a reminder to continue to do so. ✨
This reminds me of the whole "it's everyone's first time being alive" mindset that's been going around on the internet. All of us are just figuring things out perpetually, but getting hung up on (potential) mistakes that we (might) make does not help anyone. We're human, we're going to fuck up sometimes. If we can accept that and be present, life becomes a lot more manageable.
Great piece!! Thank you for the reminder :)
Have not heard of that mindset circulating! That's awesome that it is! Yay to making mistakes and learning :-) no one out there is perfect.
Ooooooo I have to have a think on that! Everyone’s first time being alive… I feel like there’s a word that means something like everyone you pass out on the street are experiencing their own inner world/story. I can’t seem to remember what it was.
The word you're looking for is 'sonder' I believe :)
Ahh yes that’s it! Thank you!
What a beautiful, free-flowing read! 🥹 I absolutely loved every second of it. Your flow of writing reflected moving in life with presence, rather than lagging behind with dread, which I feel would be seen in more abrupt, short-sentenced writing; the reading voice would just be completely segmented, instead of fluid.
Your technique is so wonderful. 💕 I truly commend you on it!
Maybe we all need to slow down and realize that many things are out of our control. As a total control freak, I have had a lot of trouble over the years with intentionally stressing myself out over things that I really have no control over. I realized that I was torturing myself in this way.
Thanks for the great essay!
High five on this! Stoicism was my first venture into "not torturing" myself but just the awareness that there will always be uncontrollable factors, that it is that alone which makes life beautiful and terrifying, and everything in-between... well, a journey to say the least!
Brilliant - your writing always resonates and I particularly liked this piece, it was timely for me with life at the moment - thank you :)
a part of dread just left me as i read this writing. whatever remains needs more of these writings ~
Such beautiful words - this got me out of my Sunday Dread - thank you
so beautifully written!
This felt really comforting to read; it feels like a more helpful version of "take it one step at a time."
This really resonated with me because of what I am currently going through so thank you for this! it was like a balm for the soul
My therapist talks about anxiety a lot the same way as the dread spiral in this piece- it’s often trying to help with something. Rather than focusing on getting rid of it, trying to acknowledge it, thank it for trying to help, and looking at what aspect of life it’s trying to help with. What is it pointing me towards?
SO good! The reframe “the real measure of being alive is how present you are for the fleeting, ordinary details that, in retrospect, turn out to be everything.” ✨🤯
Thank you for composing this- I think I restacked 10 different quotes I want to come back to💕
I could highlight this entire essay. It truly speaks to my soul. I have to say, all of your work does. Thank you for articulating what feels trapped and convoluted inside of me. You are such a beautiful and thoughtful writer ❤️🩹
Love this. So, so true. Thankyou!
I am not sure that I agree with your (presumed) definition of dread. It seems to me that dread is not about uncertainty. Indeed, it is about certainty. The certainty that you will fail. The certainty that you will lose everything. The dread that you will die. Some of the things we dread are absolute, like death, but most dread can spring from the certainty of future events. Wondering what might be does not seem like dread at all. It seems more like contemplation.
Love this so much ❤️
This was such a great read. I really like the idea of allowing dread to coexist with feelings of being present, and that to have those feelings of dread means you have the ability to be present. I have really been trying to be present in life recently and notice the small things and this piece was a reminder to continue to do so. ✨