Thank you for this very thoughtful piece. And for those links--I devoured the first two, and am saving the third for later.
I thought personal blogging was making us more comfortable with sharing the messy parts of life, and then Instagram came and it's all shining curated moments. I'm finding Instagram very difficult at the moment, and stay away for long periods.
Thank you for this really thoughtful and lovely comment. I’m so glad you loved those pieces, they’re three of my most dearly loved writers for their incredible skill and fearlessness.
I also find IG hard, it’s so hopeless at capturing the fullness of our lives. And it often makes me feel really bad about myself. Don’t even get me started on LinkedIn 🫠!
On the other hand, the community here on Substack inspires me to keep sharing, even when it’s unflattering. I’m so thankful for your readership and thoughtfulness and excited to read your words also xx.
I have been finding Substack a little anxiety inducing too, since it's become more like social media and less like a newsletter. all these sites always build in pressure to do more, consume more, say more. but it's still a place for so much lovely writing.
I am floored and humbled and honored to find myself in this piece. I have so much to say about vulnerability (especially on the Internet) but mostly: when we're unguarded and open, there's nowhere to fall. I'm on solid ground when I'm not defending any identities. And I agree with Lyn--freedom from pretense is deeply magnetic to watch. Still, there is a friction (not as much in person, but definitely online) where we don't want to over-reveal for the sake of it. But your writing is so elegant and thoughtful it's obvious that whatever you share is deliberately crafted. You can trust that... and keep giving the people what we want--the truth! Onward!
It was absolutely a thrill to include you in this piece, you provide such beautiful instances of vulnerability.
And you’re doing that thing where the comment is more intelligent and insightful than the piece!
I love the idea of fumbling around in the dark a little on what feels good to share. The internet can be a scary place to reveal yourself. But then I am so thankful to you and other courageous writers for navigating it so artfully. And inspiring me to do exactly what you recommend, the truth, onward!
Oh how I love people who are open about their lives, warts and all- and I’ve noticed how much others love them too. Freedom from pretence is such an endearing quality. Something to be cultivated. Another thought provoking piece Isabelle. Thank you so much!
A beautiful sentiment! Ya BEAUTIFUL 😍 not only does your truth set you free, the way you write to your truth to your reader’s, is a rich tapestry of delicious curiosity, with a side of awkwardness and dressed with the most devine creative flare, and that makes this reader’s digest a nourishing experience!!! I feel full and very satisfied from reading this.
Thank you, that is always so heartening to hear ❤️. I also love your writing, particularly your recent thoughts on envy. I’m actively trying to be the person who is genuinely thrilled for the success of other people, even when it’s exactly the kind of success I want. It’s a slow process. Thank you for being here xx
Thank you for this very thoughtful piece. And for those links--I devoured the first two, and am saving the third for later.
I thought personal blogging was making us more comfortable with sharing the messy parts of life, and then Instagram came and it's all shining curated moments. I'm finding Instagram very difficult at the moment, and stay away for long periods.
Thank you for this really thoughtful and lovely comment. I’m so glad you loved those pieces, they’re three of my most dearly loved writers for their incredible skill and fearlessness.
I also find IG hard, it’s so hopeless at capturing the fullness of our lives. And it often makes me feel really bad about myself. Don’t even get me started on LinkedIn 🫠!
On the other hand, the community here on Substack inspires me to keep sharing, even when it’s unflattering. I’m so thankful for your readership and thoughtfulness and excited to read your words also xx.
I have been finding Substack a little anxiety inducing too, since it's become more like social media and less like a newsletter. all these sites always build in pressure to do more, consume more, say more. but it's still a place for so much lovely writing.
I am floored and humbled and honored to find myself in this piece. I have so much to say about vulnerability (especially on the Internet) but mostly: when we're unguarded and open, there's nowhere to fall. I'm on solid ground when I'm not defending any identities. And I agree with Lyn--freedom from pretense is deeply magnetic to watch. Still, there is a friction (not as much in person, but definitely online) where we don't want to over-reveal for the sake of it. But your writing is so elegant and thoughtful it's obvious that whatever you share is deliberately crafted. You can trust that... and keep giving the people what we want--the truth! Onward!
I adore you.
It was absolutely a thrill to include you in this piece, you provide such beautiful instances of vulnerability.
And you’re doing that thing where the comment is more intelligent and insightful than the piece!
I love the idea of fumbling around in the dark a little on what feels good to share. The internet can be a scary place to reveal yourself. But then I am so thankful to you and other courageous writers for navigating it so artfully. And inspiring me to do exactly what you recommend, the truth, onward!
Oh how I love people who are open about their lives, warts and all- and I’ve noticed how much others love them too. Freedom from pretence is such an endearing quality. Something to be cultivated. Another thought provoking piece Isabelle. Thank you so much!
A beautiful sentiment! Ya BEAUTIFUL 😍 not only does your truth set you free, the way you write to your truth to your reader’s, is a rich tapestry of delicious curiosity, with a side of awkwardness and dressed with the most devine creative flare, and that makes this reader’s digest a nourishing experience!!! I feel full and very satisfied from reading this.
I love you and your incredible comments! Like little pieces of art. I’m glad you enjoyed it ❤️❤️❤️
I love your writing so much.
Thank you, that is always so heartening to hear ❤️. I also love your writing, particularly your recent thoughts on envy. I’m actively trying to be the person who is genuinely thrilled for the success of other people, even when it’s exactly the kind of success I want. It’s a slow process. Thank you for being here xx
That is so kind of you to say, Isabelle! Thank you. ♥