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Diane Brokenshire's avatar

I love that you have reached the point in your journey that you are starting to realize that you don't need another "guru" to lead you. You have the talent and the knowhow......just DO it. And I love the outfit!

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Hahahaha Oh Diane, this photo reflects my deep love to be silly, especially when I am too tired to care. I did my 10k race (in a Santa costume) and then made 6 dozen butter tarts. I threw on clothes that were comfy, and the tarts are delicious. :) And yes, I don't need another 'guru.'

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Gary Spangler's avatar

I appreciate how you delineated the ways some humans use to dodge getting started. Completely relatable.

My loop tape contains messages like: You never were a writer; you’re not a writer now; who are you kidding; you’re a writer voyeur; what message do I have to share with a shred of value; don’t kid yourself, Mr. Big shot!

I like that you suggested helping and attracting readers one-by-one was an acceptable approach for you.

Here’s a laugh: I rummaged around on Medium years ago then cut ties at least 4 years ago. To this day I receive notices from Medium about my new followers. I need a better algorithm for my life!

All the best in your endeavors today and always.

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

I think we could all use a better algorithm for our lives! I suspect I would benefit greatly from reading your work (beyond your powerful comments here) on a regular basis. I encourage you to scratch that itch again @garyspangler

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Thanks for your friendly nudge. I’ve lived much of my life with my brain mimicking a whirlpool. Never stopping its vortex-like rotation and storing the debris of my life. Today, with the proverbial flotsam and jetsam that got sucked under, reversing the process and pulling out “material” feels like a potential dam break. And I’m a little short on beavers to build dams of containment.

What’s so problematic about hauling out some of the detritus? In the great scheme of things it’s trivia. Like I was vying to become the king of Trivial Pursuit. Like Paul Simon sang in Kodachrome, “When I look back on all the crap I learned in high school

It’s a wonder I can think at all.”

Add in 8 years of college, 3 marriages, and lots of moving about, you can imagine the thicket that is my brain! In a writer’s world with real paper, shredders are the real deal. Memory traces can be more stubborn...

I saw recently that over 50% of the US adult population reads at or below the 6th grade level. That can inform my choice of what and to whom I might write. Children’s books? They’d surely be banned here in Florida!

For now I plan to continue following you and other Sub-stack bloggers whose writing and philosophical leanings mirror my own. 🙏🏽

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Cindy Villanueva's avatar

Your transparency is inspiring. Keep at it--the world needs your words and your creativity. (it even needs your silliness!)

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

You made me smile! I love the photo and your honest, real words! Thank you so much Linda for being you! I'm truly grateful to know you.

I'm recognizing my fear more and more these days and leaning in. What's the worst that can happen? This question helps me when I'm afraid to ship or share. And folks like you to keep me going.

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

We keep each other going @juliebhughes I am so grateful you are here so we may cheer each other on.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Such a great post, Linda! You've got this - ALL of it! 😊

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Kym Dakin's avatar

Love the photo! And the wisdom!❤️

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Haha. Thank you @kymdakin !

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Dr Cynthia Miller's avatar

What a fabulous post. Your outfit is wonderful! Keep creating and sharing, you are the best!

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Alex Keerie's avatar

Wise words, and reflection, I'm being bombarded with opportunities to change my life and start 2024 as a new man. I don't need another regime, I have the tools, just need to the discipline to keep going.

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AD's avatar

Beautiful and so true! This right here, I think, is what we all need to hear. Thank you for being vulnerable -- this is giving me the push I need!

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

@AD That makes my day. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me (and restacking). We can help push each other and more importantly, ourselves. Be well.

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AD's avatar

Of course! The support of this writing community has me believing in myself a little bit more everyday :) Little nudges toward our dreams, I suppose.

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Thank you @cindyvillanueva I appreciate that very much. Here's to more silliness!

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Thank you Rebecca. That means a lot.

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Hahaha @Cynthia I heard your wonderful laugh. Thank you for your support. I look forward to our continued friendship and conversations in 2024.

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Linda McLachlan's avatar

Yessss... @Alex Keerie I hope you do. The only opportunity you need is the one you'll give yourself. And thank you for restacking my post.

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