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.
I love this essay and share many experiences: getting stressed out about exchanges in Old Navy, teaching high school kids "We Wear the Mask" many years ago, and jamming to the Indigo Girls. (On one of the pages in my graphic memoir, I've got headphones on, and "I'm trying to tell you something about my life..." floats out of my CD player.)
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.)
I love this essay and share many experiences: getting stressed out about exchanges in Old Navy, teaching high school kids "We Wear the Mask" many years ago, and jamming to the Indigo Girls. (On one of the pages in my graphic memoir, I've got headphones on, and "I'm trying to tell you something about my life..." floats out of my CD player.)
Ah! Your memoir is already on my wishlist….I think I’ll have to go ahead and get it, just for that page 😍
Haha, it’s a pretty good page 😂