Gwen, this is one of the best posts I'll ever read! Simply because you shared such a raw and honest journey. I loved the beginning and couldn't wait to hear how high you climbed and then, when it all crashed down (as many of us did in 2020) and then rebuilt itself in a totally different direction I felt such joy in your words. Fabulous post! I'm so happy for you.
Happy Birthday Gwen! You have achieved true success. It’s sad that our world measures success in such skewed metrics but the more folks that make the shift the greater the change in our selves, our families and our communities. Well done, thanks so much for sharing!
Loved this vulnerable share Gwen and also can’t (but can hehe) believe how much you did achieve, even as a young 20 year old! And now your success has merged into other and more aligned ways for your soul to shine its magic!! It’s beautiful and an honour to witness your new growth as you build your life. Here in New Zealand we had our lockdowns come later than the rest of the world - end of 2021 was the big one and I had all my towers smash to the ground during this period and really did have to start anew! All for the better. Much love and happy 30th sun rotation angel xx
Ahhh Gwen, I loved this so much!! What an incredibly vulnerable but amazing story. I know this feeling so well-- music school fosters a very similar chase for accolades and that “next level” of achievement. When the pandemic hit, I finished graduate school and lost my job in the same week, and every arts organization had cancelled the rest of their season and closed their doors. I had a moment of “wtf have I been working so hard for over the last decade??” But that period of stillness and as you say here-- having to intimately face yourself brought me so much clarity and direction. I’m so happy you are feeling it too. Your radiance comes through in everything you do because it truly feels in alignment with YOU! Love you so much. Happy happy 30, lady! 💖
GWEN 😭❤️ this was such a generous share. Thank you for letting us into your inner world a little deeper.
"Holding space came easily for me, maybe because I’m a chronic under-sharer and much prefer to listen." I feel this so deeply (we're Cancer risings... 🤣🤪). I'm often listening more than sharing, too. I'm glad you're able to open up here in this space you've created, and that we get to see you more deeply—allowing the crab shell to shed, exposing yourself to vulnerabilities, and in turn opening to more love and connection.
I'm so proud of you, and not for all of your achievements (although those are amazing, too), but for following your heart and pursuing joy. It takes strength to walk away from a tangible dream, and even more strength to continue on a more joyful path because that too is difficult to follow a path less travelled, not knowing what's on the other side.
I love it! I'm already 40 (and had a crisis, btw) and reading this really help me. I think is necessary to redefine what really matters. Thank you so much!
It was your birthday, but you gifted us all with this wonderful and inspiring piece. Welcome to the 30s club!! I can’t wait to see what the next decade holds for you. “ I couldn’t keep relying on external validation for my emotional wellbeing” — I love this, and I love your heart! ❤️
Gwen, this is one of the best posts I'll ever read! Simply because you shared such a raw and honest journey. I loved the beginning and couldn't wait to hear how high you climbed and then, when it all crashed down (as many of us did in 2020) and then rebuilt itself in a totally different direction I felt such joy in your words. Fabulous post! I'm so happy for you.
And HAPPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Gwen! You have achieved true success. It’s sad that our world measures success in such skewed metrics but the more folks that make the shift the greater the change in our selves, our families and our communities. Well done, thanks so much for sharing!
Loved this vulnerable share Gwen and also can’t (but can hehe) believe how much you did achieve, even as a young 20 year old! And now your success has merged into other and more aligned ways for your soul to shine its magic!! It’s beautiful and an honour to witness your new growth as you build your life. Here in New Zealand we had our lockdowns come later than the rest of the world - end of 2021 was the big one and I had all my towers smash to the ground during this period and really did have to start anew! All for the better. Much love and happy 30th sun rotation angel xx
Ahhh Gwen, I loved this so much!! What an incredibly vulnerable but amazing story. I know this feeling so well-- music school fosters a very similar chase for accolades and that “next level” of achievement. When the pandemic hit, I finished graduate school and lost my job in the same week, and every arts organization had cancelled the rest of their season and closed their doors. I had a moment of “wtf have I been working so hard for over the last decade??” But that period of stillness and as you say here-- having to intimately face yourself brought me so much clarity and direction. I’m so happy you are feeling it too. Your radiance comes through in everything you do because it truly feels in alignment with YOU! Love you so much. Happy happy 30, lady! 💖
I loved this - happy to have found your Substack!
GWEN 😭❤️ this was such a generous share. Thank you for letting us into your inner world a little deeper.
"Holding space came easily for me, maybe because I’m a chronic under-sharer and much prefer to listen." I feel this so deeply (we're Cancer risings... 🤣🤪). I'm often listening more than sharing, too. I'm glad you're able to open up here in this space you've created, and that we get to see you more deeply—allowing the crab shell to shed, exposing yourself to vulnerabilities, and in turn opening to more love and connection.
I'm so proud of you, and not for all of your achievements (although those are amazing, too), but for following your heart and pursuing joy. It takes strength to walk away from a tangible dream, and even more strength to continue on a more joyful path because that too is difficult to follow a path less travelled, not knowing what's on the other side.
Happy belated Birthday to you and thank you for being so vulnerable, as you are truly inspirational and the definition of success.
I love it! I'm already 40 (and had a crisis, btw) and reading this really help me. I think is necessary to redefine what really matters. Thank you so much!
It was your birthday, but you gifted us all with this wonderful and inspiring piece. Welcome to the 30s club!! I can’t wait to see what the next decade holds for you. “ I couldn’t keep relying on external validation for my emotional wellbeing” — I love this, and I love your heart! ❤️
Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s so refreshing to read about a goal NOT met and the lessons learned from it.
The girl boss turns girl moss club 💪💘🌝
Yo, you livin a dope life 😊😊😊🙌