Since finding your writing snippets on other social platforms and now on wonderful Substack, I feel a connection to what you say. I am deep within the pendulation between belonging and loneliness and I appreciate what you say here about finding community and belonging through writing, and about how to engage socially when that doesn’t always bring a felt sense of safety. I encouraged to witness in myself what is blocking me in this realm. That’s what came up for me from reading your piece. Thank you for sharing your honest and tender process. It’s sparked some good thought and feeling processes for me.
I’m so happy that this sparked some things for you — I really appreciate you and your kind words, Jess 🙏🏾 Wishing you the community love and support that you deserve
Michell, thank you for extending these words and sentiments to me. I value kindness and effort so much. It means a lot that you read what I wrote and responded. And it’s cool how community builds in so many different ways. 🌷 all the roots and pathways and neat possibilities for conversation from our truest, kindest selves. 🙌
when i first met you at Diego's book launch in NYC a couple years back, i was left with an impression of feeling welcomed by you, dear M... your generosity of heart is still felt. not only do you belong, you are needed, deeply appreciated.
I loved this post so much. I live with many of the same stories. The line- walking into a room with the assumption I’m welcome hit me hard. I realised in that moment I don’t think I’ve ever walked into a room feeling that way. Wanted. Welcome. Feeling that I belong, and that I can take up space. I feel less alone reading this and your vulnerability has given me the courage to consider how I can walk to the middle of my bridge. Thank you 🤍
Bro. Goodness. This is beautiful. Soo many lines that I could underline. This was a powerful way to end this article - “The world has always had space for me. I just needed to believe I deserved to occupy it.”
Thank you for so gently reminding us of this truth to by way of being vulnerable.
You’re in my hometown!! New Haven is such an amazing place to build community intentionally and accidentally. I’m so glad to read that you’re finding your footing in your newfound community. This was a very inspiring read!
Hey Michell, I’ve just come across a piece of yours and felt a real affinity with your work. I’m new at this came but have recently also found the audacity to (begin to) claim my space in the world. And, you’re so right, it’s strange the way the space just opens up when you do that. I’d be honoured if you give my website a look yestoallofit.com
If it talks to you at all maybe we could connect. Maybe even collaborate. Who knows. Best, Jacob
Oh my, just enjoyed reading this ,my first time getting to read your long writting. Been following your writting on Instagram posts which has contributed largely to my self discovery journey and inner work. I also belong to your private group and thanks for not only being vulnerable helping most of us in return, but also for being my daily reminder that good people exist, we are not behind, the world can still be safe place etc. Ordering your portraits too so I can be reminded daily 😊
I’ve been writing my way back to myself. I didn’t feel ready to share any of it—not because I didn’t have words, but because I didn’t give myself permission. Thank you for sharing this 💕
Since finding your writing snippets on other social platforms and now on wonderful Substack, I feel a connection to what you say. I am deep within the pendulation between belonging and loneliness and I appreciate what you say here about finding community and belonging through writing, and about how to engage socially when that doesn’t always bring a felt sense of safety. I encouraged to witness in myself what is blocking me in this realm. That’s what came up for me from reading your piece. Thank you for sharing your honest and tender process. It’s sparked some good thought and feeling processes for me.
I’m so happy that this sparked some things for you — I really appreciate you and your kind words, Jess 🙏🏾 Wishing you the community love and support that you deserve
Michell, thank you for extending these words and sentiments to me. I value kindness and effort so much. It means a lot that you read what I wrote and responded. And it’s cool how community builds in so many different ways. 🌷 all the roots and pathways and neat possibilities for conversation from our truest, kindest selves. 🙌
Wow. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel. ❤️
Thank you so much for hearing me!
I love how raw and open you are. You are a healer, sir!
thank you so much, Laura!
when i first met you at Diego's book launch in NYC a couple years back, i was left with an impression of feeling welcomed by you, dear M... your generosity of heart is still felt. not only do you belong, you are needed, deeply appreciated.
Receiving this, in full. I truly felt welcomed by you, too. Thank you so much for being who you are 🫶🏾
Wow, Michell. You’ve articulated a pain here I’ve only ever felt and never had the words for. This felt like a warm hug. Thank you!
Sending you so much love
I loved this post so much. I live with many of the same stories. The line- walking into a room with the assumption I’m welcome hit me hard. I realised in that moment I don’t think I’ve ever walked into a room feeling that way. Wanted. Welcome. Feeling that I belong, and that I can take up space. I feel less alone reading this and your vulnerability has given me the courage to consider how I can walk to the middle of my bridge. Thank you 🤍
Thank you so much for hearing me! I hope you experience that feeling soon.
Bro. Goodness. This is beautiful. Soo many lines that I could underline. This was a powerful way to end this article - “The world has always had space for me. I just needed to believe I deserved to occupy it.”
Thank you for so gently reminding us of this truth to by way of being vulnerable.
Thank you so much, man!
Oh gosh, this resonated so deeply! I'm still going through this at 37. Thank you for sharing! I deeply needed to read this!
Thank you so much, Vanessa 🙏🏾
You’re in my hometown!! New Haven is such an amazing place to build community intentionally and accidentally. I’m so glad to read that you’re finding your footing in your newfound community. This was a very inspiring read!
It really is! Thank you so much, Brittany 🙏🏾
Hey Michell, I’ve just come across a piece of yours and felt a real affinity with your work. I’m new at this came but have recently also found the audacity to (begin to) claim my space in the world. And, you’re so right, it’s strange the way the space just opens up when you do that. I’d be honoured if you give my website a look yestoallofit.com
If it talks to you at all maybe we could connect. Maybe even collaborate. Who knows. Best, Jacob
Thank you, Jacob! Adding your site to my “to be read” list
Oh my, just enjoyed reading this ,my first time getting to read your long writting. Been following your writting on Instagram posts which has contributed largely to my self discovery journey and inner work. I also belong to your private group and thanks for not only being vulnerable helping most of us in return, but also for being my daily reminder that good people exist, we are not behind, the world can still be safe place etc. Ordering your portraits too so I can be reminded daily 😊
Thank you so much, Diana 🙏🏾 I really appreciate you taking the time!
So relatable. Thank you!
Thank you for reading!
I’ve been writing my way back to myself. I didn’t feel ready to share any of it—not because I didn’t have words, but because I didn’t give myself permission. Thank you for sharing this 💕
Thank you!
Highly relatable - thank you!
I appreciate you!
this is beautiful 🌻
thank you!
Thank you for sharing
Appreciate and needed this perspective
Have a blessed day✨
Thank you so much, you do the same 🙏🏾