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Mbonisi Zikhali's avatar

This was an interesting read. I experienced this feeling while trying to apply Critical Race Theory quite recently in law school. I almost lost my mind. And in the end, lack of funds would prevent me from finishing the degree anyway, so the torture in the end seemed like it was all for nothing. It was traumatizing and only now have I gathered up enough strength to pursue something completely divorced from the path I sought to carve out in the beginning. That period completely destroyed my love for writing. Even reading became laborious. But slowly I am trying to dig up my love for storytelling once more. Thank you for sharing this. Stay motivated!!!!

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Chantaie's avatar

Remembering how beautiful your writing was, that’s heartbreaking to hear, Mbo. It can be hard to find your creative centre when overwhelmed and overworked. And the push to keep going when you can’t, can certainly feel like torture. I hope you continue to heal and find a path forward that leads you back your writing (if that’s what you want). I hope this newsletter can help. Stay well, my friend.

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delyn simons's avatar

So glad you are taking time to heal and replenish from the scars of burnout. Being extracted from, bit by bit, barely discernible like water torture, is exhausting at a level that is hard to describe. Your story this week was visceral. My stomach clenched reading it. Maya A also counsels that when people reveal who they are to you, believe them the first time. You are phenomenal. I am so thankful I met you and your talent.

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Chantaie's avatar

Water torture is a great metaphor for burnout, slow steady depletion. I feel lucky to have met you and am so grateful for your role in my healing. You are phenomenal and your future teams will be so lucky in having you as I was.

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Francesca Saraco's avatar

This touched me in so many ways. Thank you always for sharing your words with us and for taking time to nurture our minds and hearts through your stories. I can greatly empathize and commend you for doing what’s right for you, and honoring what you need. That’s a skill in itself! You are truly so wonderful.

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Chantaie's avatar

I’m so glad to hear that, Fran. And truly appreciative. Thank you for being open to these stories. I really believe exchange of stories and experiences makes us more whole as people. It’s so valuable to not only share but get feedback like this that reminds me we’re not alone in our challenges. Sending all the gratitude.

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Catherine McKercher's avatar

Part of knowing your strengths is understanding your limits, knowing when it's time to step back, reassess, regroup and heal. I'm full of admiration for what you've been doing, and wishing you all good things as you find your way past this wall. Can't wait to see what happens next.

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Chantaie's avatar

That is so true, Catherine! And so valuable to hear. I appreciate the well wishes and hope to come back to things with new perspectives to share. There's always good that comes from/with the challenges.

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