I feel the same way when I write about the more personal -and sometimes sad things. But for me, it is important to write about the things I want to write about and not about what people might want to read. That is also something I value about your newsletter - you don’t pretend or try to please others by writing for them. To me, this is much more interesting than another gear review.
Thanks, Susanne. It means a lot. I think I shared this post because I thought it was interesting that I was so worried about it and then almost felt like I needed to share something "more positive" to balance it out. I guess I am trying to convince myself to write about what I want to write about and not worry about others. The truth is, the community here on Substack is so kind and encouraging, and I really appreciate it.
Oh, Manuela. I kept nodding as I read each paragraph. We’re likely cut from the same cloth as I’ve been experienced both the doubt and conviction to write and share what makes us human. And yes, it is the entire spectrum of emotions that make up a meaningful life. Keep going, keep staying true to yourself. That’s what keeps me coming back.
Grief, beauty, pain, love… I think these are all simply different aspects of what we call life.
I also believe that the ability to carry contradictory emotions at the same time is, in some way, a sign of growth, if we can even call it that. It is something I encountered while trying to understand myself as well.
And honestly, I love when you write about what you most genuinely want to write about, whatever that may be, so please, just keep going.
Thanks, Davor! I think you are right. It is what we should call life, but I find that in modern society, it’s still rather an uncomfortable topic. I don’t think it is normalized as much as it should.
I really appreciate your kind words, and, yes, I will definitely keep going.
The way you weave grief and beauty together reminds me that life’s richness lies in its complexity. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly, Manuela.
I have to say, Manuela, this may (just may) be my favorite piece you've written. It's incredibly honest and so truthful. We are capable of holding more than one emotion/reality and they may be opposites at the same time. I love that you bring up "Because grief and beauty are never very far from each other." It seems yin and yang are the theme for me this year because in one way or another, it keeps surfacing as a topic. Do you remember last week I published about my zine but said I had another topic that I felt was too heavy? Even though initially that's the reason I stopped myself, I later learned that another part of me wanted to stop myself so that I could allow that particular piece to breathe a little longer. I wanted to also jump over to another experience and I did (the zine). I guess what I'm saying here is that we have to just be who we are and take care of ourselves and all the parts of us as if they are our children. And being a parent means sometimes you have to honor your child's multifaceted nature and also be your child's cheerleader. Well written, my dear. And thank you!
Life holds so many opposing feelings and you captured that reality so beautifully here. Sometimes there are pockets of joy in mourning and humor during serious moments. And somehow we manage to carry them at the same time. I don't want to miss any of them either.
The people I find most interesting are those that allow themselves to be vulnerable to write the full range of human emotions. Your posts about difficult circumstances have been some of my favorites to read on Substack. Whether it’s relating to your thoughts/doubts as an artist, or hearing your firsthand account living through the horrific events in Minneapolis recently, your writing has expanded my own understanding of the human condition in ways I’ll forever be grateful.
I can resonate with this. For me I see life as a balance of sorrow and joy (and every emotion in between) - they live side by side and each one is countered by the other and so it's only natural to voice these feelings or experiences in your essays.
By writing what you write, you're being true to your Self, your lived experience, not feeding the algorithms or the ego...you're being real. So don't ever think you shouldn't continue to write about what you want to, to please others...I really enjoy reading what you write Manuela, it's always meaningful, real and beautifully expressed.
I feel the same way when I write about the more personal -and sometimes sad things. But for me, it is important to write about the things I want to write about and not about what people might want to read. That is also something I value about your newsletter - you don’t pretend or try to please others by writing for them. To me, this is much more interesting than another gear review.
Thanks, Susanne. It means a lot. I think I shared this post because I thought it was interesting that I was so worried about it and then almost felt like I needed to share something "more positive" to balance it out. I guess I am trying to convince myself to write about what I want to write about and not worry about others. The truth is, the community here on Substack is so kind and encouraging, and I really appreciate it.
Oh, Manuela. I kept nodding as I read each paragraph. We’re likely cut from the same cloth as I’ve been experienced both the doubt and conviction to write and share what makes us human. And yes, it is the entire spectrum of emotions that make up a meaningful life. Keep going, keep staying true to yourself. That’s what keeps me coming back.
We definitely are, Stella! I resonate with so much of what you share. And I bet we could talk for hours. Thank you so much!!
I am sure of it, Manuela!
Grief, beauty, pain, love… I think these are all simply different aspects of what we call life.
I also believe that the ability to carry contradictory emotions at the same time is, in some way, a sign of growth, if we can even call it that. It is something I encountered while trying to understand myself as well.
And honestly, I love when you write about what you most genuinely want to write about, whatever that may be, so please, just keep going.
Thanks, Davor! I think you are right. It is what we should call life, but I find that in modern society, it’s still rather an uncomfortable topic. I don’t think it is normalized as much as it should.
I really appreciate your kind words, and, yes, I will definitely keep going.
The way you weave grief and beauty together reminds me that life’s richness lies in its complexity. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly, Manuela.
Thank you!
I have to say, Manuela, this may (just may) be my favorite piece you've written. It's incredibly honest and so truthful. We are capable of holding more than one emotion/reality and they may be opposites at the same time. I love that you bring up "Because grief and beauty are never very far from each other." It seems yin and yang are the theme for me this year because in one way or another, it keeps surfacing as a topic. Do you remember last week I published about my zine but said I had another topic that I felt was too heavy? Even though initially that's the reason I stopped myself, I later learned that another part of me wanted to stop myself so that I could allow that particular piece to breathe a little longer. I wanted to also jump over to another experience and I did (the zine). I guess what I'm saying here is that we have to just be who we are and take care of ourselves and all the parts of us as if they are our children. And being a parent means sometimes you have to honor your child's multifaceted nature and also be your child's cheerleader. Well written, my dear. And thank you!
Wow. Thank you, Juliette! I definitely know what you mean. Sometimes, a piece needs time to breathe before it’s released.
Life holds so many opposing feelings and you captured that reality so beautifully here. Sometimes there are pockets of joy in mourning and humor during serious moments. And somehow we manage to carry them at the same time. I don't want to miss any of them either.
Thank you, Karin!
Your posts are always beautiful and authentic. Please don’t ever change.
Thank you, Alicia!
The people I find most interesting are those that allow themselves to be vulnerable to write the full range of human emotions. Your posts about difficult circumstances have been some of my favorites to read on Substack. Whether it’s relating to your thoughts/doubts as an artist, or hearing your firsthand account living through the horrific events in Minneapolis recently, your writing has expanded my own understanding of the human condition in ways I’ll forever be grateful.
Todd, your comment is so kind. Thank you so much!!
Beautifully, beautifully, beautifully said. Thanks Manuela.
Thank you!
I can resonate with this. For me I see life as a balance of sorrow and joy (and every emotion in between) - they live side by side and each one is countered by the other and so it's only natural to voice these feelings or experiences in your essays.
By writing what you write, you're being true to your Self, your lived experience, not feeding the algorithms or the ego...you're being real. So don't ever think you shouldn't continue to write about what you want to, to please others...I really enjoy reading what you write Manuela, it's always meaningful, real and beautifully expressed.
Thank you so much, Lin! I so appreciate you.
Beautifully expressed Manuela. So much of what you have written resonated with me. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Shital! That means a lot.
Other than for the fact that we're born, we live and we die, life is far from linear, Manuela. The older I get, the more apparent this becomes.
Truth. Thanks so much, Paul!
Beautiful post as always, writing from your heart is the best place to write from. 🫶
Thank you! I appreciate it.