This is so helpful. As soon as I read the description of the book, I knew where you were going. I've been there, too - not with a book on migraines (though I agree - it is brilliant), but with other ideas, especially for essays. I didn't feel the relief you experienced, only frustration and discouragement that I hadn't "jumped on the bandwagon" when I had a chance. At that point, my chance had ended.
Here's what I learned from your article: that sometimes ideas like this are meant for someone else to explain or discuss or share; that when I feel my time has passed, I can still connect with other like-minded creatives and share what I can (to contribute to the pool of meaning).
Jealousy is a powerful emotion. It can be a powerful tool, as you showcased here.
I hear you on the migraines, though mine did not begin until after the birth of my fifth child when I was approaching forty. Now I experience how debilitating they are when they are bad, but I am grateful for the medication that helps mitigate the pain and effects, such as nausea/dizziness/neck pain that often accompany mine. I wish you all the best with however you share your journey with others!
SO interesting that you started getting migraines after FIFTH child. The body is... wild! Glad you are managing them! And glad my piece resonated with you!
Very interesting to me, as well. That's why a hybrid memoir that would include medical information about migraines would be of interest to me! Just to understand possible etiology. Like, is this hormone related? Was the onset due to chronic sleep deprivation? Stress? My autoimmune conditions? I think the medical angle would be very powerful and immensely helpful to migraine sufferers, since it seems to me that the condition is nuanced and each person is affected differently.
Hi! Fellow migraine sufferer here (for 40 years now!). I really enjoyed this piece so much, it reminded me of the story that Elizabeth Gilbert shared in Big Magic about an idea she had for a book that she put away and then ended up meeting someone who wrote the EXACT thing she'd been writing. It fascinates me sometimes how our creative ideas can seemingly jump to someone else when we let them go. It's as if the ideas are just floating around waiting to land with someone who will accept them.
Thanks so much for framing it the way you did, as letting that jealous moment guide you instead of stop you. Appreciate your perspective! :)
That is a bummer, but now you’re free to come up with another great idea…. Said the woman who stops writing an article multiple times because Brooke Warner or Kate McKean beat me to the post.
So I just restack theirs and say “What she said. 100%”. Such a time saver 😉
Jennie, I was a migraine suffer-er too. The miraculous cure that I got was chemo for breast cancer. Never another migraine after that 8-month medical siege 34 years ago. I hope you get to interview with Lisa Levy.
Thank you, Jennie, for your openness in sharing. I appreciate it! This essay has given me quite a lot to think about.
Jennie,
This is so helpful. As soon as I read the description of the book, I knew where you were going. I've been there, too - not with a book on migraines (though I agree - it is brilliant), but with other ideas, especially for essays. I didn't feel the relief you experienced, only frustration and discouragement that I hadn't "jumped on the bandwagon" when I had a chance. At that point, my chance had ended.
Here's what I learned from your article: that sometimes ideas like this are meant for someone else to explain or discuss or share; that when I feel my time has passed, I can still connect with other like-minded creatives and share what I can (to contribute to the pool of meaning).
Jealousy is a powerful emotion. It can be a powerful tool, as you showcased here.
I hear you on the migraines, though mine did not begin until after the birth of my fifth child when I was approaching forty. Now I experience how debilitating they are when they are bad, but I am grateful for the medication that helps mitigate the pain and effects, such as nausea/dizziness/neck pain that often accompany mine. I wish you all the best with however you share your journey with others!
SO interesting that you started getting migraines after FIFTH child. The body is... wild! Glad you are managing them! And glad my piece resonated with you!
Very interesting to me, as well. That's why a hybrid memoir that would include medical information about migraines would be of interest to me! Just to understand possible etiology. Like, is this hormone related? Was the onset due to chronic sleep deprivation? Stress? My autoimmune conditions? I think the medical angle would be very powerful and immensely helpful to migraine sufferers, since it seems to me that the condition is nuanced and each person is affected differently.
Ha -- you can see why there are so many good books to write on this topic!
Yes! Maybe you'll do the one with medical info. 😉
Hi! Fellow migraine sufferer here (for 40 years now!). I really enjoyed this piece so much, it reminded me of the story that Elizabeth Gilbert shared in Big Magic about an idea she had for a book that she put away and then ended up meeting someone who wrote the EXACT thing she'd been writing. It fascinates me sometimes how our creative ideas can seemingly jump to someone else when we let them go. It's as if the ideas are just floating around waiting to land with someone who will accept them.
Thanks so much for framing it the way you did, as letting that jealous moment guide you instead of stop you. Appreciate your perspective! :)
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I hope you have found some helpful medicines to at least reduce the pain...
I thought of the exact same thing!
Wow. What a rite of passage in this essay. But how good that you get to join in and enjoy the work. A true moment of generosity as an artist.
That is a bummer, but now you’re free to come up with another great idea…. Said the woman who stops writing an article multiple times because Brooke Warner or Kate McKean beat me to the post.
So I just restack theirs and say “What she said. 100%”. Such a time saver 😉
🤣
Jennie, I was a migraine suffer-er too. The miraculous cure that I got was chemo for breast cancer. Never another migraine after that 8-month medical siege 34 years ago. I hope you get to interview with Lisa Levy.
How fascinating that chemo ended migraine for you. (I TOO am a breast cancer survivor but did not have chemo...) Glad you are alive and well ;)
I know. I loved your book about Victoria's Secret. So much of it brought back memories for me. I'm glad that YOU'RE alive and well also.