28 Comments

Thank you for this excellent reflection. As someone who found out just this morning that an essay submitted to a journal wasn't absolutely rejected and who felt briefly ecstatic and then, rapidly, ordinary and unimportant again--I appreciate this wisdom very much.

Expand full comment

We have to celebrate the wins when they come! But also somehow not let them define us! Thanks for reading and sharing!

Expand full comment

I feel like you always write the right thing when I need it. I am struggling with grad school rejections but honestly, I know it also means I have to do a lot of work on myself to be proud of where I currently am instead of just lamenting where I could’ve been

Expand full comment

Some periods of time are harder than others when it comes to this stuff! Self compassion can go a long way! Sending love!!

Expand full comment

This is both a lovely piece of self-reflection and a well-written examination of human nature. As someone in her mid-twenties trying to figure out her career, this sentence really struck me: “There was a huge sense of relief that I did in fact love doing what I’d always wanted to do.”

Expand full comment

So glad it was helpful!! xoxo A

Expand full comment

Of course money buys happiness. And often safety. And occasionally a measure of mental stability. However you are correct that being able to perceive that happiness is key.

Expand full comment

100%!!

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your personal journey with us. Your courage to share such intimate experiences helps shed light on important topics and can make a real difference for others facing similar struggles. Your story is inspiring and deeply appreciated.

Expand full comment

Ahh thank you so much! I never know if what I share will be helpful. Really appreciate this note xoxo A

Expand full comment

Oooh girl this hits hard

Expand full comment

Same hahah thank you for reading!

Expand full comment

dear allison,

this is great!

right on with this: "People often say that money doesn’t buy happiness. I don’t believe that. Having money brings a level of security and quality of life that isn’t possible when you are constantly worried about finances. It relieves stress and allows for more experiences. I think a better saying would be, money alone can’t buy happiness."

sometimes i say "money can't buy happiness, but lack of money CAN buy unhappiness." or something similar to that but makes more sense. who knows what i say? me? great question!

i also love this: "i want to be successful and also mentally stable enough to appreciate it"

and am super happy to hear this: "I wouldn’t give up my current brain."

thank you for sharing!

much love,

myq

Expand full comment

Thank you Myq!!!

Expand full comment

Love this and love that you're in a more contented state <3

Expand full comment

Thank you so much!!

Expand full comment

Thanks for sharing ❤️ this one really resonates

Expand full comment

I'm so glad!! xoxo A

Expand full comment

Best post I’ve read so far. Really loved this one, thank you Allison!

Expand full comment

Oh wow!! Thank you!!

Expand full comment

I have followed your work since your BuzzFeed days. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do. The clarity and honesty of your writing has helped me through many a mental conflict. Keep going! Lots of love, all the way from India.

♥️

Expand full comment

This is so kind!! Thank you so much for sticking around!! xoxo A

Expand full comment

As always appreciate your honesty and vulnerability Allison

Expand full comment

Thank you!!

Expand full comment

So good and so well said <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Expand full comment

Thank you Maya!!

Expand full comment

Of course!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Expand full comment

Holy shit I relate to this so hard. Not the specific circumstances, our lives are very different in a lot of ways, but it's a universal struggle. Thank you for voicing what I haven't been able to!!! 🫶

Expand full comment