I came to your Substack through "The Intrinsic Perspective". I enjoyed this very much -- especially "The two versions of me—before and after the run—are irreconcilable." I also liked the segue to why you write. It was timely as I have set aside my Substack after two plus years of steady writing. I set out to get repetitions as I have never written until recently. The 200+ essays were great practice and fostered the discipline of a writing habit. Perhaps one day a book in the future. I will check back and read more.
I did the outline of a book nearly 20 years ago. My work only involved technical writing so after stopping working, my Substack was my first effort at writing daily in my life! I will pivot soon to the writing of the book now that I have had a lot of practice in my Substack the last 2+ years. That was always my plan I think. The only bit of writing I will continue on Substack is a private Substack that will only be book reviews. Not a fan of Notes and the constant shilling. Like most things, I suppose I may adjust the plan. Thanks for asking!
Nice! I love book reviews. I just did one myself. Thought it’s more of an analysis. When you say private Substack, is that just for paying members only? I’m curious to see what you write next
I hope you have an awesome day and continue to bring your joyful and playful personality into the world and into your work. I really admire what you do.
Really liked this piece! The image in my head, a crisp Boulder fall, the Flatirons in the backdrop like a Japanese landscape, the last golden leaves whirling maybe as you pass Hotel Boulderado down Pearl Street. A good reminder to keep my intentions pure - to create because that's what I'm created for, that's my passion - to not rely only on an outcome others care about. Looking forward to the next one!
This resonated! Many similar feelings. Made me think of Parkinson's Law also, which I see it happen again and again... as for writing, and exercising, you described perfectly the feeling, which my wife summed it up too the other day: "I never regret going", while coming back from her grueling 6am work out that she almost found an excuse not to wake up to. Keep it up Grant!
I woke up in eager anticipation today of what you had to say. These were the exact words I needed to hear this week. The exact advice I was looking for. They resonate to my core with the writing I’ve started doing this week. Same with the music. You have no idea. Thank you.
I’m so thankful you’re writing! Your essays are always thought provoking and today’s metaphors are great. I couldn’t have imagined the range of emotions you experience each and every time you publish an essay without you explaining like you did with this one. Again I am so grateful for the work you put into these as I receive so much enjoyment from them!
Thanks for teaching me to exercise, for instilling perseverance in me, for demonstrating it in your own life, for bearing and raising me, and my brothers, for your patience and constant love. Thank you for the work you do and all the lives you impact.
"more like a superhero than a songbird." I love this line. If you had skipped the shower but still put on the wet socks do you think you would still have gone for a run? Wet socks are horrible. I read a war trench story whose name and author I forget which has made me unusually attuned to the terrors of wet socks. Glad you ran, glad you wrote and am happy to see you at Lighthouse.
I came to your Substack through "The Intrinsic Perspective". I enjoyed this very much -- especially "The two versions of me—before and after the run—are irreconcilable." I also liked the segue to why you write. It was timely as I have set aside my Substack after two plus years of steady writing. I set out to get repetitions as I have never written until recently. The 200+ essays were great practice and fostered the discipline of a writing habit. Perhaps one day a book in the future. I will check back and read more.
Thank you so much. Are you still writing daily? Just not publishing on the substack?
I did the outline of a book nearly 20 years ago. My work only involved technical writing so after stopping working, my Substack was my first effort at writing daily in my life! I will pivot soon to the writing of the book now that I have had a lot of practice in my Substack the last 2+ years. That was always my plan I think. The only bit of writing I will continue on Substack is a private Substack that will only be book reviews. Not a fan of Notes and the constant shilling. Like most things, I suppose I may adjust the plan. Thanks for asking!
Nice! I love book reviews. I just did one myself. Thought it’s more of an analysis. When you say private Substack, is that just for paying members only? I’m curious to see what you write next
Private Substacks are invitation only -- no random subscribers or trolls.
Wow, I loved this. It resonated so deeply. What a perfect description of what I've been feeling & the encouragement I needed for today.
Wow, thank you so much!
I hope you have an awesome day and continue to bring your joyful and playful personality into the world and into your work. I really admire what you do.
Really liked this piece! The image in my head, a crisp Boulder fall, the Flatirons in the backdrop like a Japanese landscape, the last golden leaves whirling maybe as you pass Hotel Boulderado down Pearl Street. A good reminder to keep my intentions pure - to create because that's what I'm created for, that's my passion - to not rely only on an outcome others care about. Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks man! Yeah the external motives can help prod you into action, but they can also paralyze you. And they will only take you so far
This resonated! Many similar feelings. Made me think of Parkinson's Law also, which I see it happen again and again... as for writing, and exercising, you described perfectly the feeling, which my wife summed it up too the other day: "I never regret going", while coming back from her grueling 6am work out that she almost found an excuse not to wake up to. Keep it up Grant!
Thanks Oscar! I haven't read anything of yours lately. What are you working on?
A microfilm! Should be ready this year :)
Also, what a great title!
Your new high-water mark IMO.
Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Taylor. Others have said the same. It's funny that the essays I write in a hurry seem to be the best. I wonder what that says...
I woke up in eager anticipation today of what you had to say. These were the exact words I needed to hear this week. The exact advice I was looking for. They resonate to my core with the writing I’ve started doing this week. Same with the music. You have no idea. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this. Your words are more encouraging than anything
You inspire me in so many ways.
I’m so thankful you’re writing! Your essays are always thought provoking and today’s metaphors are great. I couldn’t have imagined the range of emotions you experience each and every time you publish an essay without you explaining like you did with this one. Again I am so grateful for the work you put into these as I receive so much enjoyment from them!
Thank you!
Thanks for teaching me to exercise, for instilling perseverance in me, for demonstrating it in your own life, for bearing and raising me, and my brothers, for your patience and constant love. Thank you for the work you do and all the lives you impact.
"more like a superhero than a songbird." I love this line. If you had skipped the shower but still put on the wet socks do you think you would still have gone for a run? Wet socks are horrible. I read a war trench story whose name and author I forget which has made me unusually attuned to the terrors of wet socks. Glad you ran, glad you wrote and am happy to see you at Lighthouse.