A series of headaches - both the literal migraine and “real world problems” variety - left me ridiculously behind on my reading list. I intend to be a much more regular reader (not to mention writer!), and my absolute first step in getting back on track was to catch up on all the Madilyn I missed. Commenting separately might be more algorithm-friendly, but potentially having multiple conversations going could get annoying for you, so I’m just going to drop one “super-comment” here that quickly covers my top takeaway from every post you’ve written while I‘ve been out of commission:
First and foremost, I must tell you, I’m struck (yet again - and over and over again, as I made my way through your posts) by how similar we are on a soul level. Our steps may be different - and I’m a few “miles” (as in, years) ahead of you - but our journeys seem practically the same. And honestly, I’m not sure if that’s actually, factually true - or if you have a gift for communicating a sort of universal relatability. I don’t want to be a Heather, so I’ll try to resist the urge to offer so much commentary it accidentally makes the conversation all about me. But just know that your writing is so personal and so vulnerable, it inspires me instinctively to respond in kind.
Now, on to the specific posts (I just realized, I’ve got a quote to highlight from each - which is another testament to the power of your words):
- Friday and other good days: “Most days, I see divinity everywhere I look.” - BEAUTIFUL. (Also, I’ve come to realize “honesty” and everyday “integration” are essential facets of faith. If we’re not incorporating them, I believe we’re missing the point.)
- What I want to be when I grow up: “The caveat with being ‘able to do anything,’ though, is that you aren’t really specialized in anything.” That’s the dilemma of my degree exactly. (I fell for the freedom implied in the “do anything” part and totally missed the catch-22.) Believe it or not, I’ve given this some thought on my own recently. When children reach a certain age (past that magical, imaginative point where “princess” and “puppy” are no longer viable career options), a more helpful alternative to that titular - yet ultimately meaningless - question might be a combo of “How will you support yourself?” and “What makes you happy?”
- For the hope of it all: HEATHER. “She often interrupted my gabbing to tell a story about herself that sort of, vaguely related, and then wrapped up her comparison with a moralistic one-liner; a lesson to take away or a different prism to think through my problem with.” Going by the ballparks you’ve offered, there’s a chance I’m smack-dab between her and you age-wise, possibly leaning toward your end (not sure why I feel the need to specify that - I guess to clarify I’m not all the way into Heather territory yet), but this sentence CONVICTED me. Literally since I was a kid, I’ve had a tendency to “therapize” and moralize. I’m a natural teacher and problem-solver, and I’ve always told stories about myself as a way of relating - but I don’t want to be a Heather when I grow up.
- A couple more favorites from this one (‘cause I can’t resist): “The chemicals in my brain are not stable or sustainable, but wow what a trip!” - hahaha!, “And don’t get me started on the convenience of this plot device when nearly every tween girl wanted to be a marine biologist one day because, well, dolphins.” - HAHAHA! Ohhh, the relatability!!
Jillian, thank you SO much for your close reading and thoughtful interaction with my work. It is so encouraging to know that my words resonate with someone —*especially* someone of a different generation and who I don't know IRL. I was just speaking to a writing mentor a few months ago about an insecurity that writing about myself wasn't interesting or relatable; I had the misplaced notion I needed to be more vague so readers could connect. Thankfully, my teacher nipped that in the bud and reminded me that hyper-specificity is interesting; that readers don't need to relate to the specifics to see themselves in the emotions, in the themes. Your comment is proof of that! It goes a really long way so I cannot thank you enough! <3
Quick responses to some of your takeaways: I so appreciate your alternatives to the grandiose question of "what" we want to "be" —“How will you support yourself?” and “What makes you happy?” feel much more manageable, realistic, and kind.
I laughed out loud about your Heather comment. And now that you mention it... I do that too. I suppose my hope is that in our interpersonal relationships it doesn't feel as abrupt as when coming from a therapist you're paying to... listen - lol. Also so glad someone understands and appreciates the quintessential role of a possible career in marine biology for young women.
And, life on the precipice is treating me well : ) can't wait to read more from you!
I strongly believe I would not be who I am today without Aquamarine!! I remember forcing my dad to go buy me Phish Food after watching the first time. Loved this, as always 🩷
A series of headaches - both the literal migraine and “real world problems” variety - left me ridiculously behind on my reading list. I intend to be a much more regular reader (not to mention writer!), and my absolute first step in getting back on track was to catch up on all the Madilyn I missed. Commenting separately might be more algorithm-friendly, but potentially having multiple conversations going could get annoying for you, so I’m just going to drop one “super-comment” here that quickly covers my top takeaway from every post you’ve written while I‘ve been out of commission:
First and foremost, I must tell you, I’m struck (yet again - and over and over again, as I made my way through your posts) by how similar we are on a soul level. Our steps may be different - and I’m a few “miles” (as in, years) ahead of you - but our journeys seem practically the same. And honestly, I’m not sure if that’s actually, factually true - or if you have a gift for communicating a sort of universal relatability. I don’t want to be a Heather, so I’ll try to resist the urge to offer so much commentary it accidentally makes the conversation all about me. But just know that your writing is so personal and so vulnerable, it inspires me instinctively to respond in kind.
Now, on to the specific posts (I just realized, I’ve got a quote to highlight from each - which is another testament to the power of your words):
- Friday and other good days: “Most days, I see divinity everywhere I look.” - BEAUTIFUL. (Also, I’ve come to realize “honesty” and everyday “integration” are essential facets of faith. If we’re not incorporating them, I believe we’re missing the point.)
- What I want to be when I grow up: “The caveat with being ‘able to do anything,’ though, is that you aren’t really specialized in anything.” That’s the dilemma of my degree exactly. (I fell for the freedom implied in the “do anything” part and totally missed the catch-22.) Believe it or not, I’ve given this some thought on my own recently. When children reach a certain age (past that magical, imaginative point where “princess” and “puppy” are no longer viable career options), a more helpful alternative to that titular - yet ultimately meaningless - question might be a combo of “How will you support yourself?” and “What makes you happy?”
- For the hope of it all: HEATHER. “She often interrupted my gabbing to tell a story about herself that sort of, vaguely related, and then wrapped up her comparison with a moralistic one-liner; a lesson to take away or a different prism to think through my problem with.” Going by the ballparks you’ve offered, there’s a chance I’m smack-dab between her and you age-wise, possibly leaning toward your end (not sure why I feel the need to specify that - I guess to clarify I’m not all the way into Heather territory yet), but this sentence CONVICTED me. Literally since I was a kid, I’ve had a tendency to “therapize” and moralize. I’m a natural teacher and problem-solver, and I’ve always told stories about myself as a way of relating - but I don’t want to be a Heather when I grow up.
- A couple more favorites from this one (‘cause I can’t resist): “The chemicals in my brain are not stable or sustainable, but wow what a trip!” - hahaha!, “And don’t get me started on the convenience of this plot device when nearly every tween girl wanted to be a marine biologist one day because, well, dolphins.” - HAHAHA! Ohhh, the relatability!!
Also, I hope life on the precipice is going well!
Jillian, thank you SO much for your close reading and thoughtful interaction with my work. It is so encouraging to know that my words resonate with someone —*especially* someone of a different generation and who I don't know IRL. I was just speaking to a writing mentor a few months ago about an insecurity that writing about myself wasn't interesting or relatable; I had the misplaced notion I needed to be more vague so readers could connect. Thankfully, my teacher nipped that in the bud and reminded me that hyper-specificity is interesting; that readers don't need to relate to the specifics to see themselves in the emotions, in the themes. Your comment is proof of that! It goes a really long way so I cannot thank you enough! <3
Quick responses to some of your takeaways: I so appreciate your alternatives to the grandiose question of "what" we want to "be" —“How will you support yourself?” and “What makes you happy?” feel much more manageable, realistic, and kind.
I laughed out loud about your Heather comment. And now that you mention it... I do that too. I suppose my hope is that in our interpersonal relationships it doesn't feel as abrupt as when coming from a therapist you're paying to... listen - lol. Also so glad someone understands and appreciates the quintessential role of a possible career in marine biology for young women.
And, life on the precipice is treating me well : ) can't wait to read more from you!
Love this one. Cheers to Kelsey!
I strongly believe I would not be who I am today without Aquamarine!! I remember forcing my dad to go buy me Phish Food after watching the first time. Loved this, as always 🩷
So iconic it almost hurts. Thanks for reading friend <3