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James Bailey's avatar

Miche: so much richness through this whole piece. I loved reading some of your words again with the piercing context you provide this time.

I especially loved this: “Each story I've shared, each poem I've crafted, and every moment of introspection has guided me closer to a more authentic version of myself.” Very Rick Lewis-esque as he helps us become better story tellers. 😀

And this: “But I've reached a point where authenticity matters more to me.” Yay! Screw those managers and people who done embrace who you are and want you for that!

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Miche Priest's avatar

Thank you so much for letting me know. You’re too support means a lot to me. I’ve been thinking a lot about what holds us back from sharing our experiences, what consequences are imagined or real. I decided to find out for myself. So far, sharing has been overwhelmingly positive

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Rick Lewis's avatar

I have so much respect for the work that you did especially with # 7. It takes a real commitment to self-honesty to not vilify one's partner in a break up and keep looking hard for one's own part in the dance of divorce. "The thing is…I never said a word about that night either." Glad you wound up in Write of Passage and now to be following your journey.

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Miche Priest's avatar

Thank you Rick. And thanks for reading it all the way through.

It was oddly easy to hit the publish button on that one but hard not to delete it after. Seeing my role in past pain helps prevent more pain in the present. I share things I wish I knew in the hopes it'll help someone in some way. Thanks again for reading

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Rick Lewis's avatar

Yes! That's my favorite thing about personal storytelling. I think there is always someone who benefits from hearing us sound out our experience and perspective. That was the whole message I was trying to convey with my last newsletter post as well.

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Becky Isjwara's avatar

So so proud of your growth and bravery, Miche!

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Miche Priest's avatar

Thank you Becky!

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Michelle Elisabeth Varghese's avatar

I love this reflection Miche! It’s so true that the little comments of feedback can actually teach us so much not only about our writing but ourselves. The way you wrote this was so well put together while also being so open and vulnerable. Congrats on a great year of writing and I’m sure, more to come in 2024!

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Miche Priest's avatar

Thank you Michelle! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Congrats on a great year of writing and podcasting! I'm looking forward to seeing your journey unfold in the new year.

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Krish's avatar

More power to you Miche... Btw, I was also hoping to see that beautiful verse somewhere in here.

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Miche Priest's avatar

Thanks Krish! Sorry, which verse?

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Krish's avatar

Don't remember the lines, but the snippet I read started off with "I know exactly what it is....Tears...." It's such a beautiful poem...

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Miche Priest's avatar

Oh yes!! My first poem. I must have put that in a dozen times. I left it out because it didn’t align with my ‘shiny dime’--overarching theme, as well as the other artifact I had. I will be posting it one day. Perhaps I can dedicate a whole essay about it.

I’m glad you liked it and remembered it 🥰

Here’s a link to it https://x.com/michepriest/status/1739199115974832597?s=46&t=oKq9YrTPDpFJl3rTlBomFQ

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Krish's avatar

The first verse was indeed worth remembering. 👏👏👏

And thank you for sharing the link.

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Miche Priest's avatar

My pleasure and thank you for sharing your warm thoughts about it with me

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CansaFis Foote's avatar

...congratulations on your journey so far Miche...what a great look back at what you have accomplished, managed, reflected upon, and grown from in such a small window of time...the future is bright...

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Jack Dixon's avatar

Thanks for sharing these Miche. Such honest, transparent, and insightful reflections. And fantastic writing. This is motivating me to be more open in my own writing and to reflect on the year’s events more deeply. Thank you for that :)

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Catalina Muñoz's avatar

I'm looking forward to reading your writing in 2024, Miche. And congrats on this year's achievements!

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