Thank you for your post. It will be good when we live in a world where women can share their life experiences simply because they are their life experiences and not because they are having to justify / defend their choices. But for now, many women who do still have to explain will appreciate hearing that you simply didn't want to have children. And I also enjoyed reading about your mum and siblings who raise french poodles.
Ugh! People can be so rude and intentionally insensitive about this issue. I have also chosen a childfree lifestyle. Mostly because I raised my mother’s children and saw how miserable she was in her marriage and life. Not for me, thanks! People finally stopped asking when I told them my truth. They don’t want to hear it. Now I’m physically unable to have kids and people stopped asking when I mention menopause. I’m glad you made it through to the other side.
Sharon, Thank you. So sorry you had to take on that responsibility. I was happy when I was single and then they wouldn't ask me!! Then I got to old which was also nice!! Again, thanks for reading my post and commenting. Means a lot to me.
Great piece thanks for sharing. I’m also childless and very happy with my choice. Better to not have the children you don’t think you’ll want than to have children & it not be the right choice.
Beautiful post. I want to write morning pages but I find it so hard to make the time with two children clamouring for breakfast etc. One day I will get there!
I prefer evening/nighttime pages - maybe that'd work better for you. I've got one child and I'm also not a fan of doing ANYTHING before my breakfast and two cups of tea haha!
That also can work, Susannah! But the objective of writing at the beginning or the end of the day is different (I’m talking about the When you write in the morning, the writing works as a call to action; it gives you tools to face the activities, feelings, etc., When you write in the evening/night you are more focus on reviewing your day. So, in my opinion, both work. But I’m a huge fan of Morning Pages because it changes the game exponentially. Of course, it’s a big effort, wakening up at 3:30 because I have to be at work at 6:00. But this sacrifice is worthy, believe me!
Maybe I should look into it a bit more - up until now I've never really felt the need to write in the morning. I don't do it every evening either - just when it feels right.
Melanie, I loved this. (I recently 'took the leap', quitting my job and I have moved to Italy for the summer. The other day when I drove up the mountain with Natasha Beddingfield's Unwritten blaring and the the sun setting, I was filled with hope but the doubts do arrive and it was so inspirational to read this. Look forward to reading more about your writing!
Congratulations Michaella on taking your leap to Italy. I kept hearing that song too and then eventually I listened to the words fully and saw this as another sign to get back to the page. It gives me goosebumps now hearing it. So many adventures await us keep going 🥰
There is so much in this post: remembering what you were good at, what you loved...buried treasure... Julia Cameron's Artist's Way, the hardest part is to begin...opening up to possibilities... and the best bit: we don't know what lies ahead. Thank you.
3. Exploring how we can create our own personal ‘at home’ writing or passion project retreat, so we can finally begin all those wonderful projects we have swirling around our brains!
I love the creative captivity of travel---writing on planes or trains. At home, I don't migrate far from the kitchen table and only permit the distraction of warblers and reheating my coffee in the micro 10 times. Where would your dream retreat be, Emily? Just curious. It's ironic to think that as writers we are often creating escapist scenes and lives and the true retreat is within! (That's my deep thinking done for the day!) Kate, where does your dream writing desk sit?
Oooo I love a bit of deep thinking!!! And I love your question... My dream retreat would be a little cabin or cottage in the countryside... Secluded and self sufficient 🙏🏡☕
Helping us adjust to inevitable changes in the lives of parents touches on many important and universal issues for our day. Thank you for writing this!
I've recently been mumbling about what home and belonging mean at the grand age of 55, and this week I'm staying with my parents so I've found myself writing about it.
What a great coffee table book this would be: 80s Childhood Bedrooms complete with a suggested mix tape playlist and incense stick to set the mood. Thanks for this post Kate (and Lynda with a Why). It was a fun mingler.
3. This one is quite long, but you can skim read to get to the bits you might find interesting/useful. I’ve drawn on my own experiences as a mother of a very angry child 😉 and shared ideas and techniques that I have used that work! 👍
Thank you! It was such a joyous experience to be sitting there among strangers, yet to feel so welcomed - and for me that, in and of itself, spoke volumes about the person being laid to rest...
1. EDINBURGH FESTIVAL – SETTING THE SCENE
2. https://katedarracott.substack.com/p/edinburgh-festival-setting-the-scene
3. This post is about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe experience, and features 3 of my favourite shows.
Reminds me of some experiences from my musician past. Thanks!
Going back to read this. I was in Edinburgh over the holidays 2019 right before the world shut down. Very lovely memories of our trip.
Thank you Kate!
Another Childless Cat Lady
https://lyndaheines.substack.com/p/another-childless-cat-lady?r=8wncy
Some ideas of why I chose my path of remaining childless.
Thank you for your post. It will be good when we live in a world where women can share their life experiences simply because they are their life experiences and not because they are having to justify / defend their choices. But for now, many women who do still have to explain will appreciate hearing that you simply didn't want to have children. And I also enjoyed reading about your mum and siblings who raise french poodles.
Patsy, Yes! I'm hoping women now don't have as hard of a time as my generation. Yeah, I don't like French poodles. Thanks for commenting.
Ugh! People can be so rude and intentionally insensitive about this issue. I have also chosen a childfree lifestyle. Mostly because I raised my mother’s children and saw how miserable she was in her marriage and life. Not for me, thanks! People finally stopped asking when I told them my truth. They don’t want to hear it. Now I’m physically unable to have kids and people stopped asking when I mention menopause. I’m glad you made it through to the other side.
Sharon, Thank you. So sorry you had to take on that responsibility. I was happy when I was single and then they wouldn't ask me!! Then I got to old which was also nice!! Again, thanks for reading my post and commenting. Means a lot to me.
A great piece, I really like your writing style.
And OMG "You don't want or can't have?" - WOW, that is an impressive level of rudeness!
Susannah, Thank you so much. Yes, she was pretty blunt and rude.
Appreciate these reflections on crafting your path to a life of intention and integrity, Lynda.
Scott, Thanks
Great piece thanks for sharing. I’m also childless and very happy with my choice. Better to not have the children you don’t think you’ll want than to have children & it not be the right choice.
Thanks!
Same team here!
Wonderful piece...
David, Thank you.
THE REST IS STILL UNWRITTEN
https://open.substack.com/pub/melaniemackie/p/the-rest-is-still-unwritten?r=11v5k8&utm_medium=ios
Hearing and answering the call to come back to the page and write the next chapter of our lives.
Such a topic to talk about… So I’ve just subscribed to your newsletter!
Thank you and welcome.
Beautiful post. I want to write morning pages but I find it so hard to make the time with two children clamouring for breakfast etc. One day I will get there!
I prefer evening/nighttime pages - maybe that'd work better for you. I've got one child and I'm also not a fan of doing ANYTHING before my breakfast and two cups of tea haha!
That also can work, Susannah! But the objective of writing at the beginning or the end of the day is different (I’m talking about the When you write in the morning, the writing works as a call to action; it gives you tools to face the activities, feelings, etc., When you write in the evening/night you are more focus on reviewing your day. So, in my opinion, both work. But I’m a huge fan of Morning Pages because it changes the game exponentially. Of course, it’s a big effort, wakening up at 3:30 because I have to be at work at 6:00. But this sacrifice is worthy, believe me!
Maybe I should look into it a bit more - up until now I've never really felt the need to write in the morning. I don't do it every evening either - just when it feels right.
Thank you so much Rose, yes morning pages are ideal to get things flowing again when you’re able to write them, life permitting.
Melanie, I loved this. (I recently 'took the leap', quitting my job and I have moved to Italy for the summer. The other day when I drove up the mountain with Natasha Beddingfield's Unwritten blaring and the the sun setting, I was filled with hope but the doubts do arrive and it was so inspirational to read this. Look forward to reading more about your writing!
Congratulations Michaella on taking your leap to Italy. I kept hearing that song too and then eventually I listened to the words fully and saw this as another sign to get back to the page. It gives me goosebumps now hearing it. So many adventures await us keep going 🥰
There is so much in this post: remembering what you were good at, what you loved...buried treasure... Julia Cameron's Artist's Way, the hardest part is to begin...opening up to possibilities... and the best bit: we don't know what lies ahead. Thank you.
Thank you Patsy there has and is so much to contemplate appreciate your comment enjoy your day.
Yes, there's still much left for us to write about. Literally and figuratively speaking.
Love these reflections, Melanie. Our life is speaking to us because it wants to speak through us!
Beautifully said Scott, thank you appreciate your comment.
Very grounding. You have a beautiful “voice”.
Thank you 🙏 appreciate your comment Nneka
This is so timely for me, Melanie... what an inspiring journey you have been on ! The rest is still unwritten... I love it. 🙏
Thank you Karen really appreciate your feedback. Enjoy your day.
1. HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN WRITING RETREAT
2. https://emilymale.substack.com/p/how-to-plan-your-own-writing-retreat
3. Exploring how we can create our own personal ‘at home’ writing or passion project retreat, so we can finally begin all those wonderful projects we have swirling around our brains!
What a great idea! 👏
I love the idea of creating a writing retreat at home, by just scheduling it in. 🥰
Thank you so much 😊🙏 I'm so happy you liked it ! It's really empowered me 💪
My favourite bit is the house/pet sitting idea! I have a child so I need to go somewhere 😅
Yesss! It's being open to other options ... Hopefully an opportunity will arise for you soon 🙏
I love the creative captivity of travel---writing on planes or trains. At home, I don't migrate far from the kitchen table and only permit the distraction of warblers and reheating my coffee in the micro 10 times. Where would your dream retreat be, Emily? Just curious. It's ironic to think that as writers we are often creating escapist scenes and lives and the true retreat is within! (That's my deep thinking done for the day!) Kate, where does your dream writing desk sit?
Oooo I love a bit of deep thinking!!! And I love your question... My dream retreat would be a little cabin or cottage in the countryside... Secluded and self sufficient 🙏🏡☕
Just add a macadamia nut dispenser. That's all I'd need for self-sufficiency! Hope you find your dream retreat sooner than later, Emily. You could always buy the micro version---have you seen these crazy tiny house kits? There are mini bookstores, greenhouses and treehouses even. I like this one (odd that the tiny house has the longest URL ever!) --https://www.amazon.com/ASIDIY-Dollhouse-Miniature-Furniture-Movement/dp/B07GS323G7/ref=sr_1_30?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vjBaQ4qjKsNMtpwYylq60--KAR8f89TU_LEUvJv4KcAKjmbFKgUJALPrGIZzncTX6Y7wAPoMHcHqi4NrR51UlXyg56r_cz-1Gwkv1W77G5d0wP8T4Z9RceY9aLEwk1LmfTlkG0rb2rjiPuMzGqHzBSIC0Ifw2f6VsGyEy5yoW4a46TyQdfo4XX1OCwoMcYJ5BRijj_lH5qr0cUJ_oLO9EEmrI8uGvwcOrGFlPM53rYAmhCqoSUdExxiyx1XHS7YVWjNGiBm_ImqyluDYdFuubfQxvEb-Loe2bOsshmVklNk.Io0FVXbMmWTQXy6OekjGlmZR1jJHWTTWiezsBmWkdTY&dib_tag=se&keywords=tiny%2Btreehouse%2Bkit&qid=1722871865&sr=8-30&th=1
Oh that would be a dream !!!!!! 🙏
I want to do this!
1. RECEIVE FROM THE UNIVERSE ALL THAT YOU ASKED FOR (WHAT LAURA INGALLS TAUGHT ME ABOUT DREAMING)
2. https://theoptimistsway.substack.com/p/receive-from-the-universe-all-that
3. The post is about removing the barricade that the fear of suffering creates between the reality we dream of and the one we finally build.
1. THERAPIST CHECK-IN - JULY 2024
2. https://natashascullane.substack.com/p/1-therapist-check-in-july-2024
3. Checking in on my progress with business and wellbeing last month
I love a sneaky peak behind the scenes... and you might want to think about patenting the Overwhelm-o-meter! Genius idea! 👏
I love the overwhelm-o-meter. I agree with Kate!
Thank you! Haha yes!
1. STRUCTURED STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS - TAKE ME TO THE BEACH
2. https://michaella.substack.com/p/take-me-to-the-beach
3. A reflective piece about building sandcastles on a beach in Ireland and how it furthered my perspective on recently quitting my job
I love this post and your realisation you had whilst building your sandcastle. 👏
Thank you, Kate :)
I loved reading this piece... great writing and humor, too! Subscribed. 👍🏻
Loved this - need to know though, where in Ireland?!? 🇮🇪😂
County Wexford, ‘old something’ beach about a 15 minute drive from Gorey town. Can’t remember the exact name but really beautiful!
Lovely lovely. A great place for some good ol’ self discovery 😊
1- RANKED: THE FOUR TYPES OF ADULT CHILDREN.
2- https://open.substack.com/pub/annemariebell/p/ranked-the-four-types-of-adult-children?r=1by3n7&utm_medium=ios
3- Years of helping senior citizens downsize has given me insight on how adult children handle the change.
Helping us adjust to inevitable changes in the lives of parents touches on many important and universal issues for our day. Thank you for writing this!
KARMA AND DOUGH BALLS
https://rosbarbernews.substack.com/p/karma-and-dough-balls
How running a poetry workshop 25 years ago led to a surprising email from a Pizza Oven company.
This reads like a Pizza-based Suspense Thriller! 👏
🤣 Yep, I love to create a bit of suspense!
1. HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS?
2.https://open.substack.com/pub/juanfrank/p/how-can-you-know-your-limits?
3. Story + Reflection about the things we can accomplish when we have no choice other than doing it.
It’s a valid question. And, we don’t really know, do we? All of us are more capable than we think.
Exactly, all of us are more capable than we believe. And sadly, many people never get to realize the extents of it.
2024 WORKING IN AN 80s CHILDHOOD BEDROOM
https://lyndathompson.substack.com/p/2024-working-in-an-80s-childhood
I've recently been mumbling about what home and belonging mean at the grand age of 55, and this week I'm staying with my parents so I've found myself writing about it.
What a great coffee table book this would be: 80s Childhood Bedrooms complete with a suggested mix tape playlist and incense stick to set the mood. Thanks for this post Kate (and Lynda with a Why). It was a fun mingler.
JUNK JOURNALING FOR MY ADULT ADHD & INNER CHILD
https://open.substack.com/pub/eldestdaughterdigest/p/junk-journaling-for-my-adult-adhd?r=2u7v93&utm_medium=ios
This post is about my recently love of junk journaling and why I think it’s a great option for fellow neurodivergent folks looking to journal! 📝
This is cool! I'm going to try this
Thank you so much! You totally should, would definitely recommend!
1. ANGER MANAGEMENT FOR YOUR CHILD
2. https://open.substack.com/pub/greatlittleinsights/p/anger-management-for-your-child?r=3auokt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
3. This one is quite long, but you can skim read to get to the bits you might find interesting/useful. I’ve drawn on my own experiences as a mother of a very angry child 😉 and shared ideas and techniques that I have used that work! 👍
A great insight to separate the 'emotion' from the 'behaviour'. Genius! 👏
Another Life hack. Thanks Eva!♥️
I'd love to read this. I'll head over in a bit. I just wrote my last two posts about anger in perimenopause and menopause.
Ooo, great! I’ll take a look at yours too 🤩 Love the name of your Substack 👍
I also have an intermittently angry child! Will be drawing on some of these techniques, thank you
Oh great! So happy to hear this 👍😊
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
https://open.substack.com/pub/davidfarmerie/p/for-whom-the-bell-tolls?r=9yj3o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Reflecting on traditions and history sparked by a funeral
I would have been so scared to help out! I'd have been so worried about doing somthing wrong!
I particularly like the beginning, the image of the woman's life feeling so present in the stories her friends told.
Thank you! It was such a joyous experience to be sitting there among strangers, yet to feel so welcomed - and for me that, in and of itself, spoke volumes about the person being laid to rest...
WHEN THEY ASK FOR A TABLE AND YOU DELIVER A CHAIR
https://inspiredwriting.substack.com/p/when-they-ask-for-a-table-and-you
What happens when you lose sight of your original vision when writing.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
https://abitofgoodnews.substack.com/p/a-bit-of-good-news-the-power-of-community
There is good in the world, I promise.