“I related to it because I think I’ve been so existentially dependent on approval that I’ve lost connection with a younger self who at some points was able to “go on being,” to use a favorite idea from D.W. Winnicott.”
YES YES YES. I had never read or heard this feeling named, and you did it perfectly. Thank you for sharing 💖
I look forward to your writing for all the reasons that this essay clarifies. How you write so generously and rigorously all at once. Gentle and vigorous. How I'm still holding in my mind's eye the purple fingernails and the image of Lizzy Kaplan and my projected image of your child calling your attention to the blossoms. Thank you for this gift.
Children often see what we can easily overlook and as you say, this comes from someone else in their life spotting what they can overlook <3. Beautiful words, looking forward to your next letter xx
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“I related to it because I think I’ve been so existentially dependent on approval that I’ve lost connection with a younger self who at some points was able to “go on being,” to use a favorite idea from D.W. Winnicott.”
YES YES YES. I had never read or heard this feeling named, and you did it perfectly. Thank you for sharing 💖
I look forward to your writing for all the reasons that this essay clarifies. How you write so generously and rigorously all at once. Gentle and vigorous. How I'm still holding in my mind's eye the purple fingernails and the image of Lizzy Kaplan and my projected image of your child calling your attention to the blossoms. Thank you for this gift.
Belatedly, this was great — especially the idea to "go on being." Could you recommend where one might start with Winnicott?
Children often see what we can easily overlook and as you say, this comes from someone else in their life spotting what they can overlook <3. Beautiful words, looking forward to your next letter xx
"which feels like lifting boulders looking for crumbs, or chasing something that never was, or sculpting something that is inchoate but luminescent."
MMM! WHEW! I felt this one. ❤️
Ah, I love those moments when my kids hit me with their unblemished perspective. I loved this!