50 Comments
May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Yay she’s back! And glad you are on the mend. You can’t pour from an empty cup so good thing you got that rest!

Thanks for another great lesson, your wisdom is so timely 🥹💕✨

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May 4, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Pretending your problem is a friend’s problem! That’s a trick I completely forgot about and so impactful.

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May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Oh man, what a direct hit this piece was for me, sitting up here late at the computer, a few hours past the time my body had said enough, trying to keep up with all the wonderful writing opportunities and friends, but driven by that perfectionistic mob boss in my head. Ok, I'm going to bed before I catch a cold. This voice of sanity came at the perfect time.

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May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Feel better, Michelle! 💛

I love the wisdom you’ve shared about self compassion and the framing of “what would I tell a friend.” This is something I’m working on too.

Also, isn’t it cool how our challenges become excellent writing prompts? #SilverLinings 😊

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May 9, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

“it’s ok, no one will even notice and what’s the point in continuing to suffer?”

Understanding that has been the game changer for me personally to have more self-compassion.

I think about my most favourite creators & wonder if I would care or even realise if they posted a day late, I absolutely would not.

We live this wonderful life as creators where our inaction actually doesn't have consequences, so why not take advantage of that?

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founding
May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Oooof that “turned to beat myself up” voice is gut-wrenchingly familiar!!

FWIW you being sick hasn’t impacted the quality of your writing =) another banger for the books!

But also if you’re like me you might take that as “yay but also damn now I have a high bar for the next essays” 🤪

Fortunately we have self compassion!!

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May 20, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Good lesson Michelle!

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May 13, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Ah yes. The universe always like, if you don't make time to rest, I will find a way to force you to rest! Good job, universe.

Practicing self compassion feels like one of those lessons I have to keep relearning again and again.

"Hanging Out With Patient 0" made me giggle. Dammit Goose. Stop being so funny.

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May 9, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

"I guess I wasn’t perfectly fine with the decision, as I still had dreams about writing this essay" so relatable fam.

This was me three or four weeks ago. I didn't write that night and I remember thinking that I'd have taken the day off if I was in my old job. but being on this path, consistency compounds and I felt like it'd be bad to skip a week. I took the night off, felt better and got my essay out that week. but in all reality, it would have been fine to skip a week. or I could do what's becoming one of my favourite things to do....what you've done here....write about what's stopping you from writing and follow the threads there. great piece

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May 8, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Loved this essay Michelle.

Your ability to notice your inner critic as they appear shows an attuned level of awareness. It's something I continue to struggle with, especially in the heat of the moment.

The mental hack to treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping is excellent. Highlights how we're way harder on ourselves than we would be on someone we care for.

Thank you for sharing your gifts :)

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May 8, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Kristin Neff’s book was an essential companion when I was going through my divorce. This was such a vulnerable piece—one that I can relate to very much! Thank you for writing it, with the timing that felt right for you.

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May 8, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Hope you are feeling better now Michelle! Also, is the "imagining your problem as a friend's problem" the spiritual twin of "asking for a friend"? That would be hilarious LOL. Glad you are healing and thanks for another issue full of humor and story!

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May 7, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Ooof I've had the same inner monologue many times! Glad you honored your health and practiced self-compassion. Hope you are feeling better now!

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May 6, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

This piece is so relatable and flows so nicely. +1 on the topic of self compassion and Kristin Neff. Very meta and timely. Thanks Michelle for sharing!

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May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

I have been sick since last Tuesday. And I have already scheduled Danny’s interview before I was sick. So that is incredible.

And for next Thursday, I am planning to just do something small and ask my readers to do polls.

My current day job taught me that nobody cares if you are sick, you just have to do the work. Now I know what I want for my next one :)

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May 5, 2023Liked by Michelle Elisabeth Varghese

Beautiful reflection, Michelle. I have to check out Kristin Neff's book. I feel there's something important for me there. Thank you!

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