Yes, that internal critic can be difficult to retrain. But you are soundly on your way!
Yes, indeed Gift is the word for it, isn’t it? And I love that you capitalized it! Very fitting for what a beautiful thing it is! 🥰
I have not really started a proper Substack yet, because when I joined, I did so primarily in order to read and enjoy what my daughter writes on her Substack. So I’ve mostly just been an observer/reader. But the more I read and explore other writers’ work, I am so blessed and so impressed by so many. So I’ve begun to “like” and comment occasionally.
I have to say though, that I’ve felt a bit odd being just an observer/reader, thinking perhaps it’s rather strange to some people…”who is she?…what’s she doing on here?…why doesn’t she have any info about herself/have a proper Substack?” You know, the imposter syndrome kind of thing…or that feeling that you’ve walked into some place where you don’t belong 😑
But, I knew those were thoughts that were too skewed toward the negative, and went ahead and shared my “likes” and comments despite those thoughts, knowing that they were kind, supportive comments, and would most likely be appreciated by people, regardless of my lack of a ”proper” Substack. You’ve confirmed that 🥰
Anyhow, I share all that because l am a semi-retired mental health therapist, and just began to think yesterday that perhaps I might have some things I could write, perhaps even should write, that would be encouraging and helpful to others, from all that I’ve learned (through my education and experience, but even more so, from my clients!)
Then today I read your post, and it was so refreshing, insightful, courageous and beautiful! I love, love, love seeing the healing a person is making from fear, rejection, shame and trauma, to truth and joy and freedom!
It is so exciting, energizing, powerful!
I applaud you in all the hard, persevering work you have done!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 ❤️❤️❤️
And now I’m thinking more seriously about possibly starting a “proper” Substack, just to share tools and encouragement and truth ☺️
Cheering you on in your continued journey of loving yourself 💕💕
I was just discussing with a friend last night that one of the biggest revelations of my life so far was that I could just give myself the love, nurturing, and encouragement I craved instead of contorting myself to be likeable and gain approval from others.
It's been such a Gift (and I love that you used that word) to build self trust and compassion and to feel safe and grounded in the love I have for myself, but I'm still (and will likely always be) learning to be more gentle, and more kind to myself. 💗
Yes, that internal critic can be difficult to retrain. But you are soundly on your way!
Yes, indeed Gift is the word for it, isn’t it? And I love that you capitalized it! Very fitting for what a beautiful thing it is! 🥰
I have not really started a proper Substack yet, because when I joined, I did so primarily in order to read and enjoy what my daughter writes on her Substack. So I’ve mostly just been an observer/reader. But the more I read and explore other writers’ work, I am so blessed and so impressed by so many. So I’ve begun to “like” and comment occasionally.
I have to say though, that I’ve felt a bit odd being just an observer/reader, thinking perhaps it’s rather strange to some people…”who is she?…what’s she doing on here?…why doesn’t she have any info about herself/have a proper Substack?” You know, the imposter syndrome kind of thing…or that feeling that you’ve walked into some place where you don’t belong 😑
But, I knew those were thoughts that were too skewed toward the negative, and went ahead and shared my “likes” and comments despite those thoughts, knowing that they were kind, supportive comments, and would most likely be appreciated by people, regardless of my lack of a ”proper” Substack. You’ve confirmed that 🥰
Anyhow, I share all that because l am a semi-retired mental health therapist, and just began to think yesterday that perhaps I might have some things I could write, perhaps even should write, that would be encouraging and helpful to others, from all that I’ve learned (through my education and experience, but even more so, from my clients!)
Then today I read your post, and it was so refreshing, insightful, courageous and beautiful! I love, love, love seeing the healing a person is making from fear, rejection, shame and trauma, to truth and joy and freedom!
It is so exciting, energizing, powerful!
I applaud you in all the hard, persevering work you have done!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 ❤️❤️❤️
And now I’m thinking more seriously about possibly starting a “proper” Substack, just to share tools and encouragement and truth ☺️
Cheering you on in your continued journey of loving yourself 💕💕
This is really fabulous, Rowan!
What a wonderfully affirming letter to write to yourself. A beautiful gift, from you to you.
It is a wonderful thing to be an encouraging best friend to yourself! ❤️
Thank you! I deeply appreciate such kind words 🥰
I was just discussing with a friend last night that one of the biggest revelations of my life so far was that I could just give myself the love, nurturing, and encouragement I craved instead of contorting myself to be likeable and gain approval from others.
It's been such a Gift (and I love that you used that word) to build self trust and compassion and to feel safe and grounded in the love I have for myself, but I'm still (and will likely always be) learning to be more gentle, and more kind to myself. 💗