Writing With Vulnerability
Somehow we are at the end of May and this is my 17th We All Feel post… AH!
Honestly, I did not really know if I would have it in me to get this far. While I was unsure if I would have the stamina to write something new each week, I also knew I would regret if I did not try. The first few paid subscribers in January and February really “lit a fire” underneath me as I realized I made a commitment to people who paid to read my letters for the next year.
Ironically, most weeks I have too many thoughts and ideas. The takeaway is that I immensely value the time I set aside to write these posts each week. I am privileged for each of you who continue to open these writings.
I have also come to recognize and find peace in knowing that my opinions can and will shift and change after I press send. This process is vulnerable for me… and so incredibly worth it.
Is there something that you have been putting off that you want to bring into the world? I challenge you to start it. As perfectly imperfect as it will be.
Story Time:
Saturday afternoon a friend complimented my jean jacket and I replied “thank you, it’s so funny I’ve actually had this forever and have been thinking it’s time to resell or donate it and get a new one.” After I said that, I actually reflected on a few specific memories (photo below from 2019) when I was wearing the jacket, and I determined, I do not need a new denim jacket, in fact I love this one.
A few hours later I was at the checkout counter of a store. When I reached for my wallet I realized that something had poked the dry skin around my fingers and I had actually started to bleed. The cashier also noticed and handed me a tissue, I scrambled through my bag for a bandaid, put one on, and moved throughout the rest of my day without thinking about it.
Yesterday, I wore the same jean jacket and eventually noticed that there was a mark on the front of it. I racked my brain trying to figure out what I had leaned against or when food spilled on me until I realized that the smudge was actually from the cracked skin incident… UGH!
And then… I could not help but smile to myself. I really believe that “the universe” is always teaching us something. In this case, I was reminded that my words are SO powerful. That what I say out loud reverberates. That what you say out loud reverberates.
I cleaned my jacket and I will keep wearing it. Take the story as you will — though I am curious — can you pinpoint funny moments like this, when your words turn into actions, whether you wanted them to or not?
xoxo,
Amanda
PS
In case no one told you today, I love you.
PPS
Photo from 2019 — a sweet memory — at Point Lobos State Park, in Northern California at the beginning of a solo road trip down the coast.