55 Comments
Feb 11Liked by Lisa Olivera

Thank you for putting into words what I am feeling. I know why you are putting this out. Because there are people like me who have wounds in the exact shape of your words. (Sean Thomas Dougherty via @matthewmlong

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I felt your words with my whole body while reading. Your letters have been a comfort, and always seem to speak to things I am grappling with myself. You translate your experiences and feelings into something beautiful and real on the page. I am grateful for it. Sending love 💗 Also, I’ve listened to that Maggie Rogers song quite a few times since Thursday! It touches on something too.

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Feb 11Liked by Lisa Olivera

I feel this deeply. A wonderful way you weave your experience into words others can feel is a real power. Thank you

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“Who am I?” Is one of the most powerful questions we can continue to ask ourselves at different stages of our lives. Taking the time to unravel the layers of labels we carry through our lives is a journey and the answers may be different each time

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Feb 12Liked by Lisa Olivera

Thank you Lisa. You always articulate things that are so difficult to articulate, in a way where it's your very personal experience but is so resonant (and looking at the comments, I see I'm not alone in that feeling!). Thank you for the space to feel seen and not alone, and for sharing your gift of deep knowing and seeing with all of us. <3

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You have such a way with words especially when asked the immortal question who am I with or without. Very soothing to literally feel your words in my body. Thank you for your incredible insight Lisa. 😌

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Feb 13Liked by Lisa Olivera

"Even change in the direction we’ve hoped for can be challenging." ♥️

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I so resonate with this: 'It also feels complicated to be experiencing a quiet, personal transformation while people continue being bombed, while an election year buzzes with anxious anticipation'..... and yet, I think our own personal transformation work is the most important work we can do in the world, and it ripples out into the world around us. Perhaps ultimately, it is all we can do 🤎

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‘Being with fear and sadness instead of becoming them’ - THIS. How hard is this!? I’m really trying to do this. I was excited to see you had released a journal piece. Thank you Lisa. Inner work on oneself is so tender for sure. ❤️‍🩹🥰

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Feeling ourselves - watching ourselves - transform is quite the thing, isn’t it? Your words and experience deeply resonate, Lisa. I’ve been in survival mode for so long that coming out of it feels, well, terrifying. Who am I without all this struggle? And I mourn it. Who would I be without the trauma and its consequences? It’s this strangely unsettling and glorious place to realize that who I truly am is still being uncovered. Perhaps it’s easier to keep investing in who we once were as that uncovering is just too painful but, for whatever reason, I’m not willing to spend my life on preserving that which keeps me from being whole and true. Goodness, we’re brave.

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Oh gosh… what a poignant question and also one that came up after my own therapy session this week… who am I without the underlying current of anxiety that has been there for decades… ebbing and flowing… but always there. And also what would my life look like without it? What would I do differently? I cried thinking of all that I could be and that yet I haven’t been able to reach very often… but I also hold so much hope and compassion for myself that change is possible. Beautiful reflections as always thank you xx

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"I don't want to get over you." - The National (Sorrow)

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Feb 13Liked by Lisa Olivera

I think this will stay with me for a while, the way it came together was beautiful.

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Lisa, What a beautiful telling of becoming! The fog settles and lifts repeatedly at its own paste. D

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Feb 11Liked by Lisa Olivera

Beautiful. Thank you for putting this into words and sharing with us. 💕

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This article beautifully captures the complexities of personal transformation, especially in the face of mental health struggles. Your introspective journey and candid reflections on grappling with depression and identity resonate deeply. Progress isn't always linear and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Your vulnerability in sharing this experience is commendable and offers solace to others navigating similar paths.

Explore captivating Contemporary, Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com

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