First off thank you for the recipes I look forward to them every week!
I wanted to tell you that I bumped into an old friend yesterday who updated me on her daughter (22) who has struggled for years with anxiety and finding ‘where she fits’ (need better expression). She esp struggled during covid with all the changes in rules, regulations and the comfort zone which got a lot more insular and comfy then being taken away. She went to Uni but it wasn’t for her. She needs her support group but also feels like she shouldn’t. She has recently found a steadier level and is working p/t in a coffee shop and loving it. My own 23 yo has just come out of a depressive episode (bipolar) and my 24yo post history degree is now working two bar jobs. Friend said to me that things are different post covid - part time work can work. Working from home can work. Living at home for longer is economically a good choice. What I’m basically saying in a massively long winded way, is you do you. There is no wrong - and other peoples expectations and opinions are a prison if you see them that way. You are doing fab and well done for going to London even though you had to step out of your comfort zone to do it. X
Someone recently told me that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I thought it was brilliant and rings so true. I *try* to remember it when my anxiety flairs up and I start looking around me envious of others who seem to have it all together while I’m struggle! hugs
I’m totally with you. I’m fast approaching 30, back living at home with parents, no idea what I’m trying to do with my life - adulting is HARD and it really does seem like everyone else has if figured out. I’m not sure I have anything wise to offer but I just want to say that when you open up about things like this, you remind me that I’m not alone, and that helps more than you know. So, even if we are all just tiny cogs in this huge world, I hope you know that your voice matters and the way that you’re using it is making a positive difference to others, and I think that means something :)
I feel your pain, I really do. For the past few years, any trip bigger than a grocery run filled me with dread. During our COVID lockdown, I got used to being alone at home with my cats, and I liked it. I had groceries and Italian food delivered, then waited for the lockdown to be over. It's been over for a while now, but I don't want to "get back out there," like everyone else seems to be doing. I just binge-watching Brit and New Zealand murder mysteries and enjoy not going outside. Socializing, travelling, etc., it's too tiring ... and I say that as someone who went abroad at least once a year! It doesn't really matter for me, as I'm old enough to be your mother or - God forbid - your grandmother. But you're still young and have so much going for you, you should probably just take a deep breath and carry on. It's tough, but with your mother's support and the love of your darling cat, you can succeed at whatever you want to do. And BTW, I think you should've won GBBO - you're brilliant!
I totally understand ALL the feelings you described. Being a total stranger I fully understand I may not be of any use, but you've def helped me from time to time so I'd you ever need "an unbiased ear" my dm's are open @kyliesdolls5 / @kysbookcase :)
In other news, I know the clouds you mean, those cookies look delicious, and I do hope Ben recovers. Also, Matt Haig is an author I keep meaning to read, thank you for the reminder. Also also, the other day was national dog day and I saw my grandparents dog, and got the good news that a pittie at the rescue I volunteer with got adopted. 😀
I relate to so much of this so very much! You aren't alone in it. I love your newsletters because they feel like a chat with a friend. Just keep looking for the little bits of joy and brightness and have Faith. I'll pray for you!
You're an amazing person, an incredible talent. No one can even come close to what you can do. So unique! If someone had told me about you and set you as my standard while I was growing up I would've given up, toddled my way into a cave and nailed my "hermit" sign on post and lintel. And you have an incredibly strong spirit, standing up to the darkest clouds, which sound really familiar to me. I went through a time when the deferment period for my 6-figure law school loans ended and I still didn't have a job, I felt totally ridiculous, unhireable, couldn't afford a $1 McDonald's coffee, while it seemed all my friends were getting married and having kids, making a 6-figure salary, buying home(s), and generally doing peachy. Little by little the Lord opened my eyes to His plan, which remains quite unlike that of my friends. He gave me a job where I've remained for over 10 yrs, provided me with my daily needs and friends who can't seem to give up on me, and never relegated me to that cave, where I always glance when the clouds come back dark and strong. Major kudos to you for making the London expedition, yessss! Thanking the Lord for your lovely Mum. I too had some amazing support in friends who encouraged me at just the right time, in the right way, oftentimes unbeknownst to me in the background. What a blessing, hardly something to be ashamed of. Wish I knew everything happening in the background all the time, but I bet it would blow my feeble mind.
I know it's easier for someone on the outside looking in to just say some words, but I think you have an amazing life trajectory unlike anyone else and I bet it's scary as heck soaring into the unknown, those great clouds. I don't even want to think of how the ancient greats felt - Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Moses, Ruth, Esther. Maybe often depressed, anxious, lonely, flippin' scared.
Praying YOUR wonderful purpose gets revealed to you in His perfect time, though I know the waiting sucks, so sooner than later, in teaspoonfuls ;)
Btw I adore Kim Joy's quote for your book, which I can't WAIT for. I bet it's a must-have for people generally. You go define your own version of perfection! Ex-tra ex-tra!!
Once again you’ve really reached out and made me FEEL exactly what you’re feeling by describing it so well. I echo the lovely comments already saying that the real enemy is the comparison of what we assume everyone is doing. We do not all have the same talents — I’m a RN so I worked evert day during COVID lockdown at the hospital and living alone was easy for me and I enjoy it but don’t ask me to bake bread or run or I could faint! I’m a divorced person who never had kids and even though I finally have a lovely partner now I still somehow wonder how others have their mortgage, marriage, kids and holiday decor all in order!!!. But….Would I switch with them? No. Do I wish I had some of their qualities , yeah. Of course I do. I wish I had your qualities ! You are you and are special exactly as you are—seeking how to be happy for all of us should be our most prioritized and shameless mantra. You went to London and had 2 coffees and cheese and nectarines and conquered your fear to make it happen. Living despite the challenges. Inspired. ❤️
I don't know if you realize that you do this to people (well, at least to me), but I get a lot of joy from reading your writing, even when you're writing about something that's tough and rough or sad. The quality of your writing is very good, and your personality and humanity come out through your words.
I think you make me more empathetic.
And your sense of humor :-) I always end up with a smile on my face after reading your Chronicles.
For those of you followers that haven't read Stephi's "The Joy of Baking" I highly recommend, it's more of the same type of writing, it's a cookbook that you can enjoy reading, as well as great recipes.
First off thank you for the recipes I look forward to them every week!
I wanted to tell you that I bumped into an old friend yesterday who updated me on her daughter (22) who has struggled for years with anxiety and finding ‘where she fits’ (need better expression). She esp struggled during covid with all the changes in rules, regulations and the comfort zone which got a lot more insular and comfy then being taken away. She went to Uni but it wasn’t for her. She needs her support group but also feels like she shouldn’t. She has recently found a steadier level and is working p/t in a coffee shop and loving it. My own 23 yo has just come out of a depressive episode (bipolar) and my 24yo post history degree is now working two bar jobs. Friend said to me that things are different post covid - part time work can work. Working from home can work. Living at home for longer is economically a good choice. What I’m basically saying in a massively long winded way, is you do you. There is no wrong - and other peoples expectations and opinions are a prison if you see them that way. You are doing fab and well done for going to London even though you had to step out of your comfort zone to do it. X
Someone recently told me that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I thought it was brilliant and rings so true. I *try* to remember it when my anxiety flairs up and I start looking around me envious of others who seem to have it all together while I’m struggle! hugs
I’m totally with you. I’m fast approaching 30, back living at home with parents, no idea what I’m trying to do with my life - adulting is HARD and it really does seem like everyone else has if figured out. I’m not sure I have anything wise to offer but I just want to say that when you open up about things like this, you remind me that I’m not alone, and that helps more than you know. So, even if we are all just tiny cogs in this huge world, I hope you know that your voice matters and the way that you’re using it is making a positive difference to others, and I think that means something :)
Hope you have a lovely week!
I feel your pain, I really do. For the past few years, any trip bigger than a grocery run filled me with dread. During our COVID lockdown, I got used to being alone at home with my cats, and I liked it. I had groceries and Italian food delivered, then waited for the lockdown to be over. It's been over for a while now, but I don't want to "get back out there," like everyone else seems to be doing. I just binge-watching Brit and New Zealand murder mysteries and enjoy not going outside. Socializing, travelling, etc., it's too tiring ... and I say that as someone who went abroad at least once a year! It doesn't really matter for me, as I'm old enough to be your mother or - God forbid - your grandmother. But you're still young and have so much going for you, you should probably just take a deep breath and carry on. It's tough, but with your mother's support and the love of your darling cat, you can succeed at whatever you want to do. And BTW, I think you should've won GBBO - you're brilliant!
I totally understand ALL the feelings you described. Being a total stranger I fully understand I may not be of any use, but you've def helped me from time to time so I'd you ever need "an unbiased ear" my dm's are open @kyliesdolls5 / @kysbookcase :)
In other news, I know the clouds you mean, those cookies look delicious, and I do hope Ben recovers. Also, Matt Haig is an author I keep meaning to read, thank you for the reminder. Also also, the other day was national dog day and I saw my grandparents dog, and got the good news that a pittie at the rescue I volunteer with got adopted. 😀
I relate to so much of this so very much! You aren't alone in it. I love your newsletters because they feel like a chat with a friend. Just keep looking for the little bits of joy and brightness and have Faith. I'll pray for you!
Dearest Steph,
You're an amazing person, an incredible talent. No one can even come close to what you can do. So unique! If someone had told me about you and set you as my standard while I was growing up I would've given up, toddled my way into a cave and nailed my "hermit" sign on post and lintel. And you have an incredibly strong spirit, standing up to the darkest clouds, which sound really familiar to me. I went through a time when the deferment period for my 6-figure law school loans ended and I still didn't have a job, I felt totally ridiculous, unhireable, couldn't afford a $1 McDonald's coffee, while it seemed all my friends were getting married and having kids, making a 6-figure salary, buying home(s), and generally doing peachy. Little by little the Lord opened my eyes to His plan, which remains quite unlike that of my friends. He gave me a job where I've remained for over 10 yrs, provided me with my daily needs and friends who can't seem to give up on me, and never relegated me to that cave, where I always glance when the clouds come back dark and strong. Major kudos to you for making the London expedition, yessss! Thanking the Lord for your lovely Mum. I too had some amazing support in friends who encouraged me at just the right time, in the right way, oftentimes unbeknownst to me in the background. What a blessing, hardly something to be ashamed of. Wish I knew everything happening in the background all the time, but I bet it would blow my feeble mind.
I know it's easier for someone on the outside looking in to just say some words, but I think you have an amazing life trajectory unlike anyone else and I bet it's scary as heck soaring into the unknown, those great clouds. I don't even want to think of how the ancient greats felt - Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Moses, Ruth, Esther. Maybe often depressed, anxious, lonely, flippin' scared.
Praying YOUR wonderful purpose gets revealed to you in His perfect time, though I know the waiting sucks, so sooner than later, in teaspoonfuls ;)
Btw I adore Kim Joy's quote for your book, which I can't WAIT for. I bet it's a must-have for people generally. You go define your own version of perfection! Ex-tra ex-tra!!
Hi Steph,
Once again you’ve really reached out and made me FEEL exactly what you’re feeling by describing it so well. I echo the lovely comments already saying that the real enemy is the comparison of what we assume everyone is doing. We do not all have the same talents — I’m a RN so I worked evert day during COVID lockdown at the hospital and living alone was easy for me and I enjoy it but don’t ask me to bake bread or run or I could faint! I’m a divorced person who never had kids and even though I finally have a lovely partner now I still somehow wonder how others have their mortgage, marriage, kids and holiday decor all in order!!!. But….Would I switch with them? No. Do I wish I had some of their qualities , yeah. Of course I do. I wish I had your qualities ! You are you and are special exactly as you are—seeking how to be happy for all of us should be our most prioritized and shameless mantra. You went to London and had 2 coffees and cheese and nectarines and conquered your fear to make it happen. Living despite the challenges. Inspired. ❤️
More about the cookbook!! It looks really neat and I haven’t heard much about it! Congratulations on such a big accomplishment!
Hi Steph, thank you for another lovely newsletter. A practical question on the Blackberry, bay & almond porridge:
Does a dried bay leaf typically bought from the supermarket work, or should it be a fresh bay leaf?
xx
I don't know if you realize that you do this to people (well, at least to me), but I get a lot of joy from reading your writing, even when you're writing about something that's tough and rough or sad. The quality of your writing is very good, and your personality and humanity come out through your words.
I think you make me more empathetic.
And your sense of humor :-) I always end up with a smile on my face after reading your Chronicles.
For those of you followers that haven't read Stephi's "The Joy of Baking" I highly recommend, it's more of the same type of writing, it's a cookbook that you can enjoy reading, as well as great recipes.