This was such a deep exploration of what is going on underneath, wonderful June. I commend you for laying it out so open. The way you describe these emotional twists and turns impresses me again and again!!
thank you Matthias, living is complicated but loving doesn’t have to be and I think that’s what I’m trying to explore in my life and in my writing right now
girllll your writing is on another level. "this place is a quicksand. it will eat you alive. but like an ever-heating bath, degree after degree ticking by as you become all too accustomed and attached to the heat, you don’t realize when you start to die." !!!!!!!!!!!!!! literal goosebumps !!!
i haven't read much on substack recently, i've got tonnes of tabs open to catch up on -- including four of yours, what a treat !!! <3
This piece beautifully captures the moment when survival stops being enough. What stood out to me most is the shift from living to avoid regret to living from love. The metaphor of the quicksand is powerful—how we can become so accustomed to our coping mechanisms that they start to feel like home. And the line *“It fell away at my feet, for it was never really there at all”* perfectly captures what happens when we finally stop identifying with the stories that kept us stuck. A thoughtful, vulnerable reflection on authenticity, healing, and the courage it takes to choose yourself.
What a stunning read
Aw thank you so so much for taking the time!
This was such a deep exploration of what is going on underneath, wonderful June. I commend you for laying it out so open. The way you describe these emotional twists and turns impresses me again and again!!
thank you Matthias, living is complicated but loving doesn’t have to be and I think that’s what I’m trying to explore in my life and in my writing right now
I really love your writing style June- another excellent read.
Thank you so much, Caz!!
girllll your writing is on another level. "this place is a quicksand. it will eat you alive. but like an ever-heating bath, degree after degree ticking by as you become all too accustomed and attached to the heat, you don’t realize when you start to die." !!!!!!!!!!!!!! literal goosebumps !!!
i haven't read much on substack recently, i've got tonnes of tabs open to catch up on -- including four of yours, what a treat !!! <3
This piece beautifully captures the moment when survival stops being enough. What stood out to me most is the shift from living to avoid regret to living from love. The metaphor of the quicksand is powerful—how we can become so accustomed to our coping mechanisms that they start to feel like home. And the line *“It fell away at my feet, for it was never really there at all”* perfectly captures what happens when we finally stop identifying with the stories that kept us stuck. A thoughtful, vulnerable reflection on authenticity, healing, and the courage it takes to choose yourself.