There’s something interesting that happens when one of your projects gains momentum. You start receiving praise from bigger names. More people begin paying attention. Events are planned in your honour and people turn up to hear you speak.
You’re overjoyed because you’ve been working so hard and believe so deeply in your cause. But at the same time, you begin to worry.
Back when no one was paying attention, you could screw up. You could show weakness and vulnerability. But now people are relying on you, now you’ve got something to lose.
The work gets harder
You know you shouldn’t focus on what your audience is expecting and how to keep everybody happy, but you can’t help it.
You’re supposed to stay positive and be inspiring. You couldn’t possibly write about your shitty day or how hard it sometimes is to shut out that inner-bully or how scary it can be to be thrust into the spotlight. You can’t show signs of weakness or people might lose respect and stop perceiving you as an “authority”… right?
Sometimes you muster up the willpower to create something safe and generic that people will even enjoy. There’s a formula and you know what works. But it hurts a little, every time you do that. It hurts when your heart isn’t in your work because your heart is sad and you’re afraid to just say that.
That’s when your project begins to die
The moment you start shielding your heart – the thing that attracted people to you in the first place – is the moment your work begins to suffer.
So here’s some honesty for you
Life is stressful right now. I just moved to a new city and haven’t yet found a place to live. I feel like I have no routine, which makes it difficult to work. I miss my family. I miss my alone time.
WDS was incredible! Absolutely life-altering. But it was also overwhelming. While most people were amazing, I did meet one or two bigger bloggers I look up to who were a little cold. Perhaps they were just distracted, but it still stung. At times it even overshadowed the outpouring of support I received from the dozens of you who thanked me for my work, which in turn made me feel guilty.
My confidence wavered at times and I had to fight to keep it solid. Old issues reemerged, like worrying about sounding stupid or being wrong.
Gaining perspective
I was talking with my roommate (to be) James. He reminded me that sure, mindset is important. But what’s more important is behaviour.
No matter how awkward I felt, I didn’t let my inner state ruin my weekend. I went with the flow and still got tremendous value out of the experience. I now have a much clearer picture of my direction and a whole lot of new, amazing connections.
I’m also grateful. Grateful that I got to spend time with so many wonderful multipotentialites and unconventional thinkers. Grateful for having such wonderful friends in my life. But most of all, I’m grateful for your trust in me.
I never want to be thought of as a guru
I never want to treat my puttypeep with anything less than the utmost respect. I never want to censor myself or be dishonest in the name of appearing perfect- the way a strong leader “should“.
Puttylike is not an autocracy. It’s a conversation. I learn as much from you as you learn from me. That’s exactly how it should be.
So thank you. Thanks for being a proud multipotentialite, for reading my work, participating in the comments, sending me heartwarming emails and coming to the meetups. Most of all, thanks for inspiring me and for accepting me exactly as I am, flaws and all.
xo Emilie
Your ability to juggle useful posts, thoughtful posts, inspiring posts, and heartfelt glimpses into your life is a beautiful art. Thanks for helping me fall in love with PuttyLike all over again.
Thank you Brian! That means a lot. <3
Hey!
Interesting about the cold reception from a few people.. Still though, writing or social media, people portray what they want through writing, how did you find meeting these uber bloggers in person? More than you expected? Everything you expected?
The ‘cold’ ones.. possibly just had their minds elsewhere?
Thanks for sharing this.
Hey Andrew,
I’d say 98% of the bloggers I met were totally in line with their “digital selves”. That was really nice to experience. Some big names were even way more humble than I was expecting.
And yes, I agree. They likely were just distracted. It’s hard to be in a good mood all the time. I certainly understand that. My point was less about the ‘cold bloggers’ and more about my reaction. I wouldn’t have taken it so personally, had I not been feeling so unsure.
Anyway, it’s a good lesson to keep in mind for when people approach me. Try to be kind, no matter how distracted you may be.
Thanks for the comment, Andrew. 🙂
It’s unfortunate when bigger names get an ego. An ego will kill! But I’m so glad to hear that you worked through it and didn’t let it show on the outside. You’re a strong, awesome person. Love what you do and who you are! 🙂
Thank you Morgan! You’re awesome!! Xox.
Sucks about the “big names” being icey… it’s always a bit disheartening to meet people you look up to and have them let you down once you get ’em in front of you. We’re only human etc etc… but then again, we’re all only human. Maybe they were having a hard time getting a hold on their inner state? Just playing devils advocate… but it’s funny because just as I read “You couldn’t possibly write about your shitty day or how hard it sometimes is to shut out that inner-bully or how scary it can be to be thrust into the spotlight…” I was thinking, “but of course you are!!” Part of the reason people look up to is because you’re honest. At least, I can that in my case, your honesty coupled with the hold you have on your ‘inner state’ is a huge reason I keep coming back here. so keep it up miss 🙂
oops. long comment. sorry haha…
Hey Eliza,
First of all, awesome blog ya got there! I had no idea. 🙂
But yeah, I agree with you. In my experience, when someone is icy or judgmental, it’s a good sign that they’re feeling insecure. It’s a natural reaction, a protection mechanism of sorts.
I remember thinking that at the time. Like, this person just wants acceptance. It’s too bad how insecurity can induce insecurity in someone else. Nobody wins. The only way is to not let it affect you and then eventually they see that you’re not judging them back and they’ll drop it. That’s so hard to do when your confidence is already a little shaky in the moment though.
And thank you for the kind words. It’s really nice hearing from you. Are you in Paris these days?
ah thanks !! It’s not quite the setup you’ve got here though! I’d love to have a community like this one! proof that you should just keep doing what you’re doing 🙂
I am still in Paris, yep! Trying to stick it out for as long as I can.. Finishing up my masters, working and hoping it’ll all work out. My boss was trying to give me a title for my ‘position’ at the company the other day, and as hard as we tried, we couldn’t really find any one job title. I’m really lucky to have a boss who allows me to be as multipotentialite as I want. Ps I so love that term.
As for the icey front, being in the capital of all people icey, Paris has tought me that my non-icey reaction can make all the difference, even if I’m faking feeling secure. Eventually(/sometimes) the faking it doesn’t feel so fake anymore.
oh jeeze, another super long comment :/ I admit its probably because I’ve been hanging out around here for ages but haven’t had the courage to comment ’till now ha…
x
Ah yeah, that’s cool about your boss. I can’t work the whole job title thing either. My business card says “Writer, Coach, Multipotentialite”, which is about the closest I can get to a title of sorts.
And yey! I’m glad you started commenting. Love when people come out of the woodwork and join the party.
xo.
I’d be curious to know who these cold bloggers were but I know you won’t name them. Keep on doing what you’re doing cause you’ve built up a great community here doing that.
🙂 Thanks Benny.
I was just remembering how the Counting Crows became famous w/”Mr Jones.” On the Across a Wire live album, the added the following:
We-we all wanna be big big big big big stars
Yeah but then we get second thoughts about that
So believe in me
Man, I don’t believe in anything
And I don’t wanna be someone to believe
You should not believe in me
Incredible and haunting transformation there. I saw them live in Irvine and Duritz went into this half-intelligible rambling about self-doubt depression and the cost of fame.
In my moments of honesty and darkness I remember that our greatest joy comes from watching others shine. It’s contradictory, and it does make sense–and it’s hard to quantify. I can’t prove it. I only know it.
Wonderful reflection,
M
You’re so right.
In fact you’ve reignited an idea I’d forgotten about… I definitely want to see others shine. I think it might be time to set up that “multipotentialite of the month” section… Hm.
Thank you Mark!
I also may have to listen to some Counting Crows tonight. 😛
Oh, Mark. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you’ve quoted Counting Crows here. I thought I was the last and only (and slightly closeted) fan left in the world. *Sigh*.
In fact, their music has been the soundtrack to a good 85% of the soul-searching I did in my early twenties, and led me in no small way to where I am now.
Emilie: I’ve been following Puttylike for a month or so now, and I have to say how incredibly impressed and in awe I am of your supreme clarity about your innate nature… and yep (sorry) I’m gonna say it… for someone so young!
Honesty & absolute truth with self is all (and everything) that you have to return to when the ego-shmego of all this online babble/expertise gets overwhelming. And yeah – it can feel doubly difficult when you’re literally physically displaced as well. But the most important thing is to return to that calm centre – the stillness within which your incredible wisdom (which is older than the hills themselves) resides.
I had a total, “should I press publish!?” moment with my very last blog post. It was an honest admission of the fact that I’d reached breaking point just before I was dragged back into my centre by some very loving & helpful onlookers. But it was true. It was real. It had to go live. It mattered.
You know, I was reading another cookie-cutter tweet today from someone I followed way-back because I thought they were genuinely iconoclastic. Perhaps they were… then. And it’s just possible that they allowed their relatively new status as a baby-guru to dampen down their previously big-glorious-and-shouty flames; maybe they let their fear of losing it all play safe.
You have so much more to offer than that. Aside from the fact that you’ve given scanners/multipotentialites a place to connect, you’re you.
No guru status could ever top that awesome sh*t. 🙂
Aw shucks, you’re making me blush Ming-Zhu. 🙂
Do me a favour. If you ever see me sending generic tweets, send me a digital slap upside the head, k? Heh.
The reaction to this post was a great reminder that people definitely appreciate honesty and that I do have the freedom to experiment and break the supposed rules.
Thanks for the encourage-boost! I’m looking forward to diving into your blog too. Loving the looks of it. 🙂
“In my moments of honesty and darkness I remember that our greatest joy comes from watching others shine. It’s contradictory, and it does make sense–and it’s hard to quantify. I can’t prove it. I only know it.”
Ummm, wow! This is an incredibly powerful insight, Mark. You have a new fan. 🙂
Reading all the post-WDS posts is somewhat overwhelming. I’m running across so many amazing people that I wish I had hung out with. I guess it’s hard to develop relationships with 500 people in 3 days, but still.
Emilie, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here. It’s great to see others expressing gratitude for not just the experience itself, but the people that made the experience possible. Every person who came to WDS added to the vibrancy of the weekend. Thank YOU for showing up and sharing from the heart.
Awesome, Brandon. Thanks! And I know what you mean. So many amazing people. It’s really incredible.
Hopefully we’ll get to meet at WDS next year. And either way, we can totally be blogging buddies. 🙂 I’m liking the looks of your site!
Well said! As somebody working on my yet to be published blog this is extremely helpful advice to keep in mind. Good luck with the move:)
Thanks Jason! When ya launching? Feel free to shoot me an email if you’d like a second pair of eyes or have any questions. 🙂
Hi Emilie,
For some reason, it’s really hard for most of us to remember that all of the people and man-made things around us are just that , man-made. Human. Every creation embodies both human perfection AND shortcoming but our society heavily promotes only the aspect of perfection, which results in the superficial image-based understanding of the world we all struggle with today. It’s much more straightforward to define your image (i.e. your brand) and emphasize it to the max, ignoring other inconvenient feelings, thoughts and behaviors that don’t resonate with the image. I think it’s incredibly couragous and REAL that you are sharing these ‘inconvenient’ thoughts with us. I hope by doing so you’ll find that you can be both Puttylike perfect and honest at the same time.
Bisous,
Heidi
Thank you for your wisdom Heidi! I read a lot of blogs on blogging and most talk about demonstrating confidence always and at the same time being transparent. Seems like a bit of a contradiction, doesn’t it?
Truth is, I appreciate the personal blog posts more than the “I’m awesome, here’s how you can be like me” ones. Well actually, the latter can be inspiring and helpful if done correctly. But there’s nothing wrong with a little vulnerability from time to time. Thank you for helping me prove that. 🙂
Thanks for your honest thoughts – we were thrilled to have you at #WDS and I hope you settle into Portland well. Let me know if I can do anything else at all to help.
Thank you, Chris. I hope you didn’t take this post as criticism of any sort! It was meant to be more about me than WDS.
I really appreciate all the warmth from your end too. You’re definitely one of the most incredible, genuine people I’ve met on this journey. Honestly, I don’t know how I could even express my gratitude for the impact your work has had on my life! It’s tremendous.
Great post! I hope I didn’t seem cold to you–I was really excited to meet you.
I experienced the first day or two a lot like you described. It almost seems heretical to say WDS wasn’t all that and a bag of chips, but Friday and most of Saturday, all I felt was exhausted and outcast. I totally wasn’t going to go back next year.
I think I went into it with way-too-high expectations. Somehow I thought all the people I talk to online would be easy to find and we’d just hang out as if we were friends in real life. That’s not how it went at all, and I’m not talking about trying to pal around with Leo or something, I’m talking about regular people that seem pretty down to earth normally, who I’ve talked to a lot and think of as friends. Apparently they didn’t, or just cared more about schmoozing. It’s hard not to take that personally.
It got a lot better Sunday, though. For me, the best parts were actually hanging out in bars and meeting and talking to people, which I never do at home. It was a real eye-opener for me. All the stuff I normally avoid like the plague turned out to be the best part.
Good luck finding a place! I hope it all goes well for you!
Aw no, you were great Cara! 🙂 I was excited to meet you too.
I tried really hard not to have expectations, but I think they invariably arise. Thankfully though, I did connect with some incredible friends I had been looking forward to meeting. Staying at the hostel was a huge part of that. I think it would have been a completely different experience had I stayed at a hotel.
But yeah, it’s actually quite nice to hear that I’m not the only one who was feeling awkward. And I agree, things got better on Sunday. 🙂
Good for you, getting out of your shell and mingling at the bar! That’s so powerful, showing yourself that you’re capable of breaking through the funk like that!
Yeah, the hostel definitely rocked!
Your post inspired me to write about my real feelings about the whole experience–thanks!
I love this post so much. I can relate so much to the experience of meeting people you admire or respect and not getting the kind of reception you hoped for. It’s happened to me too and I’ve been so disheartened, occasionally to the point of breaking off my admiration of the person – or band, ahum – but it’s really wonderful that you didn’t let it affect your external behaviour and the way you continued to interact with those around you, especially your puttyfolks. It’s usually showed in my behaviour, I think.
The start of this post hit home too because I’m just coming out of two weeks of hardcore resistance and reticence to the point where today is the first day I answered an email since… Sunday? It’s like as soon as projects started panning out, and then that little wave of press, I just wanted to just totally disconnect. And my work is suffering.
Hey Rebecca,
Thanks, I really appreciate that. And yeah, I’m not surprised that this happens quite a bit with certain bands… The whole rock star ego thing. I guess bloggers are sort of like rock stars- in a much nerdier kinda way. 😉
I hear you about resistance. I was just talking to Jacob about this yesterday actually. When you get closer to your goals, the resistance attacks full-force. Without fail.
But it’s a sign that what you’re doing matters to you and that you’re making it!
Stay strong, read some Steven Pressfield and remember that your friends love you. xo.
I love your honesty. And really loved meeting you and Abe in person. You know, I spotted you on Saturday and stood nearby to introduce myself, but you were in what looked like another line to meet Danielle and busy talking to someone else. The atmosphere was way too loud for me to listen for a breaking point, so I gave up. But, I knew I had a better chance at the meetup on Sunday. So, I wasn’t disappointed, and recognized the restraints of the situation. 500 people create a loud, hectic space to really meet and talk.
My favorite times during WDS were the small sessions where we had interactive exercises, and outdoor interactions.
The key speakers were great, but the real connections happened for me on smaller low key spaces.
Thanks again for being yourself
Hey Holli,
I saw you on Saturday too, well, when you asked that question… I think it was during Danielle’s talk? Don’t remember what it was, but I remember thinking “that’s a multipotentialite question!” 🙂
Anyway, I couldn’t agree more about small groups. I’m by far a ‘small group’ person. Even one-on-ones, I feel like I connect better. I think that’s why I like coaching so much.
I’m so glad we did get to meet though. I’m really looking forward to hanging out some more, either out here or up in Seattle. I’d definitely be down for some gluten-free magic foods!
Thanks for the support, love, and all the encouragement. Your comments always resonate. 🙂
Em, thanks for your honesty and courage in sharing this post. But something came to mind after reading this part you wrote:
You have permission to screw up NOW. Hell I screw up on a regular basis, whether I have an audience paying attention or not! That’s one of the things I learned from YOU and how you fearlessly lead the blogosphere through #failweek. Failure is temporary. Progress is perfect.
Feel however you want, whenever you want. It’s your choice, and should have nothing to do with how many email subscribers or Twitter followers are “relying on you”. Megastardom is a bitch with fangs, and I’m glad you recognize her in this post, both as a leader of a tribe and as a fan of other leaders at WDS. The strength that propelled you to start this blog and write your manifesto and connect all of us wandering scanners under the umbrella “multipotentialites” is there, under the Resistance. The work gets harder, growing gets harder, but you’re not alone in this.
Abe
Thanks for sharing Emilie. I remember from my 90 day raw food experiment just how ridiculous it was traveling, just from a food routine perspective. Hell, you know how sick I’ve been since last friday, so clearly it even did a number on me. I know things are a little tough right now, but we’ll get there: ). This party’s just gettin’ started, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to open things with.
I love that line Abe… “Failure is temporary, progress is perfect.” I’ll have to remember that. Maybe I’ll add that into my little quote database I’ve got going…
Yup. My “air”, James.
No one I’d rather be going through this with. We will make it. *hugs*
Thanks James. Quote away! Stoked to be working with you and Emilie.
You’re the ‘rock’ in my life, Abe. Definitely. You give me so much strength, and this comment is a perfect example of that.
Also, your attitude toward failure is endlessly inspiring. Honestly, watching you “screw up” is pretty neat, since it usually means getting to see your subsequent triumph. I have no doubt that you’re going to do incredible things and I feel privileged to be a part of that, in whatever way I can.
Loved hanging out with you in real life!!! HNL.
Aww thanks Em! I’m sure others here will agree, you push us to be better through your writing. We’re even. 🙂 So happy to finally meet in person. Like I said, Failweek has been and continues to be a source of AHA’s for me (anyone see the connections in Jonathan Fields’ #WDS keynote?) and yes, we’ll HNL on the *ahem* Best coast soon.
Hey Emilie,
Great post, thanks! Don’t give up being honest, it’s what this is all about. Us sharing the upsides and downsides as we each progress down our paths. It was great meeting you at WDS – thanks for reminding me of the positives related to this whole multipotentialite thing. I am determined it WILL be a blessing, not a curse. I shall keep coming back here for those reminders!
I loved Portland – can see why you wanted to move there!
Hey Helen,
That’s great. I’m glad you’re working on making that shift! I’ll try to help in any way I can.
Actually, your two multipotentialite questions at the meetup got me thinking about future blog posts. I’m going to try addressing some of your concerns more. The time-management one especially, is something I haven’t delved into that deeply. And I do have a lot to say.
Thanks again for organizing the meetup. It really was so incredible of you.
vulnerability is thing to do when you’re flaunting your flaws for the world to see and judge. So kuddos to you for doing it and taking us on the journey.
Beautifully put, thank you My-Tien!
i know the feeling. my blog is so new that even just getting all of the ecouragement and praise, emails, tweets, etc. that I have been lately makes me feel like I won’t live up to expectations.. making a killer blog/content etc. I mean, now that I actually am starting to have people’s attention, I have this fear that I’ll suck.. =/
i LOVE the vibe you’ve got at puttylike. and i like that you’re not into being a guru. on my website, i’m the UNauthority..
Throw it all out there.
I do empathize and understand what you mean about being fearful – but that’s a good thing. It means you CARE about your blog and because of that you want it to be really, really great.
But in spite of this, I would advise to lay it all on the line. If I fail, I want to fail in an enormously spectacular way. I don’t want to fail doing mediocre stuff.
2 years ago, I quit my well-paying job in Massachusetts and moved to Atlanta with nothing but a few bucks and a car full of clothes. My girlfriend was here, and that was a tremendous help, but she was all I had. All my friends were back home.
And most of them told me not to leave, that it was a bad idea.
In spite of all this (and a mountain of fear) I made my way down. 2 years later I look back at my journey and could not possibly imagine any other life.
So, I guess what I’m saying is, just go for it. No reservations. Fortune favors the bold.
There certainly is something to be said for leaping into the unknown and having that pressure to really create something.
Awesome, Tim. Thanks for sharing.
The UNauthority, nice.
Yeah, praise comes and goes. I’ve found the best way to deal with it is to be grateful but not become dependent on it. Just keep doing your thing. And as you can see, sometimes breaking the rules and throwing out some straight-up honesty gets much bigger reactions.
Experimentation and venturing out into new directions is important for a blogger. I actually think it’s the only way to ‘make it’ in the long run.
Thanks for the comment, Janet. You’re doing awesome stuff. Just keep pushing yourself. I’m there with ya. 🙂
I thought you seemed a little down at WDS. Don’t worry, Emilie, you’re awesome and you’ll figure things out. You have a lot of friends and admirers that would help if you need it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts through this blog. Big hug.
Thanks Angela. I was super tired that day as well, but yeah. It was really nice hanging out with you. 🙂
Emilie,
You blog makes me want to immediately sever any ties I have to any non-positive elements of my life.
It’s really inspiring.
I will admit, I do have my own fears still. But I see them as a good thing. Being fearful means I’m doing something worth while, and that I’m pushing my limits. This is forward progress and it makes me feel great.
And thanks for posting stuff like this. It’s great to know that we’re not alone on our journey, no matter how different things make seem! :o)
Aww thanks, Tim!!
Solidarity man.
Fears are definitely a good thing. Challenges are there to make life exciting.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I just borrowed a quote from here, tweaked it a bit, wrote it on a notecard, and put it on my wall:
The moment you start shielding your heart is the moment your work begins to die.
Awesome, Emilie.
Signed,
Yet another ever-supportive puttypeep.
<3 That is too awesome for words ! Thank you. :)
Weren't you supposed to be at WDS, Seth? Or did I just imagine that? You've gotta come next year! xox.
Afraid you imagined it. I couldn’t swing it this year. Next year, next year 🙂
Emilie,
Loved this post and the timing was perfect once again; I’m writing a blog that requires being honest with my naivety about my blog subject.
I told my son, who was also at WDS, that I believe you Emilie, are headed for BIG things. And, I have to tell you, that you are the first person in my 54 years of living that said it was ‘OK’ to be a ‘Multipotential’ person. For this I will always be forever greatful. Do not change a thing about who you are, which will be a challenge in itself as you grow. But, I have no doubt you can handle it.
Julie
THANK YOU Julie!
How did your son like WDS? Gotta say, he’s pretty lucky to have a mom as cool as you. 🙂
Epic, Emilie.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about–and much as I’m sure that’s not reassuring, I do mean it. Puttylike is a great community that I’m glad to be a part of.
You created something wonderful–we all did.
Best of luck finding someplace awesome to stay. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll make it all your own.
Hey Annie,
Thank you so much! You’re right, we’ve all created something wonderful here. And I’m glad you’re a part of the Puttylike community as well.
Always nice to hear from you. 🙂
I can relate a lot to this Emilie… I think most people can when success takes them by surprise. Suddenly there is this pressure, and it can either be a catalyst for our greatness or can break us down.
Thanks for keeping it real. It was great meeting you at WDS and if I seem distracted at all, I was very distracted. It was madness all around. Welcome to our beautiful city. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.
Thanks, Jonathan. I’m not surprised that this is something you’ve dealt with. Honestly, I found you very down-to-earth and approachable, so I wouldn’t worry.
I’ll get in touch once I’m a bit more settled and we’ll meet up for a drink of some variety. Looking forward to it.
Hi Emilie,
Your honesty and vulnerability really helped me today. With your permission I’m saving this post in my files (personal use 🙂
My whole life I’ve done my best to put on a cheerful, confident demeanor and not bother anyone with times (like today) when I’m outside my comfort zone and wish I could have a long, cozy, honest chat with someone about it without losing their respect or feeling like I’m bothering them.
I’m framing your quote, “The moment you start shielding your heart – the thing that attracted people to you in the first place – is the moment your work begins to suffer.”
Thank you — and best wishes for your new home and your happiness.
Thank you Megan, that’s so nice. It’s very reassuring for me as well, to hear from people who’ve felt the same way in their own lives.
And of course, save/quote away. Anytime. 🙂
I just found you today…but I get the feeling we have a lot in common. I probably would have felt the same as you at such a wonderful event…and remind myself why we don’t put people on pedestals.
Can’t wait to get to know you better and maybe next year I’ll see n you at wds!!
Hi Dawn,
It’s nice to meet you! Welcome to the Puttylike community and thanks for your comment. 🙂
Looking forward to getting to know you as well!
Emilie,
I’m sorry about the cold shoulder from those big name bloggers. Atleast now you know how you DON”T want to behave WHEN and as you become BIGGER and MORE successfull. (YOU WILL)
And I understand exactly how you feel going from comfort to uncertainty. We just left Montreal too and have been living basically like vagabonds with 3 kids in tow. A lot of people from my old corporate life think i’m crazy to live this way but i have a bigger dream than to settle down and enjoy my life when i’m in a wheelchair. But i digress again.
Emilie, I think you are wise beyond your years.
There are many more people who have lived twice, thrice as long as you or more, who have the same fears as you.
The only difference is you won’t, don’t let that stop you from forging ahead. Your blog is truly an inspiration Emilie, but i think you already know that. I actually think it’s ok to be a little insecure once in a while. It keeps us all a little humble and makes us (me at least) appreciate things all the more.
Stay strong, you have a wonderful little community here..
Salut Annie Andre
Merci Annie.
I really appreciate the kind words. I’m excited to hear more about your adventure too. I think it’s awesome that you’ve hit the road with the whole family. People like to make that point that following your dream is impossible when you have responsibility (i.e. a family). It’s usually used as a condescending way of saying “you’ll see… One day you’ll have to stop living on your own terms. One day you’ll have to grow up.”
But nope, there are absolutely people out there vagabonding with their kids. Thanks for being an inspiration yourself and proving that it can be done!
thank you for this post! being honest on the internet is a balancing act. some people are locked up, others spill too much and it feels forced. I’ve done both and regretted it.
reading someone who has a lot of beautiful big ideas, great advice and a talent for asking the right questions and starting really great conversations is awesome, but being humble and sharing your own doubts and worries too is rarer and inspiring. it’s obvious why there is a community of adventurers here that relate to you!