"... self-confidence, which is why it took me so long to share my writing online. Even as I’ve faced my fears... I still feel anxious and off-kilter at times."
Your honest reflections and statements like this encourage me to keep writing and finally start posting my own stories. Thank you.
"Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's rebellion in the face of it." This line captures exactly what I've been exploring in my own writing about authenticity in a world of performance. Your mother's story reminds me that the most courageous acts often happen in quiet moments of decision, not grand gestures.
I write from the cracks. The places between grief and grace, ritual and recovery, spirit and survival. My series On Being explores these liminal spaces where true courage emerges.
If you're into storytelling with a pulse and reflection with teeth, I'd love to connect.
Jon, this felt less like an essay and more like sitting with a friend who tells the truth even when it’s hard. The part about fear dressing itself up as logic? That hit. So many of us stay in places—jobs, relationships, even belief systems not because we believe in them, but because fear has made a convincing case for comfort.
Your mother’s story was powerful. That kind of courage doesn’t come easy, but watching her choose herself and keep going is the kind of growth we rarely celebrate out loud but need to.
Thank you for not preaching and not posturing. Just sharing what’s real. That’s rare.
I needed to read this right now at this moment. Inaction has parlyazed me enough.
"... self-confidence, which is why it took me so long to share my writing online. Even as I’ve faced my fears... I still feel anxious and off-kilter at times."
Your honest reflections and statements like this encourage me to keep writing and finally start posting my own stories. Thank you.
"Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's rebellion in the face of it." This line captures exactly what I've been exploring in my own writing about authenticity in a world of performance. Your mother's story reminds me that the most courageous acts often happen in quiet moments of decision, not grand gestures.
I write from the cracks. The places between grief and grace, ritual and recovery, spirit and survival. My series On Being explores these liminal spaces where true courage emerges.
If you're into storytelling with a pulse and reflection with teeth, I'd love to connect.
eclecticaf.substack.com
Appreciate you for reading, and I'll for sure give your writing a look!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for reading! 🙏🏾
We have both written about the same thing this week. (Although I write about it every week in truth) - I loved your post courage considerations too. 👏
Appreciate you taking the time to read my piece, Caroline. And keep on writing about courage! We can never have enough reminders to face our fears.
What a stunning piece of writing, thank you.
Jon, this felt less like an essay and more like sitting with a friend who tells the truth even when it’s hard. The part about fear dressing itself up as logic? That hit. So many of us stay in places—jobs, relationships, even belief systems not because we believe in them, but because fear has made a convincing case for comfort.
Your mother’s story was powerful. That kind of courage doesn’t come easy, but watching her choose herself and keep going is the kind of growth we rarely celebrate out loud but need to.
Thank you for not preaching and not posturing. Just sharing what’s real. That’s rare.