This week I discuss the return of my night terrors, what will hopefully be my final rebrand of this newsletter + a solidarity essay about my life a decade ago lost to the madness of OCD and psychosis.
My heart hurts for you Kate. Sharing this story is brave and I admire and respect you so very much. Thank you. Keep swimming. 💜#wafflestrong #katestrong
Thank you, Heather. Please don't hurt on my behalf too much. I am the lucky one -- one of the chosen few who made it out alive. As you know, I share not for pity or attention but for those who didn't survive and for those who actively fight this fight daily with no support or safety net to care for them. The fact I am even free enough to write like this and keep a job and community all the while is a privilege of the highest degree. And good golly -- Yay for Dory! -- best reference ever. May we all always keep swimming. xo
The honor is actually mine. To be seen in one's truth and accepted in it is the greatest honor a human can ever live. Thank you for being here. truly. xo
Dearest Kate, I am so sorry that you are experiencing night terrors again. And I so appreciate your fighting through the mire to share it with us. Hearing from you is a reminder that we are all struggling and that I am not alone. Though I wish you weren't suffering, it somehow eases mine. It reminds me to be kind to myself. Reading your post last night, I was in a tornado of self-loathing and pain that follows a binge. I decided to take a personal day today, instead of trying to fight through. I am going to take care of myself, go to swim at the community center, write, sleep and care for myself as I wish I could care for you. You fill me with compassion and I turn that love to myself, for once, to care for me like no one else does, and to live for today.
Dearest Lisa, how I love you. I am so glad my stories offer an ease of being. That is EXACTLY why I write them. When I was living this reality, all I ever wanted was someone to tell me there hell and for me to see myself in it -- for me to know that I wasn't the only one. I am so so glad you are here. AND I hope you got the most lovely swim in! How was it?! big hugs. xo
Thank you for these kind words, I truly love you too. If it was anyone else I would lie and say I did swim, but I can't lie, not to you. I didn't make it that day. Sometimes it takes me a few tries, lol. But I have been since. Thank you for asking, and for giving me the opportunity to be truthful. It feels good.
Right here for you...right here 💜
Felt so deeply and appreciated more than you know.
My heart hurts for you Kate. Sharing this story is brave and I admire and respect you so very much. Thank you. Keep swimming. 💜#wafflestrong #katestrong
Thank you, Heather. Please don't hurt on my behalf too much. I am the lucky one -- one of the chosen few who made it out alive. As you know, I share not for pity or attention but for those who didn't survive and for those who actively fight this fight daily with no support or safety net to care for them. The fact I am even free enough to write like this and keep a job and community all the while is a privilege of the highest degree. And good golly -- Yay for Dory! -- best reference ever. May we all always keep swimming. xo
💜
💜💜💜 big snugs from the girls!
Truly an honor. Thank you for sharing 💜
The honor is actually mine. To be seen in one's truth and accepted in it is the greatest honor a human can ever live. Thank you for being here. truly. xo
Thank you always thank you, a recalibration I needed
so so glad. sending the biggest hugs and snugs!
Dearest Kate, I am so sorry that you are experiencing night terrors again. And I so appreciate your fighting through the mire to share it with us. Hearing from you is a reminder that we are all struggling and that I am not alone. Though I wish you weren't suffering, it somehow eases mine. It reminds me to be kind to myself. Reading your post last night, I was in a tornado of self-loathing and pain that follows a binge. I decided to take a personal day today, instead of trying to fight through. I am going to take care of myself, go to swim at the community center, write, sleep and care for myself as I wish I could care for you. You fill me with compassion and I turn that love to myself, for once, to care for me like no one else does, and to live for today.
Dearest Lisa, how I love you. I am so glad my stories offer an ease of being. That is EXACTLY why I write them. When I was living this reality, all I ever wanted was someone to tell me there hell and for me to see myself in it -- for me to know that I wasn't the only one. I am so so glad you are here. AND I hope you got the most lovely swim in! How was it?! big hugs. xo
Thank you for these kind words, I truly love you too. If it was anyone else I would lie and say I did swim, but I can't lie, not to you. I didn't make it that day. Sometimes it takes me a few tries, lol. But I have been since. Thank you for asking, and for giving me the opportunity to be truthful. It feels good.
Listening. Holding space. Thankful for you. Your voice is so very important. ❤️
and thankful for you. My voice is only as strong as the people who hear it. so grateful you stay here with us. big hugs. xo
Thank you for showing up. 💜
Thank you for accepting me as I do. That act is what saves my life over and over and over again.
Kate, you are extraordinary. This is bravery. Sharing your life like this is the bravest thing you could do, and I am so grateful for you.
💜💜💜 Thank you so much for being here with me. Happy New Year! xo