Wisdom in the Trenches
"fully processed" is overrated
Many writers and content creators have a rule that they don’t share personal issues until they’ve already fully processed and dealt with them. That’s a wise rule. A sane rule.
A rule I absolutely don’t follow.
So long as what I’m processing is about my own life and doesn’t violate the privacy of others, I’m more than willing to put the struggle out there on display. We all know wisdom comes in the aftermath of suffering, but I also think there’s wisdom in the moment. When we’re in the trenches, we’re there with a presence and clarity that gets dulled over time. Shit is real.
That’s why I made a video while I was in the middle of a PTSD episode, why I filmed while Kevin was being taken to the hospital by ambulance, and why I made this week’s video about how much money I make from my ostensible job.
This is something I dwell on a lot, something I don’t feel great about, and something that I’m very much still working through. I have so much guilt and shame around money and how it ties in with self-worth and personal fulfillment! Which is exactly why I’m putting it out there.
If you also struggle with the intersection of money, self-worth, and happiness…first, I put links to a ton of interesting research in the description of the video above. And second, I’ve been enjoying money coach Ray Dodd’s podcast, Real You, Real Money, as well as her Instagram, for a dose of inspiration and fierce compassion. I won’t say I have all (or any of) the answers, but I’m working on it.
And if any of this—the video, this newsletter, something I said in the past—has hit home with you, let me know in the comments. I love hearing from you.
Until next time, I’m wishing you love and joy and all those good things,
Jenn
P.S. Keep scrolling for upcoming content—including the link for today’s One-Hour Retreat!
Coming Soon:
Next week’s video is another peek into my “everything notebook.” I’ll show you the things I log, draw, and note on an everyday basis. If you have a YouTube account, you can subscribe there and click the notification bell to get an alert as soon as the video comes out. Otherwise, I’ll be sure to link it in your next newsletter.
The One-Hour Creative Retreat is live today (and just about every Wednesday) at 4pm Pacific. Bring your journal, sketchbook, or a craft project you’re working on, and join me for an hour of focus and flow. If you’re not available for the live event, no worries! This button will work for the replay too.
Substack Exclusives:
The subscriber vlog is coming back soon! Look for it in your inbox this month.