I cannot claim to be a world traveler; but I have visited Canada four times (three times Quebec, once Montreal), and lived in or traveled in 24 of the US states. My one foray out of North America thus far was to tour western Turkey in September of 2013.
I connect with her on so many levels. After my turbulent divorce, I found myself retreating to my cozy, happy cocoon, where I’ve felt safe for the past 15 years.
When we go out, Randy drives, so I avoid freeways when I’m alone. But last week, I took the little girl I tutor and coach swimming to a meet about an hour away on the freeway. It was my first time driving on one in years, and I can’t describe the anxiety and nervousness I felt.
I thought back to all those times I drove across the country solo, through deserts, mountain passes, and busy cities, and I marveled at my past courage. I realized I had been holding myself back from new experiences. Reading your inspiring story felt like a serendipitous nudge. It’s time for me to venture out! Lol! Thank you, Julie! ✨💜🌻🌸
I’m seeing my mum get more anxious about driving as she gets older. She’s starting to avoid motorways here. I sometimes get a little like that if I’m out alone late at night somewhere.
Sometimes I get like that about buying tickets and silly things like that too. Think it’s because we deal with tech so much now, human interaction although nice, can feel like a skill😂
I really think with so many things it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’ whatever ‘it’ is. So many times our worlds shrink and we don’t notice it happening.
That was a doozy. You wrongfooted me a couple of times there. It felt like it was going to be hopeful to start with (that same repressed energy that George Bailey has every time he tries to leave Bedford Falls in It's a Wonderful Life - that you know will pay off later), then you took it into a very personal and real description of depression (and what psychiatrists refer to as "over valued ideas) that formed the bulk of the story, before bringing it back home again.
The references to Dr Seuss and Charlotte's Web also gave it a childlike energy which emphasised the sense of both vulnerability and curiosity.
I haven’t done a story for a while that wasn’t an old memory so thought I’d sharpen myself up a bit. But I was determined to make it a happy ending and for no-one to die 😂😂 I suppose the fly died. Had to be one casualty, eh? One day😉
I heard someone say something recently about the Dr Seuss book being given as a graduation gift and it made me think about that and come up with a theme.
Probably the best account I have read of Depression and how we can allow it to slowly entrap us. But, more importantly, it is also the best account I have read of how easy it is to overcome Depression. It is never too late!
Thank you. I’m glad you found it relatable. I was determined to write a story with a happy ending, yet one that didn’t sound too twee. That was my mission.
I was going to make the character older but a quick Google told me the book only came out in 1990 so I made her a bit younger. Love a bit of Dr Seuss, although he was supposed to be a proper cunt in real life …..
Stunning, beautiful, accessible. Thank you so much Julie, you are a wonderful writer and I do hope you print your works exactly as you described in another post. :)
This was a wonderful story with an uplifting ending. Thank you Julie.
I purposely wanted to make it uplifting. Too many of my stories end sadly. :)
I can understand your view. It appears that there is more happy endings in stories. So to stir the pot once in awhile, makes life more interesting.
After getting my English Literature degree, I received a copy of Seuss' _Oh, the Places You'll Go!_ for a graduation present.
Really? There we go! Hope you’re not now sat in a bedroom depressed AF, then Brant. Hope you travelled the world 😊
I cannot claim to be a world traveler; but I have visited Canada four times (three times Quebec, once Montreal), and lived in or traveled in 24 of the US states. My one foray out of North America thus far was to tour western Turkey in September of 2013.
Well assuming you’re American, your country has a lot to keep you busy enough! I’ve been to the US and Canada but not to Turkey.
Oh owwww…. this hit me right in the heart. That wanting to stay at home because everything she needs is there. Wow!
Out comfort zone can quickly and easily become our prison if we let it.
How I can see myself in this!! It’s so alarming. Reading this felt like reading about a future me. It’s was very inspiring, thank you for posting!
I’m pleased you felt inspired by it. Thanks for reading 😊
This is a beautiful story!! Ahhhh the tales we weave for ourselves!!! I absolutely love that the ending was happy 🥰😍🤩 this is amazing!!!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :)
Its so relatable!! How many times have I told myself those things!! It was truly a wonderful peice!! I loooved it 🥰😍🤩
May as well channel the downer feelings for something cathartic eh?😂
All great peices seem to come from those places…💓
I connect with her on so many levels. After my turbulent divorce, I found myself retreating to my cozy, happy cocoon, where I’ve felt safe for the past 15 years.
When we go out, Randy drives, so I avoid freeways when I’m alone. But last week, I took the little girl I tutor and coach swimming to a meet about an hour away on the freeway. It was my first time driving on one in years, and I can’t describe the anxiety and nervousness I felt.
I thought back to all those times I drove across the country solo, through deserts, mountain passes, and busy cities, and I marveled at my past courage. I realized I had been holding myself back from new experiences. Reading your inspiring story felt like a serendipitous nudge. It’s time for me to venture out! Lol! Thank you, Julie! ✨💜🌻🌸
I’m seeing my mum get more anxious about driving as she gets older. She’s starting to avoid motorways here. I sometimes get a little like that if I’m out alone late at night somewhere.
Sometimes I get like that about buying tickets and silly things like that too. Think it’s because we deal with tech so much now, human interaction although nice, can feel like a skill😂
I really think with so many things it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’ whatever ‘it’ is. So many times our worlds shrink and we don’t notice it happening.
Go gettum girl!✨🧚♀️🔥
That was a doozy. You wrongfooted me a couple of times there. It felt like it was going to be hopeful to start with (that same repressed energy that George Bailey has every time he tries to leave Bedford Falls in It's a Wonderful Life - that you know will pay off later), then you took it into a very personal and real description of depression (and what psychiatrists refer to as "over valued ideas) that formed the bulk of the story, before bringing it back home again.
The references to Dr Seuss and Charlotte's Web also gave it a childlike energy which emphasised the sense of both vulnerability and curiosity.
I haven’t done a story for a while that wasn’t an old memory so thought I’d sharpen myself up a bit. But I was determined to make it a happy ending and for no-one to die 😂😂 I suppose the fly died. Had to be one casualty, eh? One day😉
I heard someone say something recently about the Dr Seuss book being given as a graduation gift and it made me think about that and come up with a theme.
Probably the best account I have read of Depression and how we can allow it to slowly entrap us. But, more importantly, it is also the best account I have read of how easy it is to overcome Depression. It is never too late!
Great story and great ending.
Thank you. I’m glad you found it relatable. I was determined to write a story with a happy ending, yet one that didn’t sound too twee. That was my mission.
Great read. Thank you Julie x
Cheers. Appreciate that x
That hit home… loved it 🥰
Yes, we’ve all had duvet days for the wrong reasons that lasted longer than we’d wanted eh? Love to you. Xx
…and postponed dreams… Love to you too xx
I recognised the “Oh the places you’ll go” instantly! Overcoming inertia is a constant battle in life.
I was going to make the character older but a quick Google told me the book only came out in 1990 so I made her a bit younger. Love a bit of Dr Seuss, although he was supposed to be a proper cunt in real life …..
Proper laughed at that. I didn’t know that about him. 😂😂😂
A nasty pasty
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/xva67/til_dr_seuss_cheated_on_his_wife_while_she_was/
Absolutely wonderful! x
Thank you
Loved it.
Glad you appreciated it, Colin
Stunning, beautiful, accessible. Thank you so much Julie, you are a wonderful writer and I do hope you print your works exactly as you described in another post. :)
Thank you. That means a lot. I wanted to write a story with a happy ending 😊
Yes a lesson there, the first step, is always the hardest, good story Julie 😊x.
Thank you :)
I was internally cheering at the end of that story, Julie! I'm so glad she did! Brilliantly written, as ever.✨
Thank you. I wanted to write a story where no-one died that had a happy ending. That was my brief😂😂
Well, I suppose the fly did….. I’m getting there 😉😂
Haha yes but that was totally necessary!😂✨