Ohhhhhh! You speak to my core Maddie. “But sitting down to create a profit and loss statement from the ashes of my five-year plan, I stumble across a roadblock. If the details of a loss can be tagged as “negative” or “positive,” what do I do with the bittersweet moments?” Those bittersweet moments intrigue me most - how can pain and beauty, grief and joy coexist? I wonder if it is in the intersection of these opposites that unconditional love is born.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about duality—that very idea, that seemingly-opposing truths can (and do) coexist. The older I get, the more I find that almost every situation holds opposing truths! But the last sentence of your comment makes me wonder if it’s less about “having to” deal with this paradox, and more about recognizing the beauty of duality. Thank you for that nourishing food for thought. ☺️
so beautifully written, I can feel you working your way through all of these emotions in a way that feels pretty familiar to me. Lately I've appreciated being able to look back at past traumas with more objectivity. Though I haven't quite been able to suss out if it's a matter of age or time/distance way. maybe both? It's pretty interesting!
Thanks so much, Skylar—while I'm sorry for the tough situations you've gone through yourself, I'm glad about the mutual understanding part! And I agree, it's really interesting to consider how distance and maturity factor in when it comes to assessing the past...I definitely feel like both have been necessary for me!
I somehow missed this beautiful piece the first time you published it. With tears in my eyes, I want to thank you for sharing your beautiful story of love and loss.
Thank you for reading, Kim, and for leaving this kind note—I appreciate knowing that my writing resonated, but more importantly, your comment allowed me to discover your wonderful writing!
Hi, Maddie. I stumbled upon your page and I was so incredibly moved by your words. Thank you for going through the tough journey of processing these emotions and sharing them in such a beautiful and raw way. The audio recording was a really nice touch as well.
Yerim, it's a treat to hear from you! 🤗 I'm lucky enough to have the insider's perspective on your bright, thoughtful, and caring nature, so your comment takes on special weight. Thank you, my colleague and friend. I'm always rooting for your success! ❤️
Carolyn, I'm so happy this resonated with you—especially because you've been the most amazing cheerleader on my writing journey! You are, truly, the best. ❤️
Hi, Jamie! 👋 It's quite meaningful to know that you enjoyed reading this enough to leave a note. I'm honored that you stopped by, and so appreciative of your kind words!
Thank you. ❤️ I’ve found that when dealing with challenges outside my control, two of the most helpful things have been: feeling seen by others, and getting the chance to connect with others over said challenges. Your comments offer both of those things.
Ohhhhhh! You speak to my core Maddie. “But sitting down to create a profit and loss statement from the ashes of my five-year plan, I stumble across a roadblock. If the details of a loss can be tagged as “negative” or “positive,” what do I do with the bittersweet moments?” Those bittersweet moments intrigue me most - how can pain and beauty, grief and joy coexist? I wonder if it is in the intersection of these opposites that unconditional love is born.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about duality—that very idea, that seemingly-opposing truths can (and do) coexist. The older I get, the more I find that almost every situation holds opposing truths! But the last sentence of your comment makes me wonder if it’s less about “having to” deal with this paradox, and more about recognizing the beauty of duality. Thank you for that nourishing food for thought. ☺️
The beauty (and horror) of duality—planet earth seems to be a perfect experiment in this!
so beautifully written, I can feel you working your way through all of these emotions in a way that feels pretty familiar to me. Lately I've appreciated being able to look back at past traumas with more objectivity. Though I haven't quite been able to suss out if it's a matter of age or time/distance way. maybe both? It's pretty interesting!
Thanks so much, Skylar—while I'm sorry for the tough situations you've gone through yourself, I'm glad about the mutual understanding part! And I agree, it's really interesting to consider how distance and maturity factor in when it comes to assessing the past...I definitely feel like both have been necessary for me!
I somehow missed this beautiful piece the first time you published it. With tears in my eyes, I want to thank you for sharing your beautiful story of love and loss.
Oh Claire, I’m very touched to know this! Thank you so much for being here. ❤️
This is so beautiful, Maddie. And I'm not saying that with any hint of surprise. xo
I deeply appreciate this, Sandra. Thank you so much for being here. ❤️
Just found you and read your first post. So moving and beautiful, despite the losses. xo
Thank you for reading, Kim, and for leaving this kind note—I appreciate knowing that my writing resonated, but more importantly, your comment allowed me to discover your wonderful writing!
Hi, Maddie. I stumbled upon your page and I was so incredibly moved by your words. Thank you for going through the tough journey of processing these emotions and sharing them in such a beautiful and raw way. The audio recording was a really nice touch as well.
Always wishing you the best.
Yerim, it's a treat to hear from you! 🤗 I'm lucky enough to have the insider's perspective on your bright, thoughtful, and caring nature, so your comment takes on special weight. Thank you, my colleague and friend. I'm always rooting for your success! ❤️
So moving and beautifully written! Thank you for sharing with us :)
Carolyn, I'm so happy this resonated with you—especially because you've been the most amazing cheerleader on my writing journey! You are, truly, the best. ❤️
Hi Maddie! This is such a beautiful piece. I look forward to reading more of your writing!
Hi, Jamie! 👋 It's quite meaningful to know that you enjoyed reading this enough to leave a note. I'm honored that you stopped by, and so appreciative of your kind words!
You’re welcome! I also just want to acknowledge that it’s really sucky that your boss eliminates your job.
Thank you. ❤️ I’ve found that when dealing with challenges outside my control, two of the most helpful things have been: feeling seen by others, and getting the chance to connect with others over said challenges. Your comments offer both of those things.
Very thoughtful and beautiful piece, @Maddie Burton, CFP®. I look forward to reading more from you!
I'm so moved that you read and enjoyed this, Sefa, since I so deeply respect your perspective on...well, just about everything. Thank you, my friend!
What an incredible piece. Thank you for giving us this window into your life.
I’m looking forward to reading more. Will you be posting weekly?
Zac, I truly appreciate your feedback! Thank you so much for reading and replying.
Yes, ideally I’d like to publish every week...and now that I’ve said that aloud, I have some extra motivation to commit to that cadence! 😅
Wow! Beautifully written & profound❤️
This means everything, coming from you! Thank you so much, dear Wendy. 💗