So well written. I share this same plight and I'm currently facing this cross-road (once again). I can either take the path that is shiny, respectful and comes with bragging rights, or I can tread the path that was paved for me, yet nothing about it is appealing when mentioned at dinner parties "So what do you do for a living?" That question haunts me, the answer haunts me even more.
"But I see it as merely choosing one flavor of pain over another. I can bear the uncertainty of chasing a gut feeling without knowing where it will lead, even if it seems futile and illogical to everyone, even myself. I can endure the pain of instability, of ridicule, of illegibility, of scorn, of isolation, of ostracism, of self-doubt, of countless I-told-you-so’s."
I absolutely love this part of your piece. You so beautifully describe that feeling of like, relentless-heartdrivien-goingforth. Your thoughts make me consider how learning things the hard way is often actually less "hard" (on the emotions, the spirit) than whatever other way there is.
“I want to pour my entire being into worthy endeavors; I believe life is too precious to sacrifice half of it to something that chips away at my soul.”
So well written. I share this same plight and I'm currently facing this cross-road (once again). I can either take the path that is shiny, respectful and comes with bragging rights, or I can tread the path that was paved for me, yet nothing about it is appealing when mentioned at dinner parties "So what do you do for a living?" That question haunts me, the answer haunts me even more.
"But I see it as merely choosing one flavor of pain over another. I can bear the uncertainty of chasing a gut feeling without knowing where it will lead, even if it seems futile and illogical to everyone, even myself. I can endure the pain of instability, of ridicule, of illegibility, of scorn, of isolation, of ostracism, of self-doubt, of countless I-told-you-so’s."
I absolutely love this part of your piece. You so beautifully describe that feeling of like, relentless-heartdrivien-goingforth. Your thoughts make me consider how learning things the hard way is often actually less "hard" (on the emotions, the spirit) than whatever other way there is.
Thank you for your kind note, Michelle 🤍 so happy to hear it resonated with a kindred spirit
I really enjoyed this piece not only is it incredibly well-written, but it also resonated with me in a deep way. Thank you
Kirkegaard quote yesss
“I want to pour my entire being into worthy endeavors; I believe life is too precious to sacrifice half of it to something that chips away at my soul.”
Really feeling this. Thank you for sharing!