25 Comments
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Sonja C's avatar

Thank you for writing- this resonated with me so much. I, too, have only recently incorporated the f-word into my vocabulary and feel as though I’m catching up for lost time (I’m 50). I also have stomach aches and pains. Thank you for the relief you offered my thoughts by acknowledging the collective trauma we’re facing right now, and it could be that “simple.”

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Shannan Martin's avatar

"Turns out I just needed a home without an angry man inside of it." 🔥🧡

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Mary Coffey's avatar

This phrase lingers: "Self-compassion is the cup we can sip from when the ache starts." Every time a self-deprecating thought commands my attention, your words come back to me, and I gently offer myself a sip from the cup of self-compassion. Thank you again.

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Thank you for sharing that with me. What an honor to linger.

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Andrea Thoenes's avatar

Thank you so much. I am just learning to put words to my feelings, and your words really helped me! God bless you!

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

I’m so glad. We are all learning to translate our inner worlds. You’re not alone. And you’re not behind. ❤️

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Joelle Lewis's avatar

I looked around yesterday and realized I had an overwhelming sense of feeling out of control, and my first instinct was to reorganize my closet. I cope by throwing things away. It's a....well....a method. Not the my husband understands, but as long as I don't start purging his things, he supports. I hope you continue finding peace

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Thank you. Yes, I can totally see how the closet clean out would be therapeutic. Good job! Thanks for sharing and I’m glad my essay resonated.

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Mary Coffey's avatar

beautifully honest words. thank you for writing even when you didn't want to write.

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

I’m so glad they resonated. Sometimes you have to work to remind yourself who you are and how you “do” this. Ya know?

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Rebecca Jacobs's avatar

Sending you love, friend. I’ve been dealing with unexpected and frustrating stomach issues lately too and it is not fun! Reading this I would say your writing is definitely still holding onto you even if you haven’t been able to hold onto it. It’s okay to not share details of everything here. Take the time you need, we’re here for you regardless 🫂

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Oh lovely point, friend. The flow keeps flowing whether I feel connected to it or not. I’m sorry for your stomach issues. Tend to your nervous system if that feels needed. 🫶🏼

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Elaine Stoner's avatar

Thankful for you and so sorry for the yuck. 😓 Keeping you close in prayer. 💚💚💚

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Thank you, Elaine. 🫶🏼

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erin nolen's avatar

This piece is so good and mysterious and honest and also, I am so sorry for the stomachaches and more hard things amidst the horrors. Thank you for inviting us in a little bit. Take good care of your good body. 💛💛💛

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erin nolen's avatar

The f-word line really resonated with me too.

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Thank you, I’m glad it resonated. And I don’t think I said the f-word once until I was in my 40s. So I have to make up for lost time. 😉

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Elizabeth Berget's avatar

Oh, Leslie. It's good to hear from you. Holding you close tonight after reading these brutiful words. I'm so glad you're listening to your body, tending to yourself. (My therapist once asked me if I ever thought the Holy Spirit was perhaps speaking to me through my ailing body...a perspective that has shifted so much for me!). Much love to you.

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Elizabeth, I don’t know if you meant to write brutiful (I think you did), but I love it. Thank you for your kindness.

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Elizabeth Berget's avatar

Brutiful indeed. xo!

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Excellent word! 👏🏼

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Lauren Bretz's avatar

I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet. I’ve thought about you and wondered about you. I’m glad you wrote. You are so lovely and brave. ❤️‍🩹 Praying for your sweet tummy. 🙏🏻

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

Thank you, friend. Our bodies are so faithful and honest. Trying to hold gratitude for the ways in which mine speaks, since no body should be silenced.

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Luke's avatar

“And I will try to forgive myself for what I didn’t know, what I missed, what I tolerated, what I accepted as the truth when it wasn’t. I will use the f-word more and more because it gives voice to an anger I buried for decades.”

This—both sentences—deeply resonate in these frustratingly tender c-ptsd places in me.

Thank you.

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Leslie Trovato's avatar

I’m so glad. Thank you for sharing that with me.

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