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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Thank you for sharing

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Kathy Napoli's avatar

Awe is not even a word to describe you and Abby et al in your world. Stupendous writing isn’t good enough either. If there were such beings on earth as Human Earth Angels with super powerful messages of love that might begin to describe each of you. I can’t wait to read: Edge of Grace Fierce Awakenings To Love which I managed to download to my Kindle today. I’m unable to reach words within myself to express the admiration I have and the right words to describe the profound discovery of insight you relay. Simple thank you for sharing you with all of us.

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Kathy Napoli's avatar

I Choose to try to be real, honest and optimistic. If kind is the by product then I am grateful for my choices. ❤️🌼

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

I love your realness. Realness creates trust. Thank you!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Kathy, Your words just made my day. I am feeling lighter after a long stretch without help. Life is joyous again, so I must savor these honeymoon times when they come.

You are so kind.

Thank you!

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Melanie Williams de Amaya's avatar

Exquisite writing. Thankyou. There is so much here I could copy and paste that stood out, but the essence of my reading your first post is simply exquisite. And again, thankyou. You and Abby both have a gaze that says so much about courage, no-nonsense, "yes we've done the hard, no let's do the fun, the quirky, the mischievous, the deep, the mystical, the magical". Exquisite.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hello Melanine. Your words today mean more than you can imagine. Thank you!

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Julie Jose's avatar

We need more unstoppable Abbeys in this world 💎 thank you for sharing

your and her story.

I admit “The Salty Crone” handle hooked me in and im happy it did… ☺️

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Thank you Julie for joining our storied life—hard won joy and wisdom. I celebrate you here. Tank you for subscribing.

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Sharon Joslyn's avatar

What a sweetheart Abby is. Lovely piece Prajna.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Sharon, I missed this but I am here now to thank you. Your appreciation means more than you can know. Thank you!

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Lila Sterling's avatar

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. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💕

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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.

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Amy Brown's avatar

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.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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.

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Diann M Bertucci's avatar

I read your memoir a few years ago. It was truly inspiring. You are one courageous woman. So glad Abby is doing well.

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Diann M Bertucci's avatar

I read your memoir a few years ago. Truly inspiring and a profile in real courage. So glad Abby is doing well. Congratulations, mom!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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!

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Phoebe Freer's avatar

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. 🧡

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Wow phoebe

For sure

Thank you dear

I am touched!

👏💙🧡

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Lotus Empress's avatar

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!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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

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Lotus Empress's avatar

It is my pleasure to support you on your journey!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Thank you so much

Same

💚👍🩵

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Lotus Empress's avatar

Thank you, Prajna!

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Victoria's avatar

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!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

thank you!

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Georgia Clare's avatar

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. 💕

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hello Sharon

Thank you so so much for your kind words and for reading this post

Yes, I have many stories about the unstoppable Abby

Who would’ve thought?

💚💥💚

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Sharon Joslyn's avatar

Lovely post. Thank-you for the snapshot into your world, and for introducing us to the unstoppable Abby 💪🤩

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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

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Sharon Joslyn's avatar

Thanks Prajna. It’s been crazy hectic my end, but I’ll be back in the writing saddle soon!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Great Sharon

I hope you write about it. Thank you honey.

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Michael Simmons's avatar

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.

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

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.

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