I’m waiting too. And I was feeling guilty about my capacity to handwring about this election being different than 2016. I’m a mom this time. This essay was what I’ve needed to hear but found nowhere else. Thank you.
I've been in medical lockdown since September and my first infusion is finally scheduled for next week. I was in a heightened state of creativity throughout most of October, mostly fueled by steroid-induced insomnia, but now I feel rather lethargic and can nod off at any moment. I decided to enter a painting, a Chagall, and write what I see.
I wish you all the best with your health and writing.
Thank you for sharing this. It's very true that when you have a health crisis, things look different. It gives you a different perspective on life and what really matters. I am wishing you good health and healing from the test results!
This sounds right. You worked hard to be in this place of peace and joy in your life. You are not obligated to toss that away to fix something you didn’t break. Please don’t.
I run two non-profits that do good work. Tomorrow I’m going to continue that good work. I’m going to remain mindful of my friends, family, community members and all the people I love - and be there for them.
I’m going to continue to show up in my life with my full heart.
But no, I’m not going to try to fix this mess! I won’t make it worse. I will support the stuff that is good. But I know where my impact can be felt - that’s when the energy will flow.
I've read and reread this post, sharing your angst. Your words jolted me back to the reality in front of me — my home: a loving husband, my children and grandchildren, friends, and those pretty little bluebirds singing sweet songs outside my window.
That is a reality I do not want to be overshadowed by the noise and voices of hate and mistrust. While I cannot bury my head in the sand, I must keep clearly before me that which I can control and where and how I can contribute to change.
I appreciate your teaching. I am inspired by your courage to write your truth. And I wish you good news health wise. Your words matter. They mattered deeply for me today. Thank you.
I feel similarly, Kathryn. Like Lindsey, I’m immensely fortunate (much of it of due to luck of the draw, getting a good shake at the start) to love, very much, a lot of what I’ve got going. I was so hopeful the outcome would be different AND I’m not wishing away the next four years because there are spelling tests, kids to grow, novels to write and old dogs to see through to the end. I’m re-reading Olive Kitteridge and in it Elizabeth Strout writes about big bursts and little bursts getting one through. I remain stunned and saddened I didn’t get the big burst I wanted with a Harris win. But I’m not giving up on these little bursts!
Came here from your note giving advice to new substackers and boy oh boy, I can see the polished craft of writing that came from those three unpublihed books and who knows how much else you've written.
A very based message, and truly well penned.
And W friend. To use gen z lingo. I am one, afterall.
Art is its own reward, and there aren't bombs going off in my or your house right now. There's much work to do and life to be loved.
Thank you for sharing, and I hope the diagnosis comes out negative.
Thank you! Optimism! Tests take moral courage. I have so many similar feelings! The Joan Didion quote gave me goose bumps. Nothing motivates me more than my 10 year old son’s future. Like you, I’m done with the day by day focus on what’s going to happen next. My attention will be protected this time. I want to define what leadership should like without giving attention to he who shall not be named.
Lindsey, this was such a heartfelt and beautiful thing to read. I hope everything is okay with your doctor’s tests. Thank you for the gift of your words and perspective this morning.
I’m waiting too. And I was feeling guilty about my capacity to handwring about this election being different than 2016. I’m a mom this time. This essay was what I’ve needed to hear but found nowhere else. Thank you.
I'm sorry you are waiting too.
Thank you, Lindsey. Yes.
I've been in medical lockdown since September and my first infusion is finally scheduled for next week. I was in a heightened state of creativity throughout most of October, mostly fueled by steroid-induced insomnia, but now I feel rather lethargic and can nod off at any moment. I decided to enter a painting, a Chagall, and write what I see.
I wish you all the best with your health and writing.
Hope you get your test results soon and that you will be ok ❤️
Thank you for sharing this. It's very true that when you have a health crisis, things look different. It gives you a different perspective on life and what really matters. I am wishing you good health and healing from the test results!
Thank you.
This sounds right. You worked hard to be in this place of peace and joy in your life. You are not obligated to toss that away to fix something you didn’t break. Please don’t.
I run two non-profits that do good work. Tomorrow I’m going to continue that good work. I’m going to remain mindful of my friends, family, community members and all the people I love - and be there for them.
I’m going to continue to show up in my life with my full heart.
But no, I’m not going to try to fix this mess! I won’t make it worse. I will support the stuff that is good. But I know where my impact can be felt - that’s when the energy will flow.
I've read and reread this post, sharing your angst. Your words jolted me back to the reality in front of me — my home: a loving husband, my children and grandchildren, friends, and those pretty little bluebirds singing sweet songs outside my window.
That is a reality I do not want to be overshadowed by the noise and voices of hate and mistrust. While I cannot bury my head in the sand, I must keep clearly before me that which I can control and where and how I can contribute to change.
I appreciate your teaching. I am inspired by your courage to write your truth. And I wish you good news health wise. Your words matter. They mattered deeply for me today. Thank you.
I feel similarly, Kathryn. Like Lindsey, I’m immensely fortunate (much of it of due to luck of the draw, getting a good shake at the start) to love, very much, a lot of what I’ve got going. I was so hopeful the outcome would be different AND I’m not wishing away the next four years because there are spelling tests, kids to grow, novels to write and old dogs to see through to the end. I’m re-reading Olive Kitteridge and in it Elizabeth Strout writes about big bursts and little bursts getting one through. I remain stunned and saddened I didn’t get the big burst I wanted with a Harris win. But I’m not giving up on these little bursts!
Came here from your note giving advice to new substackers and boy oh boy, I can see the polished craft of writing that came from those three unpublihed books and who knows how much else you've written.
A very based message, and truly well penned.
And W friend. To use gen z lingo. I am one, afterall.
Art is its own reward, and there aren't bombs going off in my or your house right now. There's much work to do and life to be loved.
Thank you for sharing, and I hope the diagnosis comes out negative.
Thank you! Optimism! Tests take moral courage. I have so many similar feelings! The Joan Didion quote gave me goose bumps. Nothing motivates me more than my 10 year old son’s future. Like you, I’m done with the day by day focus on what’s going to happen next. My attention will be protected this time. I want to define what leadership should like without giving attention to he who shall not be named.
Praying for good health news Lindsey. 🙏🏼❤️ appreciated this post from many perspectives. Thanks for taking the time to share!
I hope you get only good news, Lindsey.
Wow…all the feels.
Love this❤️
This is beautiful ❤️
Lindsey, this was such a heartfelt and beautiful thing to read. I hope everything is okay with your doctor’s tests. Thank you for the gift of your words and perspective this morning.