Danielle, if your aim was to communicate something profound for your readers to learn from, communicate it in a way that ONLY YOU could, and do so through an enjoyable journey of story and words, then you hit a HOME RUN with this essay. And that you're discovering that "potential" is to discover our one and only unique contribution to the world and to share it with others at your young age, well then you're way ahead. I hope and trust that your mom sits in the front row and cheers as you reveal your amazing self to the world through time.
Danielle, yet again you had me hanging on to every word, relating to so much of this, particularly the outer critics of our lives who live rent-free in our heads now — and our long journey to co-exist with them. Glad to get to follow along with yours!
“Potential for WHAT??” still gives me goosebumps. How many of us are locked in this toxic prison of opinions and eXpEcTaTiOnS... I felt every frustrated tremble in your words. I want to hug every teenager waiting for their parents with that bag in the kitchen, to tell them to hold tight to these magical activities that nourish their hearts, rather than fulfill someone else's unfulfilled ambition. Great piece! I'm looking forward to reading more and more of your honest words 🫶
First off, a hello from a fellow WOP-an. I remember sitting in my room, feeling like a failure because I didn’t fit the mold others had set for me, just like when my dad said I'd be an engineer. But then, I stumbled on my own path, started a podcast, and found that the only potential worth chasing is the one that feels right in your gut, no matter what anyone else says.. I love what I'm reading. I'm excited to read more of your work!
Danielle, if your aim was to communicate something profound for your readers to learn from, communicate it in a way that ONLY YOU could, and do so through an enjoyable journey of story and words, then you hit a HOME RUN with this essay. And that you're discovering that "potential" is to discover our one and only unique contribution to the world and to share it with others at your young age, well then you're way ahead. I hope and trust that your mom sits in the front row and cheers as you reveal your amazing self to the world through time.
WOW I'll hang onto that comment for the rest of my life :) thank you for your help and encouragement. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
I restacked your essay so hopefully that might result in some well-earned subscribers for you.
Living up to your potential is a recipe for chronic people pleasing. Thank you for capturing this so well!
Thank you so much for reading! You're spot on - it is a recipe for people pleasing! Great way to put it.
Danielle, yet again you had me hanging on to every word, relating to so much of this, particularly the outer critics of our lives who live rent-free in our heads now — and our long journey to co-exist with them. Glad to get to follow along with yours!
Kat that means a ton coming from you! I so enjoy your writing and thankful to WoP for introducing me to it!
“Potential for WHAT??” still gives me goosebumps. How many of us are locked in this toxic prison of opinions and eXpEcTaTiOnS... I felt every frustrated tremble in your words. I want to hug every teenager waiting for their parents with that bag in the kitchen, to tell them to hold tight to these magical activities that nourish their hearts, rather than fulfill someone else's unfulfilled ambition. Great piece! I'm looking forward to reading more and more of your honest words 🫶
Thank you so much Anna - this essay simply wouldn't exist without your generous feedback. Can't wait to keep working together!!
+1,000
Wow - this captures so many relatable feelings.
'They’re one of the first things I can remember giving up because of someone else’s opinion.'
Hell yes, I hope you never stop doing what you love! <3
First off, a hello from a fellow WOP-an. I remember sitting in my room, feeling like a failure because I didn’t fit the mold others had set for me, just like when my dad said I'd be an engineer. But then, I stumbled on my own path, started a podcast, and found that the only potential worth chasing is the one that feels right in your gut, no matter what anyone else says.. I love what I'm reading. I'm excited to read more of your work!
Great lesson - I love the way you write Danielle, please keep on writing :) I definitely want to know more of that second half of your life now!
Beautiful!