One True Thing
100 ideas
I get my best ideas in the shower, this morning was no exception. Often what happens to me is a phrase will pop into my head and because I’m usually soapy, I have to keep repeating it over and over until I can pop out and write it down in my notes app, or now Substack drafts. Today’s idea was not a new idea in the world, Hemmingway said it first, but when I was mulling over what I wanted to share for my 100th piece this is what jumped into my brain:
Say one true thing or 100.
For the last 11 months I have been letting my true things fall out in words. I’ve shared thoughts about life, death, motherhood, love, friendship, beliefs, politics, mental health.. Today I’m grateful. That’s my one true thing right this moment - gratitude. And also, depression. That’s my other true thing.
I wanted my 100th piece to be bright and shiny and full of joy, because holy wow - I have put all these things out into the world and what an amazing thing to celebrate! But my brain won’t cooperate. I am struggling at the moment. I keep trying to shrug off that dumb blanket, but man, it’s heavy.
Grace makes it feel lighter. And that is what I need to give myself. Grace to not have it all figured out. Grace to not have to pretend.
I know that the only way out is through, and writing is the vehicle that will get me there. I am once more writing my way out.
Why do I write?
I have said from day one - it’s all about connection for me. This is the very first piece I shared on Substack, “Our Need to Connect”, it’s one of my favorite pieces. And it does a good job of encompassing a part of my why.
I can’t not write, I have to do it. It’s built into me to get the words out now, probably because I was catatonic as a kid (story for another time). The depression part of my brain wants to shut it all down. I can’t allow it to win.
I write so I don’t feel alone. I write so that maybe others won’t feel alone too. I write to beat back my depression brain. I write so that my anxious monkey mind has a place to land. I write so that “Don’t you forget about me” - Simple Minds (thank you 80s music).
Cheers to the first 100
Turns out I have a thing for truth telling :) And I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s a roundup of some of my favorites from the last 99 I’ve shared:
I’ll leave it with these :) I hope you enjoy them too!
Thank You!
My heart is full today. I feel very fortunate to have this beautiful community of readers and writers. In the spirit of gratitude - please do me a favor and lift up your favorite writers in the comments! Jeannine Ouellette did this yesterday in her Thursday Thread and it was a full blown LOVE fest! So, I’m extending the invitation :)
I hope you’ll find new people to love on! I’m forever grateful for each of you who’ve taken a chance on me. Let’s always keep going, shall we?!
100!!!! WOOHOO! this is a big deal, Mesa!, and I am so glad you are here: 100 percent your authentic self: honest, kind, brave. You are one I look to here in this beautiful community. Keep going. <3
Beautiful, so authentic and thank you.🙂 What is it about showers! Me too...but what happens to me is I keep developing the ideas in the shower and it takes real time. That is not great where we live because we don't have "town water" but use rain fed water tanks for all of our water. Long showers can become a thing of regret in a summer that is hotter and longer than anticipated. One of my favourite writers is Parker J. Palmer, particularly his book A Hidden Wholeness. His struggle with depression is beautifully articulated there, and the hidden richness it brought to him. Thank you again for your beautiful writing, and the heart that helps create it.🙏🏼