I loved all of this. I also plan what I'm going to say, although often inappropriate stuff just blurts itself out anyway, and I replay/extend conversations in my head long after they're over. When I hit my 40's I decided it was time to just let my freak flag fly, as it were, and there's so much less stress on the day-to-day. :)
It's time for me, too. I read a post on Threads today, someone describing how their neurodivergence decided to make itself known at a NYE party and they just plopped down on the kitchen floor instead of realizing it. But instead of getting weird looks, a few people joined them there and became a thing. I think I'm going to use that image as my model moving forward. :)
What a beautiful essay. I have worn masks in my life too, different ones for different pains. I think we grow and evolve our whole lives. In my seventies now, I'm still growing up -- and I love that. To have been the student of a voracious reader, book writing cat loving English teacher must have been a highlight for your classes. And that you would model courage and being true to one's self -- just exquisite. Thanks you for your piercing and profound words, Rebecca.
Megan, I'm glad to be (albeit distant and online) poetry-loving companions in the wild, glorious, and terrifying experience of finding our true selves. I know you understand how much poems help.
Beautiful and brave! Thank you, Rebecca!
Comments like this help me to be brave. :)
I loved all of this. I also plan what I'm going to say, although often inappropriate stuff just blurts itself out anyway, and I replay/extend conversations in my head long after they're over. When I hit my 40's I decided it was time to just let my freak flag fly, as it were, and there's so much less stress on the day-to-day. :)
I still do it... But much less now!
It's time for me, too. I read a post on Threads today, someone describing how their neurodivergence decided to make itself known at a NYE party and they just plopped down on the kitchen floor instead of realizing it. But instead of getting weird looks, a few people joined them there and became a thing. I think I'm going to use that image as my model moving forward. :)
This is an amazing essay!
It is, isn't it?
Oh, thank you <3
What a beautiful essay. I have worn masks in my life too, different ones for different pains. I think we grow and evolve our whole lives. In my seventies now, I'm still growing up -- and I love that. To have been the student of a voracious reader, book writing cat loving English teacher must have been a highlight for your classes. And that you would model courage and being true to one's self -- just exquisite. Thanks you for your piercing and profound words, Rebecca.
What a beautiful comment for Rebecca. Thank you.
What kind, kind words and understanding. Thank you. <3
I popped over to your Substack and love what you're talking about!
Rebecca, this is stunning. And sad and joyful.
I have a different mask, one that like you, I am only recently recognizing and removing. It is wild and glorious and terrifying.
Megan, I'm glad to be (albeit distant and online) poetry-loving companions in the wild, glorious, and terrifying experience of finding our true selves. I know you understand how much poems help.
Oh yes, friend! Where oh where would we be without them. (Yes, that is a statement, not a question.)