127 Comments

Nan, I was initially attracted to you because of your name as that was my childhood nickname. Next, I loved your kind face and wise words. Then, I read this writing. Wow! You've blown me away with experiences I can relate to. Sadly! I too am making my way to the healthier side of life with caretaking as I call it.

Today is my first day on Substack. This is the site I've needed. I journal and have always loved writing. I'm going to give serious consideration to subscribing and naming my purpose. You're an inspiration!!

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How wonderful! So good to have you! xo

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Such a beautiful post

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Thank you, MG! xo

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Thank you thank you thank you! Congratulations on one year! Thank you for sharing the writers you read -- I now read several of them as well!

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You're welcome, and thank you! So many really fabulous writers here. Enjoy!

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Happy one year anniversary!! This sentence was everything to me: "I didn’t need to do more."

When I read it I felt an opening in my chest.

Ahh - the truth. We don't need to do more.

We are enough.

We belong.

Always and forever.

May Substack continue to bring you as much joy and connection in this year as it did in 2024.

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That one sentence. Me too. :)

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Thank you, Jane! It's true, we don't need to do more. We just need to show up. I hope you have a great year, too. xo

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What an acceptance speech! I love how you shine here, Nan!

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After all that, I forgot to thank the Academy, though! I guess I could edit post-haste! Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm definitely in my happy place. xo

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Nan, I am just plain glad we met. You are a force of kindness, and our world needs that now more than ever. Big hugs to you my friend!

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Sending you love and gratitude for all you do for so many! I guess that's another way of saying "takes one to know one!" xo

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Your enthusiasm does feel so authentic, it's inspiring! When I see and hear you, the curious and questing little Nan essence shines through. You bring this young one in to share and delight with the wise Nan of today who carries so much sage insight and warmth. Thank you for generously gathering up and sharing so much of you here!

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Thank you, Heidi. There's an awful lot of little Nan in me. I love her completely! xo

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oh, this is so wonderful, Nan. i am grateful and honored to be a part of your writer list, and to be a reader of your beautiful stories! thank you always for your honesty and vulnerability and wisdom. i am so lucky to have met you last year. congrats on the one year, and here’s to more to come!

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You're the best, Kate! I love knowing you. xo

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ditto! xoxo

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Bravissima and a standing ovation! Go, Nan!

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Thanks, my Nina! You've encouraged me to write for years. I'm glad I finally listened. xo

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Congratulations, Nan!!! Love love the new intro / outro.

And thanks for the shoutout. It’s a wonderful and, well, generous list.

And congrats on the podcast. Exciting. So many more fun, generous stories to come. ♥️

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Thank you, Holly! I'm excited about the podcast. I'm not familiar with podcasting, so I'm feeling my way a little...but I'm already on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It's kind of intriguing to be out there. It'll be interesting to see if I grow or send more people to my stack. What a wonderful year it's been! A few more surprises on the near horizon, too. Love you, Holly. xo

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This might be another topic we should connect on. I’ll tell you this. I’ve been on Spotify and Apple Podcasts with the Rolling Desk for a few months now. And I’m pretty sure I’m getting zero traction. I’m not even sure I’m discoverable if you’re full-on looking for me. I’m probably missing a step. And it’s on my list to get to (and promote) at some point. But ya know, to-do lists be growing.

Ha! My point is, I’d love an update on how it goes for you. What works and stuff.

Love you too, my friend!

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Always happy to share with you. You're the best, Holly Starley. For me, the idea of doing the podcast is fun. I love learning things, and I love telling the stories I write. We'll see what happens! xo

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What a beautiful post about personal growth and empowerment. I’m honored to be one of your readers. This post specifically touched tenderly into some places I have been tending lately. I love these stories of women stepping into themselves. And girl you, SHINE!

I am elated! I’m so giddy seeing my name in your list. Much Love, Nan! You are a gem. 💎

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Oh, Lila! You're the bomb. What an amazing gathering of women (and a few men) here. I love the culture we're creating! Happy to know you. xo

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Nan! Happy NanaStackaVersattacka to you! How’s that for a salutation?

I can’t tell you how much I love you, and how much you’ve brought to my life. You’re generous and brave and kind and have all the right stuff. Thank you for mentioning me here; I’m so happy to in your world. The biggest of hugs to you. xoxo

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Listen! For a woman from Minnesota you’re pretty effusive. Not “Minnesota Nice” at all. I’d never heard that expression before I met you. I think you’re an amazing talent. You have a facility and grace with language that’s remarkable to me. That’s the best salutation ever. We need to jump on a Zoom, sooner than later. I’m so glad that you’re a writer / uninterrupted now! xoxo

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Congratulations, Nan!! Generosity flows from your every pore. It's palpable. And it's 100% pure, to use your word. May your writing continue to feed your soul as it does ours.

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Thank you, Cathy! It was so nice to meet you the other day! Looking forward to the next time. xo

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Oh, Nan, tears of joy for you! Thank you for including me in your mentions. Congratulations on your one-year anniversary on Substack. You are a gem; I'm so happy you have come into my life. Witnessing your professional and personal growth is both a delight and an inspiration. Love to you, my friend. xoxo

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Love you, too, Paulette. You're a treasured friend. xo

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What a celebration. Yay for you, Nan. Love.

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YAY for all of us! If it weren't for you wanting to go on Substack, I mightn't have gotten here myself. Love you, Nancy Jainchill! xo

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Love you, Nan! Glad we're here together....

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Love you, too, Seth...and meeeee tooooo! xo

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