This resonated with me more than you might expect.
I think many of us start with a dream that looks one way and then spend years discovering what was actually underneath it. We think we want success, recognition, or some grand destination, only to realize later that what we really wanted was connection.
I can relate to what you said about wanting your stories to live in people's hearts. For me, some of the most meaningful moments as a writer have never been the numbers. They've been the messages, comments, and quiet moments when someone says, "I needed this today."
I also appreciate your honesty about struggling. There's a lot of pressure online to always appear productive, inspired, and moving forward. Sometimes the bravest thing a writer can do is admit they're tired and give themselves permission to heal.
As for my dream? I think it has become surprisingly simple over the years: to leave behind a body of work that makes people feel a little less alone than they did before they found it.
Thank you for sharing this. I suspect there are more people walking through a season like this than you realize.
This resonated with me! The passions in our life do ebb and flow. Sometimes they are strong and we feel the burn for a long while. Sometimes they fade out. Sometimes what brings us passion changes completely into something new. That’s ok. And sometimes we just hit a lull. The passion isn’t dried out, but just needs a little time to come back to you.
What I learned recently is not to wait it out. Make a small step, the smallest you can, to keep the project alive. You’re doing that by posting this (heartfelt) post.
This resonated with me more than you might expect.
I think many of us start with a dream that looks one way and then spend years discovering what was actually underneath it. We think we want success, recognition, or some grand destination, only to realize later that what we really wanted was connection.
I can relate to what you said about wanting your stories to live in people's hearts. For me, some of the most meaningful moments as a writer have never been the numbers. They've been the messages, comments, and quiet moments when someone says, "I needed this today."
I also appreciate your honesty about struggling. There's a lot of pressure online to always appear productive, inspired, and moving forward. Sometimes the bravest thing a writer can do is admit they're tired and give themselves permission to heal.
As for my dream? I think it has become surprisingly simple over the years: to leave behind a body of work that makes people feel a little less alone than they did before they found it.
Thank you for sharing this. I suspect there are more people walking through a season like this than you realize.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—The Bathrobe Guy
Thank you for such an in depth comment, it means a lot. That's a good dream! I think im in a similar boat which is why posting on Substack is nice.
This resonated with me! The passions in our life do ebb and flow. Sometimes they are strong and we feel the burn for a long while. Sometimes they fade out. Sometimes what brings us passion changes completely into something new. That’s ok. And sometimes we just hit a lull. The passion isn’t dried out, but just needs a little time to come back to you.
What I learned recently is not to wait it out. Make a small step, the smallest you can, to keep the project alive. You’re doing that by posting this (heartfelt) post.
I’m rooting for you!
Jen
Thank you! I'm glad it resonated with you! I agree with the small steps too!