Nan-This essay got me thinking about my own disordered thinking around illness. I'm glad to say that today when I'm sick, I rest and I take myself seriously. I no longer try to play the tough girl who never shows her vulnerable self. I've put away the martyr cape. That's been my journey.
Thank you for the courage you show to reveal yourself to us. Love you! Marguerite
Nan, I am glad you're writing is bringing you fulfillment as you express your feelings, express You, on paper. Day by day, moment by moment, I am discovering & finding me! It's a glorious adventure!!! Big hugs my friend, much love too!
Nan, I look forward to your posts and each time, I'm so impressed by your honesty, your bravery and your writing. So glad you share your thoughts and discoveries with us. I always find something that's worthy of contemplation. Thank you, Nan! xo
My mom was always kind and affectionate with me when I was sick, but not when I was well, so I really relate. I had bronchitis, strep throat and pneumonia every winter for most of my childhood. They were real illnesses but I have to think there was some mind-body thing going on there, too. I appreciated this essay and I’m sending you hugs through the ethers. It’s such a breakthrough, and so good to understand you’re worthy of love and care when you’re well 🤍🤍🤍
"I learned to be sad." Makes my heart ache. As always, there's so much in this that evokes thought, especially as one who has known you at various points in your life journey, I realize there is so much I don't know. As poignant as this piece is, there are still moments of your characteristic spot-on wit--the description of the psychologist for instance and the thermometer! I love how you are examining these painful experiences through the lens of healing and self-love. You ARE worthy. (And I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I love you.)
I so appreciate your honesty, Nan, and as usual, this element of your experience is beautifully explained. You are deserving of care because you are human.
Pieces of this resonate with my experience, though in a somewhat slanted way. I’ve dealt with a ton of illness and surgery in my adult life. The surgical recoveries, chemotherapy, and more have been extremely rough, but they have also provided relief from life’s treadmill. My first operation was at age 24—removal of a tumor in my spine. I was in graduate school at the time. I had never felt pain like that, but also my acne completely cleared up. Nobody was expecting anything of me; I had nothing to prove to anyone. The music I listened to in the hospital still evokes feelings of both sadness and calm.
Yes. To stop, just because we need to without reasons to justify our actions. Can we give ourselves that gift? I hope so. Thank you for sharing your story here.
This is so powerful.
Nan-This essay got me thinking about my own disordered thinking around illness. I'm glad to say that today when I'm sick, I rest and I take myself seriously. I no longer try to play the tough girl who never shows her vulnerable self. I've put away the martyr cape. That's been my journey.
Thank you for the courage you show to reveal yourself to us. Love you! Marguerite
Thank you Marguerite, for sharing that about yourself. It's a pleasure to tell my stories.
Nan, I am glad you're writing is bringing you fulfillment as you express your feelings, express You, on paper. Day by day, moment by moment, I am discovering & finding me! It's a glorious adventure!!! Big hugs my friend, much love too!
Big hugs back, Patty! Thanks for reading.
Feel better, do feel better!!!
You brave beautiful woman! You resonate deeply.
Thank you, Nina. Lots of love.
Nan, I look forward to your posts and each time, I'm so impressed by your honesty, your bravery and your writing. So glad you share your thoughts and discoveries with us. I always find something that's worthy of contemplation. Thank you, Nan! xo
Thanks Debra, so much! Writing these essays has been so meaningful to me. Hope to see you soon. xoxo
My mom was always kind and affectionate with me when I was sick, but not when I was well, so I really relate. I had bronchitis, strep throat and pneumonia every winter for most of my childhood. They were real illnesses but I have to think there was some mind-body thing going on there, too. I appreciated this essay and I’m sending you hugs through the ethers. It’s such a breakthrough, and so good to understand you’re worthy of love and care when you’re well 🤍🤍🤍
Thank for reading, Ally, and relating. Sending hugs back.
I think you shine more than you know. You are one brave soul, Nan Tepper. 💚
Thank you!
Bravely and boldly honest.
"I learned to be sad." Makes my heart ache. As always, there's so much in this that evokes thought, especially as one who has known you at various points in your life journey, I realize there is so much I don't know. As poignant as this piece is, there are still moments of your characteristic spot-on wit--the description of the psychologist for instance and the thermometer! I love how you are examining these painful experiences through the lens of healing and self-love. You ARE worthy. (And I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I love you.)
I love you too, Nome! xoxo
I so appreciate your honesty, Nan, and as usual, this element of your experience is beautifully explained. You are deserving of care because you are human.
Pieces of this resonate with my experience, though in a somewhat slanted way. I’ve dealt with a ton of illness and surgery in my adult life. The surgical recoveries, chemotherapy, and more have been extremely rough, but they have also provided relief from life’s treadmill. My first operation was at age 24—removal of a tumor in my spine. I was in graduate school at the time. I had never felt pain like that, but also my acne completely cleared up. Nobody was expecting anything of me; I had nothing to prove to anyone. The music I listened to in the hospital still evokes feelings of both sadness and calm.
Yes. To stop, just because we need to without reasons to justify our actions. Can we give ourselves that gift? I hope so. Thank you for sharing your story here.
This morning I was thinking “I haven’t seen a writing from Nan lately “ and then this literally popped up within a minute! I love your writing.
I was left wondering about the seizures. Did they stop? But, the overall point of your share is profound and beautifully expressed.
Thank you, Jane! This is all so new for me. Writing an essay every week is a little challenging, but I'm up for it!
I would love your input! I active an account and followers but never posted anything!! 🤪