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Diana van Eyk's avatar

Hi Helen,

Finding our own true voices is related to finding our authentic selves and expressing them, I think.

And connection with others provides so much! Encouragement, inspiration, ideas to write about, making friends, and understanding and feeling understood are all part of the experience.

Thanks for bringing up something I'll be mulling over.

All the best to you in 2024.

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Bethany A. Beeler (she/her)'s avatar

Helen, this piece helped me in a time of pensive depression over the state of the country I live in (the US) and its assault on who I am (I'm trans). It's hard, so hard, to be so few among the larger population and to be debated as if my existence is a fungus to be bleached away. It's even harder to maintain a winsome spirit to continue to create, amidst a culture that actively works against art and artists. Your words here help immensely to put into perspective my situation:

"I need to use my own voice to bring myself back to life."

It's not odd, then, that, in the worst throes of my depressive agony last night, I crafted a painting. Now, finding my voice, even in darkness, I can look to the rest of this day to put the finishing touches on. Thank you. Please accept my paid subscription not as a "purchase" but as a gift to assist, which in no way matches what you have given me. It's simply an encouragement. Keep it up. You're a bright spark coalescing into an enlightening and persistent blaze, counselor.

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