Ask Polly

Ask Polly

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
Does The Past Make You Sad?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Does The Past Make You Sad?

Life isn't an obstacle course of avoidable mistakes; it's much more nuanced and sublime than that. Do your stories do justice to how big your life is?

Heather Havrilesky
Dec 12, 2024
∙ Paid
89

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
Does The Past Make You Sad?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
8
12
Share
Smoke I (1992) by Dorothea Tanning

One of the most obvious but least discussed dimensions of trying to feel your feelings is that… it is hard. You can be firmly committed to waking up to reality, noticing your body, allowing your emotions to flow, greeting each new sensation without fear or resistance. But when those feelings start to flow, watch out!

Bec…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Heather Havrilesky
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More