Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts re: your archetype. Hmm, I wonder if this is another area influenced by our Japanese culture?! I know when I was learning more about being an Enneagram 2 (The Helper) type, I realized how much was linked to my desire for love and fear of being unwanted. I had NO idea this wasn't everyone's core desire or fear! It was mind-boggling news.
Your happy place sounds warm and lively, and I hope you get to experience more of those carefree moments with safe people in your life!
I love this back story. I especially love this paragraph:
“When I brought Nōto to the internet world, I committed to show up with more of myself: thoughtful, playful, empathetic, and colorful. I’m telling stories again, but this time instead of moving my body onstage, I’m moving words and sentences and images on a page, hoping to connect with others as we marvel at our shared and varied human experiences.”
I’m glad you’re finding your voice throughout this process. Yes, you can be serious and silly and however you want on here!
I'm so stoked (do the kids use this word anymore?) you hit 100 and even happier you began this in the first place! 🤗
I've known you for so many years, yet reading your posts feels like a different way of seeing and knowing how your mind works. I cherish it!
I can so relate to the need to be 'serious' all the time and write about heavy things, but I'm learning that life is often heavy enough without us adding to it. We must make room for lightness. There's certainly room for the serious AND the playful! I adore how you color the world and add joy in between the lines of sorrow.
😭😭 I read the other day how rare it is for writers’ closest friends to read almost everything the writer puts out. It still boggles my mind that you take the time to extravagantly support me in this way. I know it’s a rare gift. Thank you for your encouraging words, Leah. Love ya right back. 💗
I just started following Nōto a couple of weeks ago and am so honored to be among those first 100 :) Thank you so much for naming the specific fears you felt when thinking about creating this space. I took me off guard how powerful and comforting it could be to read a tangible list of someone else's fears! And how powerful to see that list juxtaposed next to the beautiful work you're doing, putting this writing out into the world. It makes me feel less alone and empowered too. Thank you for that <3
Rebekah, I squealed when I saw your name in my inbox earlier this month! I read Sitting Pretty in 2020 and shared your TIME essay in my first Mind Your Own Map post: erikatovi.substack.com/p/challenge-your-assumptions. Your words are truly some of my favorite out there!
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I love how honest writing can gather people together, making some sort of special, glowy bouquet. What a remarkable thing it is to feel less alone on this planet… 💐
Ahh, no way! That's the absolute best. It feels like actual real life magic the way that these words could connect us (you and me and the great wide us) and make us feel less alone. I'm so excited to keep reading your words! xo
So grateful to be part of your 100!! ☺️
I have zipped on the servant archetype, but have wondered if I have done it in order to feel love?
I was the only girl in our family, the “happy” one.
These days, I’m a lot more serious, carrying a thousand thoughts in my ADHD brain - hoping they don’t spill out or get forgotten.
I reconnected with my friends from my 20s recently and boy do we let loose. There’s laughing, dancing and being silly.
I’ve realised recently that what makes me feel most alive is the combination of people I love, food and making memories. That’s my happy place. 🥰
Aww Mika, thank you! I'm happy we've gotten to connect here. 🤗
Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts re: your archetype. Hmm, I wonder if this is another area influenced by our Japanese culture?! I know when I was learning more about being an Enneagram 2 (The Helper) type, I realized how much was linked to my desire for love and fear of being unwanted. I had NO idea this wasn't everyone's core desire or fear! It was mind-boggling news.
Your happy place sounds warm and lively, and I hope you get to experience more of those carefree moments with safe people in your life!
congrats!
Thanks Kevin!
I love this back story. I especially love this paragraph:
“When I brought Nōto to the internet world, I committed to show up with more of myself: thoughtful, playful, empathetic, and colorful. I’m telling stories again, but this time instead of moving my body onstage, I’m moving words and sentences and images on a page, hoping to connect with others as we marvel at our shared and varied human experiences.”
I’m glad you’re finding your voice throughout this process. Yes, you can be serious and silly and however you want on here!
Stephanie, thank you! You’re absolutely right—I *am* finding more of my voice and that’s been both liberating and comforting. 🥰
Huge congratulations, Erika! Lovely to see this joyful blog get more readers!
I’ve been very grateful for your support, Andrei! Thanks for cheering my work on and being a reader here.
I'm so stoked (do the kids use this word anymore?) you hit 100 and even happier you began this in the first place! 🤗
I've known you for so many years, yet reading your posts feels like a different way of seeing and knowing how your mind works. I cherish it!
I can so relate to the need to be 'serious' all the time and write about heavy things, but I'm learning that life is often heavy enough without us adding to it. We must make room for lightness. There's certainly room for the serious AND the playful! I adore how you color the world and add joy in between the lines of sorrow.
Love you!
😭😭 I read the other day how rare it is for writers’ closest friends to read almost everything the writer puts out. It still boggles my mind that you take the time to extravagantly support me in this way. I know it’s a rare gift. Thank you for your encouraging words, Leah. Love ya right back. 💗
I just started following Nōto a couple of weeks ago and am so honored to be among those first 100 :) Thank you so much for naming the specific fears you felt when thinking about creating this space. I took me off guard how powerful and comforting it could be to read a tangible list of someone else's fears! And how powerful to see that list juxtaposed next to the beautiful work you're doing, putting this writing out into the world. It makes me feel less alone and empowered too. Thank you for that <3
Rebekah, I squealed when I saw your name in my inbox earlier this month! I read Sitting Pretty in 2020 and shared your TIME essay in my first Mind Your Own Map post: erikatovi.substack.com/p/challenge-your-assumptions. Your words are truly some of my favorite out there!
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with me. I love how honest writing can gather people together, making some sort of special, glowy bouquet. What a remarkable thing it is to feel less alone on this planet… 💐
Ahh, no way! That's the absolute best. It feels like actual real life magic the way that these words could connect us (you and me and the great wide us) and make us feel less alone. I'm so excited to keep reading your words! xo
What a joy just to witness you being you 💃🏻
Thank you for giving me a map, love!
🗺️
Erika!!! Congratulations on the fabulous milestone!
Thank you so much for sharing your decision process in this post - I've learned a great deal from you.
😘
Aw, thank you for being so marvelously supportive, Rebecca!! I’m really happy we’ve gotten to connect on here. 💓
Me toooo!!! 😊