What a beautiful essay, Prajna! A manifesto, really, and a gorgeous love letter to your unstoppable Abby. She sounds incredible. I love everything you wrote here and am so glad you chose to make Substack your writing home. I agree with you about what a wonderful community it is. I will order your book, I want to know more of your story. As for your questions: 1) Can you name that place in yourself that doesn't always feel confident entering a world you are not sure will welcome you? Oh, yes, for me, that is the world of publishing books. It is my greatest desire to publish a novel (and lately, I have been thinking, perhaps there is a memoir in me) but there is a place in me that doesn't feel confident in that world, that I am not sure of its welcome (and I have rejection letters from literary agents and editors to prove it...sigh). So...2) What do you say to that part? To my ego that wants to protect me from being hurt, shamed, humiliated, rejected by not even trying, by not taking any risks, I say, to that younger self--it's okay. I'm an adult now and we can survive the rejections. And to3) How do you offer yourself kindness and encouragement to do it anyway? , I say: All we need to remember is how much joy we get from writing. And keep doing it, no matter what anyone says.
Look forward to reading more of your essays as I explore here.
Hello Diann, Thank you so much for reading. I have a new edition that will be out very soon. I realize I was walking on egg shellls back then. This version feels more empowering a true to my voice after some deep healing. The journey continues and Abby is doing well.
I have just discovered your beautiful, vulnerable, heart-warming, soulful writing. I will check out your book also. I have worked with high school students with disability, so know how amazing they can be. Abby sounds great. Look forward to reading more. 🧡
Thank you for such raw and honest vulnerability from you and Abby, Prajna! Thank you for sharing your stories filled with bravery and courage! Keep shining your light and Abby's! These are the kinds of wonderful stories the world needs to hear and read!
Thank you so much for your kind words. You encourage all of us to keep going. I do believe our world needs stories like this. I certainly do, to fuel my mama muscles.
Thank you again for reading and following my writing journey.
Inspirational Abby! This is a wonderful piece, Prajna beautifully written with so much heart and soul. I won't say more because I'm restacking to recommend this to others.
Thank you Georgia, Yes she is very strong and wants to write as well. I read the c omments and she smiles hugely. Yes, writing is therapy. I must have missed this comment earlier.
Thanks for introducing me to Abby and sharing your voice on Substack.
I've been reading through your post on Substack, and I'm touched by voice, stories, and lessons.
Both of my kids are neurodiverse and ayahuasca was one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had, so I personally relate to your journey, and I look forward to following your journey more on Substack and your book, which I just bought.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I thought I already responded. I’m still sorting out this Substack. Yes, she is very special. Best wishes to you.
I loved reading this and want more from the salty crone
You got it!
Abby is so special - I hope to meet her one day xx
Thank you Jessi. I am sure you will. You are my first comment. Horray!
I thought I responded
Sorry for the delay
Yes meet her.
All of us would love that!
Gosh, I loved reading this. Abby is the BOMB! She’s taken up residence in my heart since I met her at retreat.
So much in your share touches upon struggles I’m face to face with. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💕
Awww Ila, Abby is a bomb. I feel lucky and challenged — as you know. She pulls the heart strings. Sending love and courage of discrimination.
What a beautiful essay, Prajna! A manifesto, really, and a gorgeous love letter to your unstoppable Abby. She sounds incredible. I love everything you wrote here and am so glad you chose to make Substack your writing home. I agree with you about what a wonderful community it is. I will order your book, I want to know more of your story. As for your questions: 1) Can you name that place in yourself that doesn't always feel confident entering a world you are not sure will welcome you? Oh, yes, for me, that is the world of publishing books. It is my greatest desire to publish a novel (and lately, I have been thinking, perhaps there is a memoir in me) but there is a place in me that doesn't feel confident in that world, that I am not sure of its welcome (and I have rejection letters from literary agents and editors to prove it...sigh). So...2) What do you say to that part? To my ego that wants to protect me from being hurt, shamed, humiliated, rejected by not even trying, by not taking any risks, I say, to that younger self--it's okay. I'm an adult now and we can survive the rejections. And to3) How do you offer yourself kindness and encouragement to do it anyway? , I say: All we need to remember is how much joy we get from writing. And keep doing it, no matter what anyone says.
Look forward to reading more of your essays as I explore here.
Amy thank you so much for this thoughtful reply. I agree with all three. Yes, yes, yes!!! I look forward to reading more from you.
I read your memoir a few years ago. It was truly inspiring. You are one courageous woman. So glad Abby is doing well.
I read your memoir a few years ago. Truly inspiring and a profile in real courage. So glad Abby is doing well. Congratulations, mom!
Hello Diann, Thank you so much for reading. I have a new edition that will be out very soon. I realize I was walking on egg shellls back then. This version feels more empowering a true to my voice after some deep healing. The journey continues and Abby is doing well.
Thank you again. Glad to see you here!
I have just discovered your beautiful, vulnerable, heart-warming, soulful writing. I will check out your book also. I have worked with high school students with disability, so know how amazing they can be. Abby sounds great. Look forward to reading more. 🧡
Wow phoebe
For sure
Thank you dear
I am touched!
👏💙🧡
Thank you for such raw and honest vulnerability from you and Abby, Prajna! Thank you for sharing your stories filled with bravery and courage! Keep shining your light and Abby's! These are the kinds of wonderful stories the world needs to hear and read!
Hello Lotus Empress,
Thank you so much for your kind words. You encourage all of us to keep going. I do believe our world needs stories like this. I certainly do, to fuel my mama muscles.
Thank you again for reading and following my writing journey.
with love, P
It is my pleasure to support you on your journey!
Thank you so much
Same
💚👍🩵
Thank you, Prajna!
Inspirational Abby! This is a wonderful piece, Prajna beautifully written with so much heart and soul. I won't say more because I'm restacking to recommend this to others.
Salty Soulful Crone!
thank you!
What an inspiring daughter you have. I can feel her strength and determination through your words.
I find writing about the hard things, the sadness, the pain and being honest and vulnerable is almost like a therapy. I can see you do that too. 💕
Thank you Georgia, Yes she is very strong and wants to write as well. I read the c omments and she smiles hugely. Yes, writing is therapy. I must have missed this comment earlier.
Thank you so much. Glad to be inspired by you.
Lovely post. Thank-you for the snapshot into your world, and for introducing us to the unstoppable Abby 💪🤩
Hi Sharon, I must have missed your comment before. Thank you so much.
As well for a snapshot into your world.
I look forward to reading more from you.
Best, P
Thanks Prajna. It’s been crazy hectic my end, but I’ll be back in the writing saddle soon!
Great Sharon
I hope you write about it. Thank you honey.
Thanks for introducing me to Abby and sharing your voice on Substack.
I've been reading through your post on Substack, and I'm touched by voice, stories, and lessons.
Both of my kids are neurodiverse and ayahuasca was one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had, so I personally relate to your journey, and I look forward to following your journey more on Substack and your book, which I just bought.
Cheers.
Hello Michael,
Wow, your words mean a ton to me. I thought I already responded to this excuse the delay. I would love to learn more about your kids.
I’m so happy to have met you and to be in this journey together .
I hope we get a chance to chat in person sometime. I would also love to hear about your powerful experience.
Thank you again.
Love your writing Prajna. Abby seems like such a special human. So inspiring ❤️ Thank you for inviting us into your home 🏡 x
Thank you so much for your kind words. I thought I already responded. I’m still sorting out this Substack. Yes, she is very special. Best wishes to you.
Yeah. She's going to write a great memoir, if that's the daughter you were referring to in the Note. Thank you for this post. Beautiful.
Thank you for your kindness. I love this opportunity to grow as mama. It never ends and the nest will not clear anytime soon.
Yes and her older sister.
Thank you for reading Nan!
Thanks for introducing Abby and for introducing yourself. Big hugs, Mama Bear.
Thank you for reading and your comment!
Appreciated
Abby is so strong ! Great source of inspiration for this substack journey.
Thank you Mrs C — Yes she is! Best wishes to you!