TW: Suicidal Ideation The other night, sparked by something we were watching, I told my husband that I wasn’t really happy until I was 29. He looked at me strangely because 1) that’s probably not normal and 2) I had been hugely successful in my mid-20’s. Both of us are (disconcertingly) career-driven and it seemed bananas that I hadn’t been happy while starring in my own pilot for MTV or being flooded by fans at VidCon.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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.
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."
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.
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!!! 🫶
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.
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
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.”
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.
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.
Oooh girl this hits hard
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
Love this and love that you're in a more contented state <3
Thanks for sharing ❤️ this one really resonates
Best post I’ve read so far. Really loved this one, thank you Allison!
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.
♥️
As always appreciate your honesty and vulnerability Allison
So good and so well said <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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!!! 🫶