I could happily sit in a quiet space with my coffee and read your work all day long. I've been feeling much more aware lately that certain things in life aren't endless. Watching my son head off to middle school, seeing my parents' doctor appointments become more frequent - it all feels very real at this stage of life.
I relate so much to wanting to do all the things and wondering where the time is supposed to come from. I think you perfectly captured the mantra I'm trying to live by these days: one step at a time, even if it's just a baby step. This was a big ramble, but you got me thinkin' <3
You are way too kind to me, thank you Traci. But yes, all we can do is take our baby steps. (But I have a feeling we’re going to make it all happen anyway!)
Gosh Julie, this was so beautifully and relatably written. Also the description of your brains at thanksgiving is such a great exercise — I’m going to use that one with family!
As someone who also works in tech, has family aspirations, and writing aspirations: wow. Such great read. I intend to join you in writing here on substack soon :)
This is so beautiful. It reminded me of something I read in Cup of Jo awhile back that talked about midlife being the holding of tension of opposites--the looking back on the things that didn't happen but also reflecting on the good things that were unexpected...basically how you thought things were going to go and how it's actually going. And I'm totally with you on trying to limit how much time and energy my brain spends on the hamster wheel, and trying to focus that on actual action OR just enjoying the freaking present moment.
I think both polaroids can fully develop. And the gift of perspective and time and age will be the only thing that allows them to get there or allow yourself to get there. In my motherhood/career/life experience there is time for everything if you allow yourself to let your priorities be fluid. They don't need to be consistent. Each season of life rearranges our priorities but they are ultimately ours to decide. Happy to be along for the ride and thank you for sharing xx
Such a great post and such good writing. Everything you wrote had me nodding because we are starting to get to a stage where our loved ones are aging, and so many of the questions you mentioned come up more often. I don't know if I have time for everything, but I do think living in the present is the best solution for my anxious brain for now, ha!
Your writing is truly captivating!! You capture the evolution of what time means now as a parent so distinctly: “Part of it is that I’m now measuring time by a person”. If only we had more hours in the day…
How do you articulate so clearly and thoughtfully these nuanced ideas like a pro? Oh yeah: Because you’re a writer! Writing is so obviously a part of who you are, and it will always be there. You’ll know when the time is right. In the meantime, how true it is that we often want two things that don’t seem to fit together at the same time. Darn full time jobs helping to pay the bills do have a habit of getting in the way of creative work when there’s a little kid to be cared for as well. You’ll figure it out. And I can’t wait to read your book when you do!
Such a beautiful read and very relatable. This was just the perfect ending “But then good grief, girl, climb back down into the flowers. Everything you have and hold dear today was once a blurry image, too. Focus.” I love how you came full circle 🩷
Your book is as real in my memory as any other book I've read (only I STILL DON'T KNOW HOW IT ENDS). So you are already a writer, you just could stand to gain a bigger audience (AND LET YOUR EXISTING READERS HAVE AN ENDING PLEASE).
Mmmm okay that’s high praise coming from one of my favorite authors. You are the best, Suzy. I promise the minute I write “The End,” you’ll be the first to get pages in your inbox.
Just sayin I definitely think you can add writer to your resume. I love reading your work. I relate to so much of this, especially the part about your expanding life taking you further away from how you really want to spend your time.
I think your fuzzy Polaroids are what the kids call “manifesting,” and I hope you get everything you’re looking for.
i love this i love this i love this. deeply deeply relate. i know once im off to the races with number two i will be back in that constant searching, tracking, trying. and you better believe i’ll be calling you for moral support when this time comes 🤍 thank you for sharing in the in between!
I could happily sit in a quiet space with my coffee and read your work all day long. I've been feeling much more aware lately that certain things in life aren't endless. Watching my son head off to middle school, seeing my parents' doctor appointments become more frequent - it all feels very real at this stage of life.
I relate so much to wanting to do all the things and wondering where the time is supposed to come from. I think you perfectly captured the mantra I'm trying to live by these days: one step at a time, even if it's just a baby step. This was a big ramble, but you got me thinkin' <3
You are way too kind to me, thank you Traci. But yes, all we can do is take our baby steps. (But I have a feeling we’re going to make it all happen anyway!)
Gosh Julie, this was so beautifully and relatably written. Also the description of your brains at thanksgiving is such a great exercise — I’m going to use that one with family!
It was really a fascinating exercise! There’s so much to the people we love that we don’t even know about.
As someone who also works in tech, has family aspirations, and writing aspirations: wow. Such great read. I intend to join you in writing here on substack soon :)
Come on in, Liz! It’s fun in here :)
I’ve been really enjoying reading your work! So beautifully written and relatable. Thank you Julie!!
Thank you so much!
This is so beautiful. It reminded me of something I read in Cup of Jo awhile back that talked about midlife being the holding of tension of opposites--the looking back on the things that didn't happen but also reflecting on the good things that were unexpected...basically how you thought things were going to go and how it's actually going. And I'm totally with you on trying to limit how much time and energy my brain spends on the hamster wheel, and trying to focus that on actual action OR just enjoying the freaking present moment.
A comparison to Cup of Jo makes my whole day 💕 And yes, somehow staying in the present is so hard and yet so crucial
I think both polaroids can fully develop. And the gift of perspective and time and age will be the only thing that allows them to get there or allow yourself to get there. In my motherhood/career/life experience there is time for everything if you allow yourself to let your priorities be fluid. They don't need to be consistent. Each season of life rearranges our priorities but they are ultimately ours to decide. Happy to be along for the ride and thank you for sharing xx
“There is time for everything” is music to my ears. Thank you so much, Lydia.
Such a great post and such good writing. Everything you wrote had me nodding because we are starting to get to a stage where our loved ones are aging, and so many of the questions you mentioned come up more often. I don't know if I have time for everything, but I do think living in the present is the best solution for my anxious brain for now, ha!
Me too, Natalia! And also…there is no other choice (even if I would really, really like there to be, haha)
Your writing is truly captivating!! You capture the evolution of what time means now as a parent so distinctly: “Part of it is that I’m now measuring time by a person”. If only we had more hours in the day…
Thank you, Sophia! If you figure out how to get those extra hours, please call me…
Beautiful and perfect like you. Favorite post yet!!
Love you the most.
this was very beautiful
Thank you so much, Mindy.
How do you articulate so clearly and thoughtfully these nuanced ideas like a pro? Oh yeah: Because you’re a writer! Writing is so obviously a part of who you are, and it will always be there. You’ll know when the time is right. In the meantime, how true it is that we often want two things that don’t seem to fit together at the same time. Darn full time jobs helping to pay the bills do have a habit of getting in the way of creative work when there’s a little kid to be cared for as well. You’ll figure it out. And I can’t wait to read your book when you do!
You are going to be at the top of my beta readers list! The encouragement means so much, seriously. I can’t wait to send it to you someday soon.
Such a beautiful read and very relatable. This was just the perfect ending “But then good grief, girl, climb back down into the flowers. Everything you have and hold dear today was once a blurry image, too. Focus.” I love how you came full circle 🩷
The focus is so tough! But I’m tryin’. Thanks so much for reading, Jennie.
Your book is as real in my memory as any other book I've read (only I STILL DON'T KNOW HOW IT ENDS). So you are already a writer, you just could stand to gain a bigger audience (AND LET YOUR EXISTING READERS HAVE AN ENDING PLEASE).
Mmmm okay that’s high praise coming from one of my favorite authors. You are the best, Suzy. I promise the minute I write “The End,” you’ll be the first to get pages in your inbox.
Just sayin I definitely think you can add writer to your resume. I love reading your work. I relate to so much of this, especially the part about your expanding life taking you further away from how you really want to spend your time.
I think your fuzzy Polaroids are what the kids call “manifesting,” and I hope you get everything you’re looking for.
You are the kindest, Jaymee. I wish the same for you!!
i love this i love this i love this. deeply deeply relate. i know once im off to the races with number two i will be back in that constant searching, tracking, trying. and you better believe i’ll be calling you for moral support when this time comes 🤍 thank you for sharing in the in between!
I am here for all the moral support in the trenches!! Trying (for a baby, for a book, all the things I know we both want)…oof. It is no joke.
Beautiful writing!
Thanks so much!