I really connect with a lot of this. The only writing I ever do is academic writing, which whilst I do get some satisfaction and expression from this it’s also extremely limited in terms of its ability to convey anything other than conceptual and analytical perspectives. I think unconsciously that’s a lot easier sometimes than more emotive or introspective writing (and thinking). Academic ‘convention’ can be something to hide behind, a way to mediate my experience and opinions through well trodden theories of someone else’s creation. Now I’m thinking about this more deeply after reading your piece, I’m also aware that on the odd occasion I write songs of my own with lyrics they tend to be somewhat comedic, even if they have a deeper subtext. I wonder if this is another way of hiding from the world too. For a while after my dad passed away I had a song trying to make its way out, something about the longing of missed opportunity centred around the moment I have every spring where I realise that I’d left it too late again to harvest blackthorn wood (used in Ireland especially to make walking sticks etc but that you need to harvest in winter whilst its sap has drained from the green wood). I think it’s time to try birth that song. Thank you for sharing Wendy ☘️♥️
This is so beautiful and thoughtful. Lots to unpack here. I do agree that writing with my coach/trainer hat on is a lot less intimidating. I am a "subject matter expert," so I can hide behind my expertise as a community cultivator. Writing here on Substack as just Wendy feels way more vulnerable but also more liberating if I can find the courage to actually say what I want to say. I LOVE your connection to your songwriting. When you finish the song that is emerging in your soul, could we share it here and invite you to share what it was like to actually put into words that "longing of missed opportunity." I think a lot of people would relate to that. I know I would. I have those same feelings related to my own father. Thank you for your response and your friendship.
Its like you just wrote my story about why I do not publish my writting. I call mine negative Nelly and she sits on my shoulder and stops me every time. I think my fear has grown over the last 5 years as people's ability to critially think has shifted to debate and argue and i fear that. Thank you for getting this conversation going and sharing many of our stories theough yours.
So glad you made the journey onto my Substack! It is a bit disorienting. I felt good last week when I shared this but today Judas is screaming…this is a waste of time. Your comment was silence button I needed!
Just beautiful! And so in rhythm (as you weirdly usually are) with what is brewing and trying to burst forth in me. Love the Jill / Judas battle!
And these two lines I especially appreciated:
"I began writing because stories build connections, and I believe connections can change the world." <<-- you know I agree!!! And thank you for reminding me why I write.
"5. If you push the publish button enough, you might kill Judas once and for all!" <-- God how I hope this is true. And love the image of it. This also made me giggle.
I also love the recovery wisdom you shared -- "just for today." These days we all need this I think. I certainly do.
Thank you for being among my first subscribers and adding your faithful jill like voice to my comments. I do hope you will write more. It would be fun to build off each others words.
I really connect with a lot of this. The only writing I ever do is academic writing, which whilst I do get some satisfaction and expression from this it’s also extremely limited in terms of its ability to convey anything other than conceptual and analytical perspectives. I think unconsciously that’s a lot easier sometimes than more emotive or introspective writing (and thinking). Academic ‘convention’ can be something to hide behind, a way to mediate my experience and opinions through well trodden theories of someone else’s creation. Now I’m thinking about this more deeply after reading your piece, I’m also aware that on the odd occasion I write songs of my own with lyrics they tend to be somewhat comedic, even if they have a deeper subtext. I wonder if this is another way of hiding from the world too. For a while after my dad passed away I had a song trying to make its way out, something about the longing of missed opportunity centred around the moment I have every spring where I realise that I’d left it too late again to harvest blackthorn wood (used in Ireland especially to make walking sticks etc but that you need to harvest in winter whilst its sap has drained from the green wood). I think it’s time to try birth that song. Thank you for sharing Wendy ☘️♥️
This is so beautiful and thoughtful. Lots to unpack here. I do agree that writing with my coach/trainer hat on is a lot less intimidating. I am a "subject matter expert," so I can hide behind my expertise as a community cultivator. Writing here on Substack as just Wendy feels way more vulnerable but also more liberating if I can find the courage to actually say what I want to say. I LOVE your connection to your songwriting. When you finish the song that is emerging in your soul, could we share it here and invite you to share what it was like to actually put into words that "longing of missed opportunity." I think a lot of people would relate to that. I know I would. I have those same feelings related to my own father. Thank you for your response and your friendship.
You should be proud of the six weeks of posting! It is hard to not let "life" get in the way of your commitment.
Thank you! My family has been very supportive and I could not do it without them.
Its like you just wrote my story about why I do not publish my writting. I call mine negative Nelly and she sits on my shoulder and stops me every time. I think my fear has grown over the last 5 years as people's ability to critially think has shifted to debate and argue and i fear that. Thank you for getting this conversation going and sharing many of our stories theough yours.
So glad you made the journey onto my Substack! It is a bit disorienting. I felt good last week when I shared this but today Judas is screaming…this is a waste of time. Your comment was silence button I needed!
Just beautiful! And so in rhythm (as you weirdly usually are) with what is brewing and trying to burst forth in me. Love the Jill / Judas battle!
And these two lines I especially appreciated:
"I began writing because stories build connections, and I believe connections can change the world." <<-- you know I agree!!! And thank you for reminding me why I write.
"5. If you push the publish button enough, you might kill Judas once and for all!" <-- God how I hope this is true. And love the image of it. This also made me giggle.
I also love the recovery wisdom you shared -- "just for today." These days we all need this I think. I certainly do.
Thanks for taking this brave step!
Thank you for being among my first subscribers and adding your faithful jill like voice to my comments. I do hope you will write more. It would be fun to build off each others words.
love this and, yes, way more for jill than judas! your words matter!
🎊🎊🎉🎉Yay! You did it! 🎊🎊🎉🎉
I'm honored that you chose my name for your angel. I look forward to reading more of your writing.