Corey, thank you for yet another honest and moving essay. I don't know you well enough to make determinations about anything, so the reflections I'm offering here are based on my own life experiences. Forgive me if they don't fit for you.
1. Finding value in looking back is predicated on the belief that value existed. If the past is just a mirror for criticism and self-doubt, then it's best to leave it behind.
2. The flow of time and where it's leading might be a human invention. I wonder if other creatures place so much importance on it.
3. My mother was one of my greatest champions, but she also taught me what happens when we live for our expectations. For her, having "too much hope" (I'm sure some would say there is no such thing) seemed to lead to a lot of disappointment. As a result, I've spent half a lifetime trying to learn how to let go of it. I don't know how this fits in with those who talk of manifesting our dreams, of setting goals and working to see them come true. I've had the good fortune of feeling like a lot of my dreams came true, but I say that looking back. I don't think I had set my sights on them before they occurred.
Carry on, Corey. You're doing it, this life thing, and to some of us it looks like you're doing it right.
Expectations are a curse. I try to avoid having them. Time exists, just not the version humans created. Time is one of my favorite subjects to read about—and memory and consciousness, both of which, of course, affect how we perceive our version of time. My criticism of the past, I think, results from my inability to trust my romanticization of it. I don't remember what else I wanted to say. This comment fell apart before I dropped the first period. I have a headache. Excuses, I know. Sometimes, you just need to write whatever enters your head and see where it leads. It's not working. You're great. I appreciate you. Thank you for the kind words. I need a pillow.
Hope your head feels better. You are correct that sometimes you just need to write whatever enters your head and see where it leads. Somewhere pleasant would be nice. :) I appreciate you, too.
Mothers are great. They have your back and provide unconditional love. Our past is part of us. It made us what we are. It can't be changed. It just is. The best we can do is to acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on from it. Life will inevitably kick you in the teeth. It's gonna happen. What we do when it does is what defines us. I wish you well on your journey to deal with your past.
Hi Corey, you use the word “hope” three times in this writing. Many years ago on TV for a time their appeared a momentary ad which said “Hope is when Love waits”. Your words carry that meaning. Daniel
Wow. That’s quite powerful. Hope was the theme of the piece so I intentionally repeated the word. But now you’ve made me analyze that aspect deeper and its relationship to love. Thank you.
A marvellous tribute. Here's to mothers leaving the light on.
Thank you.
Moved to tears. This is beautiful.
Thank you, Karen. Sorry about the tears.
Corey, thank you for yet another honest and moving essay. I don't know you well enough to make determinations about anything, so the reflections I'm offering here are based on my own life experiences. Forgive me if they don't fit for you.
1. Finding value in looking back is predicated on the belief that value existed. If the past is just a mirror for criticism and self-doubt, then it's best to leave it behind.
2. The flow of time and where it's leading might be a human invention. I wonder if other creatures place so much importance on it.
3. My mother was one of my greatest champions, but she also taught me what happens when we live for our expectations. For her, having "too much hope" (I'm sure some would say there is no such thing) seemed to lead to a lot of disappointment. As a result, I've spent half a lifetime trying to learn how to let go of it. I don't know how this fits in with those who talk of manifesting our dreams, of setting goals and working to see them come true. I've had the good fortune of feeling like a lot of my dreams came true, but I say that looking back. I don't think I had set my sights on them before they occurred.
Carry on, Corey. You're doing it, this life thing, and to some of us it looks like you're doing it right.
Expectations are a curse. I try to avoid having them. Time exists, just not the version humans created. Time is one of my favorite subjects to read about—and memory and consciousness, both of which, of course, affect how we perceive our version of time. My criticism of the past, I think, results from my inability to trust my romanticization of it. I don't remember what else I wanted to say. This comment fell apart before I dropped the first period. I have a headache. Excuses, I know. Sometimes, you just need to write whatever enters your head and see where it leads. It's not working. You're great. I appreciate you. Thank you for the kind words. I need a pillow.
Got this quote from yesterday's Substack post by Graham Landi:
"Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole journey that way." E.L. Doctorow
I like that. I should write that down.
Hope your head feels better. You are correct that sometimes you just need to write whatever enters your head and see where it leads. Somewhere pleasant would be nice. :) I appreciate you, too.
I remember this photo so well. Your words are perfect. Thank you for telling me ahead of time not to read this at work 😭😭😭
Thank you, Corey. Wonderful writing, it was very moving. Looking back can bring solace, sometimes, and your Mom is still by your side.
Thnks, Martine. I appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for sharing this reflective honest poetic post. What beautiful raw writing!
Thank you, Katie.
Beautiful! I wish you peace, Corey.
Thank you, Mary.
Mothers are great. They have your back and provide unconditional love. Our past is part of us. It made us what we are. It can't be changed. It just is. The best we can do is to acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on from it. Life will inevitably kick you in the teeth. It's gonna happen. What we do when it does is what defines us. I wish you well on your journey to deal with your past.
“What matters most is how well we walk through the fire.” (Bukowski)
By bringing these recollections to paper, it seems you are now on a good forward trajectory....
We have to keep moving. Thanks, Glenn.
Hi Corey, this feels to me like your honesty guided by the flow of love. Daniel
Love—that’s the word I was looking for. Did I just write an entire piece about my mother and not once mention the word love? Interesting.
Even so, I bet she heard it.
Maybe …
Thank you Corey……. geez.
No, no, thank you.
Beautiful reflections, Corey. The relationship between you and your mother sounds incredible.
Thank you, Stephanie. I appreciate the kind words.
This is really beautiful writing
Thank you, Ming.
Love this Corey!!
Thank you!
Hi Corey, you use the word “hope” three times in this writing. Many years ago on TV for a time their appeared a momentary ad which said “Hope is when Love waits”. Your words carry that meaning. Daniel
Wow. That’s quite powerful. Hope was the theme of the piece so I intentionally repeated the word. But now you’ve made me analyze that aspect deeper and its relationship to love. Thank you.
This is beautiful, Corey. The sentiment it conveys and the words you chose to convey it.
Thank you, Michael. As always, I appreciate the kind words.