54 Comments
User's avatar
Cari Baumer's avatar

Your writing literally saved my life and gave me direction when I was desperately trying to find resources and answers for my Aspie Girl. To this day, you are still showing me that there is a path forward. It’s rarely smooth or easy but it is a path. So, I will forever be grateful that you are a part of my tribe and happy be a part of yours wherever the writing takes you. As for the need for financial gain, I’m over that part and my hubs is reminded that the Queen still works, and the value placed on said work is immeasurable so he has to cover it. ❤️ (Plus, cooking is my love language and he likes to eat.)

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

This means the world Cari! Thank you so much.

Expand full comment
Crystal Boughen's avatar

Hella honest and so much more. 💯💕

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you Crystal 🩵 I’m so glad you’re here.

Expand full comment
Unearthing the Gift's avatar

This really resonated with me as well. This is the first time I read your writing and I felt like I was listening to a friend. Let's keep on writing!

Expand full comment
Siobhan J. Middleton's avatar

Thank you for sharing, this resonates with me so well. Lately writing has felt like a task for me. I love sharing but it seems that maybe there's a shift happening. Now when it comes to recording my podcast I can talk and talk. I'll be gentle with the process of it all and allow myself to write without being tied to the outcome.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

It's the editing for me. Ugh! Takes me forever to self-edit. But I keep going. I hope you do too.

Expand full comment
Shawna Barclay's avatar

Goodness, does this resonate! Just. Keep. Writing. The rest really will come!

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you Shawna!

Expand full comment
Carolyn Kurien's avatar

Im 59 too and at the point in my life that I dont know which way to grow. Yes grow. Ive been a mother and raised three children being unemployed and homeschooling. Now some days I feel like Im floating other days Im sinking. I came on Substack to do what you did spill words on the page in hopes that they make something. Right now Im not hoping to get paid because I dont think I write very good. But Ive also been through a traumatic two years of back surgery. And losing my daughters whom have estranged themselves from us because we treated them differently and had no desire to have a relationship with them (NOT). Thank you for your words of hope of inspiration!

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you! ☀️❤️

Expand full comment
Jill Lahnstein's avatar

Even though my life circumstance is different than yours, I relate so deeply to that pressure to make it all work!

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you Jill! I appreciate you reading a bit of my story.

Expand full comment
Jill Lahnstein's avatar

I listened to your January letter, too! I am a former professor of college writing. Early in my training, I learned that writing shapes and mediates thought (thus reality)—and I greatly appreciate how you are using your writing to process your ideas. I also like the ease and authenticity of your writing voice.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Wow! Thank you professor 🎓🤗

Writing is my therapy.

Expand full comment
Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

I write because I must.

I write because I grieve.

I write because I have words to share.

Expand full comment
words that got away's avatar

Happy to have found you! I was a SAHM for almost 20 years, my youngest with a chronic condition. I also had a blood all those years ago (all content lost to Typepad). I moved my father into assisted living, too. Now I’m swimming just like you, which is to say, happily back to writing.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you! Happy to connect with you as well.

Expand full comment
Manasa Tanuku's avatar

Ooof! So much of this hit me hard! Thank you for sharing. And go take that nap whenever you want, by the sound of it, you more than deserve it.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you. I’m glad it resonated with you.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Jucar Cooley's avatar

I’m glad I discovered you on notes. This was beautiful and honest and I am one of your people!

Expand full comment
Eleanor Anstruther's avatar

So happy to have found your stack - I relate to much of it, the writing, the autistic sons, and the writing itself is beautiful, swift, a pleasure to read. Why can't we write what we like?! Exactly.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

I'm so glad you found me and identify with my life story. More to come. 🩵🦋

Expand full comment
BmG's avatar

Glad I found your writing Karen. As a mom of a child (33 years and counting) on the spectrum, I feel your thoughts.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Sounds like we may have a thing or two in common. Thank you for reading and commenting. More writing to come...

Expand full comment
BmG's avatar

Yes we do. Looking forward to more of your writing 💖

Expand full comment
Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Karen! Whew. You bleddddd onto the page and I’m here for ever last word of this. This felt like a sigh of relief published.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

I think I love you @Ashleigh🤗 Thanks for the shout out. I thought of you yesterday when my Mac was acting up and my son was away on a business trip. I figured it out though. Love when that happens! 🩵

Expand full comment
Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Daww I love you too Karen!! So happy we’re connected.

Expand full comment
Marc Typo's avatar

Thank you for your vulnerability. I know I get to be tired, but when I read this I somehow get more energy in the tank. It’s clear from your Facebook and the comments here your work is so important. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you so much Marc. Enjoy every moment with your wife and Miles. Never miss an opportunity for a nap.

Expand full comment
Benivia Lee's avatar

Karen, this is a whole mouthful! Thank you for your vulnerability and + for sharing your truth. And I'm going to believe + stand in the gap for the "take off" to come...

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you Benevia!

Expand full comment