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Ai Ling's avatar

Chantaie, this one was a fun read for me!

Me reading this interview and finally seeing that I am a storyteller as well because of my Insta-story and Insta-feed sharing: insert lightbulb emoji. Not because I feel special because everyone does it, but more of a "aha!" moment, and thinking about the thought process as to what I choose to share and how. Especially if there are multiple stories at once, thinking about the message and the flow of them. There's this tendency to judge Instagram "Influencers" but it really makes you realize how much work there could be behind it all.

"But I feel like things that feel like work are less joyful" is so much yes. Having to do it is in instant joy-killer. But having said that, personally I think that's what makes me open to doing any job. It's all the same joy-reducer anyway so who cares if it's pulling weeds or data entry or selling clothes, it's all the same anyway so I'm happy to do it? Just pay me! I know that's not where Liz was going with it when she said that but it's nice to have someone say that out loud rather that that same narrative of "You should and must find that dream job in life to be happy."

"If I'm not listening to her it's just going to disappear one day" got me right in the heart. It's a striking reminder to talk to and listen to my grandma more, even if I just want to give up half the time because of the language barrier (and that itself brings up some serious shame).

Any way I'm rambling but I really enjoyed this one, including all the "oh my gods"! I feel like that's how I would respond to all of your questions.

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Chantaie's avatar

So glad you enjoyed, Kathy! I also LOVE that you're starting see yourself as a storyteller--your photographs alone throughout the years tell such an amazing story of life and the people in yours.

I also LOVED Liz's perspective on work--as someone who lived to work for many years, it resonated with me as a new perspective to play with. "Just pay me!" Love it. I think that is part of it though.

I am CONSTANTLY trying to get my granny to share stories--she is a tough nut to crack, but I try for exactly the reason and quotation you shared. It was so much fun to do this interview and I'm so glad it resonated with you 💖

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Ai Ling's avatar

Ah yes, even my photographs! Those definitely tell some stories of my friends and family, and probably some they'd like to forget as well, haha! But they are always worth the laughter when looking back at them.

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