21 Comments

I can't wait for On Permission. That book is going to mean to much to so many people, and I know I'm one of them. Thank you.

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Truth! Much needed permission here. Thank you.

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Feb 7, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

This is beautiful and truthful and life-giving and gorgeously written, Elissa. What a gift—and just what I needed to hear. Thank you.

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I feel both exposed and deeply seen here. Thank you.

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Dec 16, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

I'm glad I found this, and thank you for writing this. I often hear that voice in my head, the one you quote:" Who are they to even try?" Mine says: who do you think you are, how dare you, you know nothing. Each time, i tell myself: yeah, let's write anyway. no one's writing what I'm writing, so if I don't write, it won't get written. I don't want that. 

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I needed to read this. I recently wrote an article about shame, coming out, and my dad. I was proud of my vulnerability. Then, he read it, and promptly uninvited me from Christmas. I ended up taking it down. But I plan to republish it, because it is my story to tell.

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I really needed to read this today. A corollary to everything you have said: when you get free, and tell about how you did it, you pave the way for others to get free. Thank you for telling about it. I feel more free today having read it.

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Elissa--I'm just now reading this; so glad I did. Thank you. I am thrilled to know I have your new book to look forward to.

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Feb 23, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

Dear Elissa, 💡As a memoirist I chose reflection on homes and lives in them and then decades from a comment my mom made. When I got to lives I had borrowed I collected photos. Thank you Elissa as you do you elicit my thoughts for prompts, centering and stepping stone colors.

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Feb 13, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

I love this so much, am so grateful, and can't wait for the book. xoxo

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your words = medicine. xo

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Ditto on waiting for On Permission with bated breath. Whenever I encounter your thoughts on this topic I lean all the way in. Also: “Our deepest stories are our best teachers. Let the weapons of the weak — the poison, the nagging, the gossip — burn themselves to ash.” 💞 Sending you lots of chamomile to calm the trembling

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Shame is permissions's plasma... just wow. Thank you.

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Feb 7, 2023Liked by Elissa Altman

YES

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This piece, and another of yours on this theme, are medicine to me. I don’t know if I’ll get well enough or brave enough to bury my shame and write the buried memories that birthed it (and undoubtedly sparked some of the health challenges that fog my brain and memories, and steal the energy I need to even try).

Thank you for not letting shame steal your courage, and for sharing both so beautifully.

I can’t wait to read your book.

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