I once heard a comedian on a podcast say, “the real addiction is control” and I always think about that. Reading your essay reminds me of exactly that, and something I can understand as someone who I’m pretty sure has “control” in my genes. But I also used to practice a lot of “idiot compassion” which I think is the opposite of what you’re talking about and something that never seems to actually help anyone. All that to say I enjoyed this essay and as someone who’s been in your classes, I appreciate the bluntness and honesty because it’s always made me a better writer!
All can’t be right, ‘cos we are bound to see things differently, but with concrete proof we can always explain ourselves in a way that others will understand our point.
Oof this hits close to home. I experienced my own similar flavor of communication that seemed logical to me but often came across as a cannon ball through the courtyard of anyone in my line of fire. Having been on that call with you I felt it in real time. I wanted to fist pump and rally behind you (we'll have to check the recording, I probably did fist pump). Siege the castle, storm the walls. This woman speaks the truth!
But as you put here so well, you want to be strong, you want to grow, and as you continue to craft those invitations to curiosity, rather than cannonade, I see you then becoming liberated from that semblance of control. I saw a lot of myself in this piece. I'm rooting for you. And I hope it doesn't just feel really good, but great.
You were right though.
Not everyone was correct.
So good Charlie!
I once heard a comedian on a podcast say, “the real addiction is control” and I always think about that. Reading your essay reminds me of exactly that, and something I can understand as someone who I’m pretty sure has “control” in my genes. But I also used to practice a lot of “idiot compassion” which I think is the opposite of what you’re talking about and something that never seems to actually help anyone. All that to say I enjoyed this essay and as someone who’s been in your classes, I appreciate the bluntness and honesty because it’s always made me a better writer!
All can’t be right, ‘cos we are bound to see things differently, but with concrete proof we can always explain ourselves in a way that others will understand our point.
Bleecker. Bleecks. My spirit animal.
Oof this hits close to home. I experienced my own similar flavor of communication that seemed logical to me but often came across as a cannon ball through the courtyard of anyone in my line of fire. Having been on that call with you I felt it in real time. I wanted to fist pump and rally behind you (we'll have to check the recording, I probably did fist pump). Siege the castle, storm the walls. This woman speaks the truth!
But as you put here so well, you want to be strong, you want to grow, and as you continue to craft those invitations to curiosity, rather than cannonade, I see you then becoming liberated from that semblance of control. I saw a lot of myself in this piece. I'm rooting for you. And I hope it doesn't just feel really good, but great.