Thank you, Nan. I knew I was right to 'save-to-savour folder' this one, just like I do with Mary's pieces. ;-) This way, I can also read everyone's loving comments. There were so many 'awwws!' for me.
That last paragraph—those last words—needs to be an Etsy Print Manifesto for every woman!! And aww, the photo collage—thanks for sharing!
I'm reflecting on your words in a slightly different way.
- I've been self-advocating, protecting and pushing myself since the time I was the only Chinese kid in our small local school (a few unkind stories I'm surprised at how fierce I was back then!),
- like most Asian kids, my Dad, bless him, pushed me to be independent and 'successful' (even more stories).
SO, I had to learn how to redefine 'success' away from the upward climb to something that felt right for me, including what I love myself FOR and give myself more permission/ compassionate love for Me NOW, especially in Our Now, now! Does that make sense?!?
Oh, my dear. Thanks for these very kind comments. AND YES! It makes total sense. The sensibility is the same, though, isn't it. We are learning/have learned to love ourselves and honor our truth. Nothing better, especially in Our Now, now! xo
There may be a book one day, but I have to say a major thank you for your very kind comment. I'm working on a memoir about my relationship with my dad. I have to tell you that I don't feel the need to have a book, because I'm able to share myself here, with so many people. Who knows? I might just do it! xo
Whoa, Nan. Another “this is my life” story. I could be your doppelgänger. Maybe I am. I do find myself succumbing to the self-loathing reflex, way too often. (Yesterday, most of the day.) It’s a struggle. But I’m in a much better place now than I’ve ever been. I’m so happy you’ve found the love of your life. And I’ve found mine, though she sometimes loses her way. xoxo
A Minnesotan Nan? Or am I a New York Mary? Either way, it's nice to have a pal who gets it. You're soaring, Mary. It's wonderful watching you retrieve your passion and your art.
"I’m letting the compliments in, though it’s still uncomfortable at times."
This is a skill that can challenge even the most self-confident person, so this sentence is your growth in a nutshell. *So* many people look for outward validation of happiness, but the only person responsible for my happiness is me. Another wonderful essay, Nan.
I got 3/4 of the way through this and started to wonder, when does she meet her person? Then it dawned on me: OHHHHHHH. There's a meme I put on a calendar that said: "I woke up this morning with a 10 in my bed. It was me. I am the 10." It's been a journey for me, too. It's nice, isn't it, to think we're amazing humans? (We are right.)
Molly? If you are Molly, than I've got you! And I'm sorry about no email confirmation. There should have been one. I'll check into it. Feel free to DM me here, if you have any questions. I'm excited to know you'll be joining me. I'll be sending out a questionnaire in the next few weeks to everyone who's registered. I'll want to know about your hopes and dreams (and some more practical matters) for your Substack! xo
Me, too! That’ll be so much fun, having you in the class. Looking forward to it. Start making some notes about things you’d like to learn, if you like.
Of all the things sent to me these days, I never miss reading your posts. Your writing is so clear and relatable causing me to look deeper into the dark caverns of myself. Thank you for sharing your truths.
Can't think of a better soulmate! Acknowledging the work you've done, Nan, and where it's taken / taking you! That collage at the end...? Omigosh, you are radiant!
You are so lucky to have met your true love. Although, it isn't luck. You've worked hard to get to know and love her. I am crazy about her too. And that her is you
Thank you, Nan. I knew I was right to 'save-to-savour folder' this one, just like I do with Mary's pieces. ;-) This way, I can also read everyone's loving comments. There were so many 'awwws!' for me.
That last paragraph—those last words—needs to be an Etsy Print Manifesto for every woman!! And aww, the photo collage—thanks for sharing!
I'm reflecting on your words in a slightly different way.
- I've been self-advocating, protecting and pushing myself since the time I was the only Chinese kid in our small local school (a few unkind stories I'm surprised at how fierce I was back then!),
- like most Asian kids, my Dad, bless him, pushed me to be independent and 'successful' (even more stories).
SO, I had to learn how to redefine 'success' away from the upward climb to something that felt right for me, including what I love myself FOR and give myself more permission/ compassionate love for Me NOW, especially in Our Now, now! Does that make sense?!?
Oh, my dear. Thanks for these very kind comments. AND YES! It makes total sense. The sensibility is the same, though, isn't it. We are learning/have learned to love ourselves and honor our truth. Nothing better, especially in Our Now, now! xo
Exactly Nan, i knew you’d ‘get’ what I meant. The ‘honour our truth’, YES
Oh what an ending 😭😭😍😍😍
Thanks, Sheila!
You share emotional DNA with so many women. Please write a book about this journey.
There may be a book one day, but I have to say a major thank you for your very kind comment. I'm working on a memoir about my relationship with my dad. I have to tell you that I don't feel the need to have a book, because I'm able to share myself here, with so many people. Who knows? I might just do it! xo
Your writing style connects the reader to what you are saying, which is a hard hill to climb in the writing world. I would read your books, for sure!
Thank you! Never know what the future will bring. xo
Whoa, Nan. Another “this is my life” story. I could be your doppelgänger. Maybe I am. I do find myself succumbing to the self-loathing reflex, way too often. (Yesterday, most of the day.) It’s a struggle. But I’m in a much better place now than I’ve ever been. I’m so happy you’ve found the love of your life. And I’ve found mine, though she sometimes loses her way. xoxo
A Minnesotan Nan? Or am I a New York Mary? Either way, it's nice to have a pal who gets it. You're soaring, Mary. It's wonderful watching you retrieve your passion and your art.
LOVE you! xo
Awwww 😍
Soaring together. Welcome to Flyover Land. It’s not so bad. xoxo
Yes. Soaring together. Thanks for that, I truly am.
xo
"I’m letting the compliments in, though it’s still uncomfortable at times."
This is a skill that can challenge even the most self-confident person, so this sentence is your growth in a nutshell. *So* many people look for outward validation of happiness, but the only person responsible for my happiness is me. Another wonderful essay, Nan.
Thank you so much, my dear friend. I appreciate you and your support. xo
I got 3/4 of the way through this and started to wonder, when does she meet her person? Then it dawned on me: OHHHHHHH. There's a meme I put on a calendar that said: "I woke up this morning with a 10 in my bed. It was me. I am the 10." It's been a journey for me, too. It's nice, isn't it, to think we're amazing humans? (We are right.)
Love this. So glad you love you. I do too. Thank you.
Thanks, Bar! And I love you. xo
The love of your life should be you. So glad you're finally getting to know her.
Exactly! Me, too, really glad. xo
Well written Nan. I think you speak for so many of us. 💗
Thanks, Lila! How are you??? xo
Hi Nan! I’m doing well. Been in the throes of a move…again. Lots of work but I’m so excited to be in my own place.
And how have you been overall?
I signed up for the zoom course…did it go through?? I didn’t receive an email confirmation so I’m thinking maybe I missed something?? Ack…help!
Molly? If you are Molly, than I've got you! And I'm sorry about no email confirmation. There should have been one. I'll check into it. Feel free to DM me here, if you have any questions. I'm excited to know you'll be joining me. I'll be sending out a questionnaire in the next few weeks to everyone who's registered. I'll want to know about your hopes and dreams (and some more practical matters) for your Substack! xo
Yes! That’s me. Great, I’m excited!!
Me, too! That’ll be so much fun, having you in the class. Looking forward to it. Start making some notes about things you’d like to learn, if you like.
Of all the things sent to me these days, I never miss reading your posts. Your writing is so clear and relatable causing me to look deeper into the dark caverns of myself. Thank you for sharing your truths.
Alice, thank you for letting me know. That's the greatest gift I could receive. Love to you. xo
Your writing is so good.
Thank you! How kind of you, Cara. xo
Can't think of a better soulmate! Acknowledging the work you've done, Nan, and where it's taken / taking you! That collage at the end...? Omigosh, you are radiant!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I feel radiant these days. It’s so sweet to be in this place. I appreciate you and your comments so much. xo
So, so hard. But how else can we love another with authenticity and integrity? All your hard work has paid off. Yay!
XOXOXOX! Love to you, and yes to the YAY!
Absolutely lovely, Nan!
Thanks, Chris! And you're absolutely lovely, too! xo
❤️
You are so lucky to have met your true love. Although, it isn't luck. You've worked hard to get to know and love her. I am crazy about her too. And that her is you
Thank you, my darling friend. I love you very much. xo