That bubbles and candles bit brought to mind that old "Calgon take me away!" commercial. Even then, happiness was just a fancy bath away... ah, capitalism, cleverly monetizing soap by shaming us into thinking we need just a few bubbles to suddenly "be happy." And what do we see on FB and other platforms? An avalanche of wonderful moments, nothing else. success success success!
Deepest gratitude to you for somehow finding me. I’ve read your last two pieces and feel connected, kinship. Can’t wait to read more of your work/life. I am older and poor. I’m so sorry I can’t give you money. I do promise my rapt attention.
An older friend of mine pointed out that it’s good to have friends of all ages, if for no other reason than if they’re all the same age as you, there will come a point when they all start dying around the same time.
Thank you Stella, your story is very relatable in many ways 💕
"As a 4 was installed onto the front end of my age, I found that it came with a deep and welcome shift toward more self-acceptance. My elders have said that each decade is better than the last, and so far, I would have to agree." ~ I agree with this one too.
When I was pregnant with my first child, my father mumbled something about "children having children these days..." and of course it forces us to 'grow up' faster than our peers.
I like your humour shining through here "So, rather than living from one knee-jerk reaction to the next, making survival mode an olympic sport, or perfecting my imitation of an ostrich by ignoring important signals going off inside of me, I would like to take responsible action, if “responsible” means able to respond."
Taking responsibility is so often misunderstood ~ while it's the most empowering form of self-care ~ expanding our ability to respond. Wishing you a selfcare-ful and New Year 🦋
That bubbles and candles bit brought to mind that old "Calgon take me away!" commercial. Even then, happiness was just a fancy bath away... ah, capitalism, cleverly monetizing soap by shaming us into thinking we need just a few bubbles to suddenly "be happy." And what do we see on FB and other platforms? An avalanche of wonderful moments, nothing else. success success success!
And what do we have to share? heartache.
lovely new work, and I dare say, very grown up.
Amen to all of that! Avalanches, indeed! Legions of empty bath bubbles with no there there. And where has this gotten us?!
Deepest gratitude to you for somehow finding me. I’ve read your last two pieces and feel connected, kinship. Can’t wait to read more of your work/life. I am older and poor. I’m so sorry I can’t give you money. I do promise my rapt attention.
Oh thank you so much, Kim♥️♥️♥️ That’s very kind of you. I’m so glad I found you, too!
I just turned 40 and this is all very relatable, despite having cats and no kids. Lovely read. Sending you healing vibes as well.
Thank you for your thoughts, Sam♥️
I recognise so much here, especially always having older friends...it was very strange for me when I started being older than all my work colleagues.
An older friend of mine pointed out that it’s good to have friends of all ages, if for no other reason than if they’re all the same age as you, there will come a point when they all start dying around the same time.
Great piece!!
Thank you, Kay💙
My pleasure.
A beautiful read. I love the intimacy and courage in your commitment to Responding, this year ✨
Thank you, Delphine!
Not sure how you found me,but that was a great read, and I look forward to reading more. Thanks Stella ⭐️💎✨☝🏽💪🏾🕯️🙏🏾🌹
I’m sure glad I did! And thank you so much for reading and piping in 💙
yeh what a crazy knowledgeable piece about the darkeer sides.
People need to see that underworld as living alongside the living rather than distnctly different
Nice to read someone who thinks deeper than the self help world
Thank you. I agree that the underworld is right here with us.
Thank you Stella, your story is very relatable in many ways 💕
"As a 4 was installed onto the front end of my age, I found that it came with a deep and welcome shift toward more self-acceptance. My elders have said that each decade is better than the last, and so far, I would have to agree." ~ I agree with this one too.
When I was pregnant with my first child, my father mumbled something about "children having children these days..." and of course it forces us to 'grow up' faster than our peers.
I like your humour shining through here "So, rather than living from one knee-jerk reaction to the next, making survival mode an olympic sport, or perfecting my imitation of an ostrich by ignoring important signals going off inside of me, I would like to take responsible action, if “responsible” means able to respond."
Taking responsibility is so often misunderstood ~ while it's the most empowering form of self-care ~ expanding our ability to respond. Wishing you a selfcare-ful and New Year 🦋
Thank you so much for taking time to read my piece and reflect on it. 💙 Yes, motherhood definitely accelerates the process!!