I'm delighted to hear this, Lindsey—thank you! And since your try-hard era has produced so much fabulous, valuable reading material, I am *so* here for it. 👏
"The last hurdle in entering my try-hard era, though, is publicly acknowledging how much effort I’m putting in."
I see you, friend. And so much of this post resonated with me. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pouring your energy into something that stretches you AND turns out pretty great after all (often because of the trials it took to get there).
IMO being a try-hard is the coolest. Caring deeply is beautiful, oh so human, and full of that heart stuff that makes me ache with admiration. Filled with so much inspiration and joy after reading this. 🥹 Thank you.
the catio looks amazing!!!!! And your bf is hilarious calling it an outdoor jail cell 😂 he’s not wrong.
So excited to witness all your growth and adventures. I love being here ❤️🔥
This weekend, as everything started coming together and looking pretty snazzy, he admitted that it was a white-collar prison, at least 🤣 Right back atcha on the growth and adventures, my friend!
I was just talking to my sister about this very thing!
We were talking about someone we really admire who has recently achieved "overnight" success, and makes it look like it was nearly accidental. We know she has a huge team, and she does openly acknowledge them, but she downplays the stupendous amount work it took to achieve her success. Of course, not everyone needs to share their bruises and cuts, but it does make for a more interesting story.
"Of course, not everyone needs to share their bruises and cuts, but it does make for a more interesting story." This, exactly! It's certainly not a requirement, and I don't begrudge anyone for sharing their highlight reels. But not sharing the challenges ends up being a missed opportunity for genuine connections.
Maddie, your essay is a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt the need to downplay their efforts or hide their ambition. I've always struggled with this too - there's a strange pressure to make everything look effortless, as if success just falls into our laps. But reading about your "try-hard era" has been so liberating. It's a reminder that true fulfillment often comes from the messy, unglamorous, all-consuming projects that we pour our hearts into. It's time we celebrate the grit and the grind, the sore hamstrings and the late nights, because those are the things that shape us and push us to grow. So here's to the try-hards, the dreamers, the ones who aren't afraid to show their work and embrace the beautiful mess of it all!
"So here's to the try-hards, the dreamers, the ones who aren't afraid to show their work and embrace the beautiful mess of it all!" This is so wonderfully put, Alexander! It delights me to no end that this essay resonated with you. You really get it! 🤩
I love this so so much. It's like not only are you working hard on that catio and year of pizza, but on your own version of "success". Right now, I'm in my try-hard era of giving myself lots of space. In years past I juggle a lot of creative and work projects. Now, I'm learning what it's like to focus on one (or two).
Sarah, I love that you're learning to focus rather than juggling tons of projects—I want to stick to that goal myself, but find it so hard to do in practice!
So beautifully written. Gosh, I am working on...everything right now. Feeling so very stuck between milestones of life, like I can reach out and touch them but they have not yet been given to me. Promotion at work, approval to move forward on a big life-altering home renovation, growth and fulfillment in writing, positive pregnancy test. The waiting is crippling for someone who needs to be in control. I love that you write with so much perspective, and know that one day soon I'll be in the future and have perspective on this moment. But that doesn't make it suck any less. Sending love.
“The waiting is crippling for someone who needs to be in control.” I know this feeling all too well—and have so much empathy for you during this avalanche of uncertainty, Kelly!
And you’re right…the only difference between “writing with perspective” and not is the simple passage of time. Soon enough, that’ll be you, too. But until then: I’m sending a big virtual hug as you navigate this tough moment! ❤️
Great post, Maddie and I like how you're honest about the effort that life requires! For me it's hard work just to keep up with developments in language and lifestyle. I had no idea what a catio was and had to look it up...
Jeffrey, I recognize and appreciate your Googling efforts! My dad visited recently, and he was game to help with the catio project...but first had to ask what on earth a catio was 😅
This was so fantastic, thank you for sharing! When I ask people what they have been up to, I want to hear about their 12-hour catio projects! More of this and more celebrating these things when they're done!
So inspiring! I love the idea of showing the blood, sweat and tears that’s goes into trying a new thing. I tend to get really frustrated on the learning curve. This is such a great reminder to cultivate patience, that learning new things requires patience, and that’s okay. It’s how it’s supposed to be.
You and me both, Suzanne—sometimes I wish I could fast-forward past the early part of the learning curve! But knowing I'm not alone there eases the pain of being a beginner, for sure.
We’re here for it !!! 👏🏻 when I saw how professional your pizza videos were I’m like DAMN Maddie is a substacker AND a YouTuber? That’s a lot of hard work!!! You’re impressive!!
The Catio is looking great! And thank you for sharing so honestly - reading this made me feel a little braver about sharing my work - and a little better about how hard I'm working toward goals that seem unreachable! ❤️
Amelia, you've done the same for me many a time, so the feeling is quite mutual! Before too long, I bet those long-shot goals will start feeling more and more within reach. 💪
i felt quite drawn to the lines you wrote about doing these things that straddle the line between doable and not for *yourself.* to set the goal and know the motivation, and to then be comfortable inside of the process reads a lot like "healing" to me. p.s. i am certain Prairie Dress would have loved a photo from you! that could be a story in itself! <3
"to set the goal and know the motivation, and to then be comfortable inside of the process reads a lot like 'healing' to me." Such wise words—these will be sticking with me for a long time! ❤️
Love this, Maddie! I'm here for your try-hard era! Definitely feel like I'm living in mine!
I'm delighted to hear this, Lindsey—thank you! And since your try-hard era has produced so much fabulous, valuable reading material, I am *so* here for it. 👏
"The last hurdle in entering my try-hard era, though, is publicly acknowledging how much effort I’m putting in."
I see you, friend. And so much of this post resonated with me. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pouring your energy into something that stretches you AND turns out pretty great after all (often because of the trials it took to get there).
*So* beautifully put. I know you get it, Marissa! ❤️
IMO being a try-hard is the coolest. Caring deeply is beautiful, oh so human, and full of that heart stuff that makes me ache with admiration. Filled with so much inspiration and joy after reading this. 🥹 Thank you.
the catio looks amazing!!!!! And your bf is hilarious calling it an outdoor jail cell 😂 he’s not wrong.
So excited to witness all your growth and adventures. I love being here ❤️🔥
This weekend, as everything started coming together and looking pretty snazzy, he admitted that it was a white-collar prison, at least 🤣 Right back atcha on the growth and adventures, my friend!
I’m feeling so inspired!!!!
Can't wait to see where your own try-hard energy takes you, Caroline! 🙌
Needed to read this today 💛
Also - Your photos are gorgeous! Can you take me traveling with you please?
Aliza, I'm poking air holes in my carry-on as we speak 😂 You're 100% invited along!
Hahaha!
I was just talking to my sister about this very thing!
We were talking about someone we really admire who has recently achieved "overnight" success, and makes it look like it was nearly accidental. We know she has a huge team, and she does openly acknowledge them, but she downplays the stupendous amount work it took to achieve her success. Of course, not everyone needs to share their bruises and cuts, but it does make for a more interesting story.
"Of course, not everyone needs to share their bruises and cuts, but it does make for a more interesting story." This, exactly! It's certainly not a requirement, and I don't begrudge anyone for sharing their highlight reels. But not sharing the challenges ends up being a missed opportunity for genuine connections.
Yes! The human element is always attractive… warts and all.
Maddie, your essay is a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt the need to downplay their efforts or hide their ambition. I've always struggled with this too - there's a strange pressure to make everything look effortless, as if success just falls into our laps. But reading about your "try-hard era" has been so liberating. It's a reminder that true fulfillment often comes from the messy, unglamorous, all-consuming projects that we pour our hearts into. It's time we celebrate the grit and the grind, the sore hamstrings and the late nights, because those are the things that shape us and push us to grow. So here's to the try-hards, the dreamers, the ones who aren't afraid to show their work and embrace the beautiful mess of it all!
"So here's to the try-hards, the dreamers, the ones who aren't afraid to show their work and embrace the beautiful mess of it all!" This is so wonderfully put, Alexander! It delights me to no end that this essay resonated with you. You really get it! 🤩
I love this so so much. It's like not only are you working hard on that catio and year of pizza, but on your own version of "success". Right now, I'm in my try-hard era of giving myself lots of space. In years past I juggle a lot of creative and work projects. Now, I'm learning what it's like to focus on one (or two).
Sarah, I love that you're learning to focus rather than juggling tons of projects—I want to stick to that goal myself, but find it so hard to do in practice!
So beautifully written. Gosh, I am working on...everything right now. Feeling so very stuck between milestones of life, like I can reach out and touch them but they have not yet been given to me. Promotion at work, approval to move forward on a big life-altering home renovation, growth and fulfillment in writing, positive pregnancy test. The waiting is crippling for someone who needs to be in control. I love that you write with so much perspective, and know that one day soon I'll be in the future and have perspective on this moment. But that doesn't make it suck any less. Sending love.
“The waiting is crippling for someone who needs to be in control.” I know this feeling all too well—and have so much empathy for you during this avalanche of uncertainty, Kelly!
And you’re right…the only difference between “writing with perspective” and not is the simple passage of time. Soon enough, that’ll be you, too. But until then: I’m sending a big virtual hug as you navigate this tough moment! ❤️
Thank you so much and for articulating it so beautifully <3
You're so welcome. You got this!
Great post, Maddie and I like how you're honest about the effort that life requires! For me it's hard work just to keep up with developments in language and lifestyle. I had no idea what a catio was and had to look it up...
Jeffrey, I recognize and appreciate your Googling efforts! My dad visited recently, and he was game to help with the catio project...but first had to ask what on earth a catio was 😅
This was so fantastic, thank you for sharing! When I ask people what they have been up to, I want to hear about their 12-hour catio projects! More of this and more celebrating these things when they're done!
Heather, I love this—yes to sharing all the gory details *and* celebrating the hard-won outcomes!
So inspiring! I love the idea of showing the blood, sweat and tears that’s goes into trying a new thing. I tend to get really frustrated on the learning curve. This is such a great reminder to cultivate patience, that learning new things requires patience, and that’s okay. It’s how it’s supposed to be.
You and me both, Suzanne—sometimes I wish I could fast-forward past the early part of the learning curve! But knowing I'm not alone there eases the pain of being a beginner, for sure.
We’re here for it !!! 👏🏻 when I saw how professional your pizza videos were I’m like DAMN Maddie is a substacker AND a YouTuber? That’s a lot of hard work!!! You’re impressive!!
Brenna, have I told you lately that you're the absolute best?! If not, it's long overdue! 🥰
I hate to break it to you, but you're cool. Although you'll be cooler when you show Wally living his best life in the catio. 😎
Cool by association with you as my friend, Chris! 😎 Stay tuned, Wally content forthcoming...
Your try-hard era, your photography, the catio, I’m here for all of it! ✨
I couldn't ask for a more wonderful cheerleader, Jolene! 🥹
🤗
The Catio is looking great! And thank you for sharing so honestly - reading this made me feel a little braver about sharing my work - and a little better about how hard I'm working toward goals that seem unreachable! ❤️
Amelia, you've done the same for me many a time, so the feeling is quite mutual! Before too long, I bet those long-shot goals will start feeling more and more within reach. 💪
that’s the dream!
i felt quite drawn to the lines you wrote about doing these things that straddle the line between doable and not for *yourself.* to set the goal and know the motivation, and to then be comfortable inside of the process reads a lot like "healing" to me. p.s. i am certain Prairie Dress would have loved a photo from you! that could be a story in itself! <3
"to set the goal and know the motivation, and to then be comfortable inside of the process reads a lot like 'healing' to me." Such wise words—these will be sticking with me for a long time! ❤️
<3 <3 <3