13 Comments
User's avatar
Brenda Keesal's avatar

Powerful and liberating to read. Oh, freedom to be!

Expand full comment
heydave56's avatar

Hello from far away.

I had a revelation last night, in one of my recovery meetings, that I find it both hilarious and rewarding that I finally feel comfortable around fucked up people. And I mean that in a truly positive way

Thank you for your words today. When someone outside of my head says something that feels like it was written in my private little book, I realize connection is the path. Not the goal, that's a mirage at best. But the path to go on.

Say hi to your dog for me!

Dave

Expand full comment
Natalie Karneef's avatar

I love this, Dave. Here's to the fuck-ups :D We have a lot more fun. (Some of the time)

Expand full comment
Carol English's avatar

Yes and yes and yes. Damn it all.

Expand full comment
Susan Fisher's avatar

This is a wonderful reminder, dear Pen Pal. Strange -- although you were writing about your story, somehow it was actually MY story. (It's all about ME ME ME ME after all!!)

Expand full comment
Amanda Red's avatar

I’ve been struggling lately. I reached out to my counsellor to arrange a check-in. I deeply appreciate the reinforcement that we can heal and move forward when we spew out what’s weighing us down.

Expand full comment
Natalie Karneef's avatar

Therapy rocks! Glad you have some support <3

Expand full comment
louise mair's avatar

Loved this, There’s a real maturation in your writing. Thank you for your strength & honestly.

…. Sometimes it’s my dad’s voice I hear & it’s brutal. I’ve learnt to try & catch myself & it always makes me smile, “eh not today pops” is my usual response. The brutality of the languaging then feels ridiculous & yes laughable, as if I would believe that about myself … not today pops, not now, not ever again…. ☺️

Expand full comment
Natalie Karneef's avatar

Thank you, my darling.

Expand full comment
Heather Davis's avatar

Just keep on being you my wonderful friend; you are way more than enough, you’re a positive inspiration to so many, including me.❤️❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Johanna Lynn's avatar

I loved reading every word, so relatable. The idea of making friends with that voice is brilliant. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us 💕

Expand full comment
Jennifer Wade's avatar

This hits very close to home … that desperation to do enough of the right things to finally feel at ease (both internally and externally). It does my soul good to read someone else’s journey with this tendency. Thank you so much for sharing.

It seems like every single day I find moments in which I can practice compassionate acceptance (because every single day, I am resisting what Is in some way or another….sigh). It doesn’t necessarily lead to ease, but it does help me unclench, let go, and invite a little more spaciousness into my life. That feels really, really good … and maybe even sustainable! 😉🤞🙏

Expand full comment
Natalie Karneef's avatar

I really appreciate your response, Jennifer. I totally agree that this is a daily practice!! I wish it weren't sometimes! Thank you for reading.

Expand full comment