I replayed this lunch a thousand times
Oh, hi friends!
I had lunch with a work friend years ago.
We were talking about the state of the magazine industry, and then I mentioned I wanted to write screenplays. I planned on finishing a feature and submitting it to a big-deal fellowship in a few months.
I don’t remember exactly what she said in response, but I do remember how I felt.
Like that plan was pointless. That film was just as difficult an industry — if not more so — than the one we were both already in. That even if I was a finalist, it didn’t mean much.
Why bother, right?
I remember this meeting often because it reminds me how a single comment or conversation can cause ripple effects far beyond one person’s intention.
She didn’t mean to vomit all over my dreams, but that’s how it felt in the moment.
Eventually, I did write a script and submit it. And I kept writing. But the path seemed darker than before.
I want to go back to conversation. I wouldn’t yell or tell her she’s wrong, but I would tell myself this: “She is one person, speaking from her own experiences and situations and dreams, but she does not speak for you.”
We all have these conversations. Sometimes we’re on the other side, too. It’s unavoidable.
Keep your ears open, but your mind filtered.
They do not speak for you.
“This is one of my favorite apartments I’ve ever had,” she said. “It’s so bright. And because I’m on the fourth floor, it’s not that noisy.”
What a lovely and uplifting story about a 63-year-old retired nurse whose lifelong dream was to live in New York. The pandemic didn’t stop her — she found a studio in Hell’s Kitchen, packed up with her cat, and moved anyway.
Now she’s got a new neighborhood, a pigeon on her fire escape, and a long list of pizza recommendations in the comments section.
Nice reminder that following your dreams doesn’t have an age limit.
This Red Panda Is My Hero — And So Are All of You
Yesterday I announced my motivational journal Do It For Yourself is coming out in three weeks and I was absolutely blown away by the generosity, support, and love from everyone on this newsletter. You all really show up!
Thank you to these wonderful humans for pre-ordering yesterday: Sarah C., Alison P., Tom W., Nathan G., Adam A. Diana M., Michelle M., Katie S., Kim F., Sara B., Mindy T., Maria B., Allison M., Cindy A., Elizabeth C., Kara G., Brenda K., Laura R., Dr. Ronda B., Monica B., Jenn H., Abigail S., Delia C., Elizabeth W., Hoi Ning N., Paul B., Susannah J., Marsha S., Christine H., Charlotte M., Sara L., JoJo G., Lynne S., Lizzie C., Katrina T., Kathleen S., Nicole Z., Christine C., Magdalena S., Marissa T., Michele B., Carrie S., and anyone else I might have missed, please forgive me.
Pre-orders help drive initial word of mouth and affect where the book is available. Do It For Yourself even made it to number 33 on Amazon’s Creativity best sellers list, sitting alongside books that have inspired me for years.
I also wanted to mention that I know this is a difficult financial time for many people. If you’d like a copy but aren’t able to afford one at the moment, please shoot me a note and I’ll do my best to get you one. Here for you. We all deserve a little extra motivation right now.
Do you like these daily emails? Please share with a friend!
You can also support my work by pre-ordering my motivational journal Do It For Yourself, coming out in the world on September 8.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara