I was so happy to awaken to your post! I’ve been thinking about you and this essay is so vulnerable and simultaneously inspiring and uplifting. Self doubt is a universal, a unifier, yet most of us don’t know that others are experiencing it. As my beloved Daddy taught me, the key is perseverance and self patience and never giving up. You’re such a gifted creative (I woke up to my alarm playing Slow This Heart—hardly an incentive to get out of bed!). We’ve all been knocked down many times. You stood up and accomplished your goal. I KNOW you’ll accomplish the next one and publish the book, whether this year or the next. Take that extra deep breath because deep down *you* too know you can and will do it. I’m looking forward to seeing you on book tour. (Maybe you’ll even play a couple of songs!🎶) If you ever want to talk, I’m always here.
I've been a runner for 40 years and this is one of the best essays I've ever read about both running and all of the stuff we bring to that work. How it keeps us alive, present, and aware of our possibilities and failures. I've found the same with swimming and biking. They make me aware of who I am, who I might be, and who I would prefer not to be. Aly--you are such a gifted writer. You inspire me not only keep running but to also reflect on what it means. I was doing intervals along the CT River today with mixed success, and thought of you and this essay--and said to myself: be glad you are here. Moving. Striving. Trying.
Those couple of paragraphs from "The thing about running is that it's never about running." is a cinema of a mind telling its own story. I know you are busy but keep the sound track going. Music is one thing that still brings people together.
Metaphors remarkable. Completely inspiring. But no way am I going to run a 26 mile marathon. I will, however, eagerly rejoin your memoir writing class!!! Can't wait...
Fantastic writing as always! Doubt is an interesting phenomenon. Our brain is trying to protect us but I’ve found it does not always know what is best.
Aly! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were doing! Thank you for this beautiful update and reflection. Right there in the writing murk with you. And I loved Nyad too!
This is beautiful, Aly! You brought me to tears. FF - doubt as a divining rod - so musical. And running in the dark woods down your own yellow brick road. Brava and thank you! Shar
Bravo Aly! I think about you often. You have been a real inspiration to me and knowing you had an impact on my life you can only imagine. Congratulations on ALL of it. I admit I was shocked to read you had been laid off. You make the struggles real to your readers and you always give us hope. What a gift. Xxx Emma
I was so happy to awaken to your post! I’ve been thinking about you and this essay is so vulnerable and simultaneously inspiring and uplifting. Self doubt is a universal, a unifier, yet most of us don’t know that others are experiencing it. As my beloved Daddy taught me, the key is perseverance and self patience and never giving up. You’re such a gifted creative (I woke up to my alarm playing Slow This Heart—hardly an incentive to get out of bed!). We’ve all been knocked down many times. You stood up and accomplished your goal. I KNOW you’ll accomplish the next one and publish the book, whether this year or the next. Take that extra deep breath because deep down *you* too know you can and will do it. I’m looking forward to seeing you on book tour. (Maybe you’ll even play a couple of songs!🎶) If you ever want to talk, I’m always here.
You *know* there will be music! Thank you, Beth. Heartened to hear something here reminded you of Dad. 💞
I've been a runner for 40 years and this is one of the best essays I've ever read about both running and all of the stuff we bring to that work. How it keeps us alive, present, and aware of our possibilities and failures. I've found the same with swimming and biking. They make me aware of who I am, who I might be, and who I would prefer not to be. Aly--you are such a gifted writer. You inspire me not only keep running but to also reflect on what it means. I was doing intervals along the CT River today with mixed success, and thought of you and this essay--and said to myself: be glad you are here. Moving. Striving. Trying.
To find gratitude amidst intervals is digging DEEP, Peter! So glad you related with the piece. 40 years on the pavement! May we all be so lucky.
I am thrilled to see and read your post! Beautiful, as always.
Heba!! What a sweet joy to see your name here. 🥹♥️
Those couple of paragraphs from "The thing about running is that it's never about running." is a cinema of a mind telling its own story. I know you are busy but keep the sound track going. Music is one thing that still brings people together.
Metaphors remarkable. Completely inspiring. But no way am I going to run a 26 mile marathon. I will, however, eagerly rejoin your memoir writing class!!! Can't wait...
Cathy, I’ll take it! ♥️
Aly! (What I excitedly yelled when I saw your email in my inbox). This story is exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. Thank you.
Haha, aww thanks Kevin. Happy it hit. ⚡️
This is one of the best posts you’ve written….actually the best.
Rob thank you!! (I'll take it!)
Fantastic writing as always! Doubt is an interesting phenomenon. Our brain is trying to protect us but I’ve found it does not always know what is best.
I once heard Elizabeth Gilbert call it that old "Made in China" fear—still think about that all the time. Thank you, Amanda. <3
Great hearing your voice come roaring through the Poconos!! Well done. And thanks. Getting unstuck, my greatest thrill - still!
forever and ever amen, Ray!
Aly! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were doing! Thank you for this beautiful update and reflection. Right there in the writing murk with you. And I loved Nyad too!
Eleanor, hi!!! Delighted to be with you in the trenches. <3<3
What a beautiful gift for my inbox to receive today! I always enjoy your writing so much. Put me down for 10 copies once you’re taking preorders!
You've got yourself a deal. :) (thanks, Don)
Wow Aly -- I was wondering where you had gone -- you have always been a force --
This is beautiful, Aly! You brought me to tears. FF - doubt as a divining rod - so musical. And running in the dark woods down your own yellow brick road. Brava and thank you! Shar
Thank you for the frame, dearest Shar <3
Bravo Aly! I think about you often. You have been a real inspiration to me and knowing you had an impact on my life you can only imagine. Congratulations on ALL of it. I admit I was shocked to read you had been laid off. You make the struggles real to your readers and you always give us hope. What a gift. Xxx Emma
Emma! I was just thinking of you the other day. How wonderful to see you here. Thank you for this. ♥️