Jeannie, first off, I’m so sorry, love, for what happened to you at three years old. I’m sorry for the way that violation impacted you. You are brave for traversing the darkness and I give thanks to the good people who have come into your life that allowed you to trust again. Thank you for all that you share from the depths. I hold your reflections with gratitude and tenderness.
Thank you, dear friend. I know you understand what it's like to go through dark times. I'm relieved and grateful at what you share, as well. I think it connects us in some way. Makes us feel less alone, less delusional, less odd. Maybe even more human. Like I said, maybe it helps us all learn to love our shadow sides. ❤️
I remember when I spent time on the Crow Reservation one of the elders told our group of students that the most important time of the day, the time when you could look for answers to the questions you had or the spiritual advice you were seeking was also the darkest time of the day - right before the sun started to rise, and to not fear that darkness. Your piece reminded me of that wisdom. Thank you.
Wow, that's profound. Thank you for sharing that, Doreen. It's a relief to read that there are other people who can see the invitation of the darkness.
Regarding the “unremittingly bleak" response from the editor, my thoughts are this: they are providing that feedback through their lens. The questions you asked yourself after receiving that feedback are normal. I encourage you to create space between their feedback and your sense of who you are. If the words you put on the page feel true to who you are and how you feel, you are exactly where you need to be. Thanks for making me reflect.
I appreciate that, Niall. I recently read from a book called Pity the Reader (which takes tidbits from Kurt Vonnegut's life and writings), in which Kurt himself said that a writer should only incorporate edits that are in alignment with his/her values and won't alter the overarching theme or message of the book. So what you wrote is confirmation of that. Thank you!
Wow, your post hit me hard. Thanks for sharing such a raw and powerful reflection on your relationship with darkness and light.
Your journey from needing a nightlight to finding comfort in pitch blackness is deeply moving. It’s amazing how you’ve transformed your fear into something that now feels like a warm, secure embrace. The way you describe darkness as both a challenge and a teacher is really insightful.
Wendell Berry’s poem perfectly captures the beauty you find in darkness. Your honesty about grappling with your memoir's tone and the vulnerability you show is inspiring. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's a unique light waiting to be discovered.
Your words have a way of making us all feel a bit braver.
This is an incredibly powerful comment, Autistic Ang! The meaning you gained from reading my juxtaposition between light and dark is exactly the impact I was hoping for. Reading your words today gives me confirmation that I may be on the right path when it comes to testing out these concepts with my readers, since I do dive deeply into the light/dark theme in my memoir. Thank you for bringing such clarity to me and for being a thoughtful reader!
Jeannie, first off, I’m so sorry, love, for what happened to you at three years old. I’m sorry for the way that violation impacted you. You are brave for traversing the darkness and I give thanks to the good people who have come into your life that allowed you to trust again. Thank you for all that you share from the depths. I hold your reflections with gratitude and tenderness.
Thank you, dear friend. I know you understand what it's like to go through dark times. I'm relieved and grateful at what you share, as well. I think it connects us in some way. Makes us feel less alone, less delusional, less odd. Maybe even more human. Like I said, maybe it helps us all learn to love our shadow sides. ❤️
I remember when I spent time on the Crow Reservation one of the elders told our group of students that the most important time of the day, the time when you could look for answers to the questions you had or the spiritual advice you were seeking was also the darkest time of the day - right before the sun started to rise, and to not fear that darkness. Your piece reminded me of that wisdom. Thank you.
Wow, that's profound. Thank you for sharing that, Doreen. It's a relief to read that there are other people who can see the invitation of the darkness.
Regarding the “unremittingly bleak" response from the editor, my thoughts are this: they are providing that feedback through their lens. The questions you asked yourself after receiving that feedback are normal. I encourage you to create space between their feedback and your sense of who you are. If the words you put on the page feel true to who you are and how you feel, you are exactly where you need to be. Thanks for making me reflect.
I appreciate that, Niall. I recently read from a book called Pity the Reader (which takes tidbits from Kurt Vonnegut's life and writings), in which Kurt himself said that a writer should only incorporate edits that are in alignment with his/her values and won't alter the overarching theme or message of the book. So what you wrote is confirmation of that. Thank you!
I've read and re read this. It's so helpful and beautiful. Thank you. Just what I need right now.
So glad to hear, Faith. ❤️
Wow, your post hit me hard. Thanks for sharing such a raw and powerful reflection on your relationship with darkness and light.
Your journey from needing a nightlight to finding comfort in pitch blackness is deeply moving. It’s amazing how you’ve transformed your fear into something that now feels like a warm, secure embrace. The way you describe darkness as both a challenge and a teacher is really insightful.
Wendell Berry’s poem perfectly captures the beauty you find in darkness. Your honesty about grappling with your memoir's tone and the vulnerability you show is inspiring. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's a unique light waiting to be discovered.
Your words have a way of making us all feel a bit braver.
This is an incredibly powerful comment, Autistic Ang! The meaning you gained from reading my juxtaposition between light and dark is exactly the impact I was hoping for. Reading your words today gives me confirmation that I may be on the right path when it comes to testing out these concepts with my readers, since I do dive deeply into the light/dark theme in my memoir. Thank you for bringing such clarity to me and for being a thoughtful reader!