12 Comments
User's avatar
Ceri's avatar

Oh I’m taking that vine analogy for my own reflections! I loved your content on Instagram and it’s so nice to see all of your other interests now that I’m out of the wine game (for now at least). I’m here for it all! And for now I sit somewhere in the middle I think.

Noelle's avatar

Hey there! Great to "see" you over here!! 😊 Yes, please use that analogy as much as is helpful to you! It's admittedly a little cheesy, but I kept coming back to it as I was thinking about growth. It just Made Sense!

Stacey's avatar

This quote really jumped out at me, "I’m placing high importance on internal growth, like those old vines with deep roots that help anchor and sustain them." Then later you acknowledge how this type of growth takes time and that, to me, is the most important lesson!

I love this post and the freedom in the variety you're giving yourself to explore all the topics that pique your interest! And I love hearing about how you're learning and thinking about things. It makes me pause to think also. And those are my favorite people to be around.

Noelle's avatar

Yes! That is absolutely the lesson I'm trying to learn . . . which I thought I already knew, but funny how we sometimes need to learn something multiple times before it sticks. 😉

And PS, you are one of my favorite people to be around. ❤️

Kate Reuschel's avatar

I am a huge believer in muting and blocking any and all accounts on Substack that I don’t give a crap about seeing. Any growth person- blocked. Politics- blocked. Antisemitism-blocked. My block list is HUGE! I have curated it so my notes are only food, wine, art and philosophy! It helps a LOT! I’ve been here for over 3 years. Give it time and expect nothing but good vibes!

Noelle's avatar

Have no idea why I've not done this already! This is such good advice and I will take it. 🤗

Kate Reuschel's avatar

I had to make this space sacred for my mental health since Instagram became so fake and toxic. Substack has great control parameters if you just get okay with blocking and muting. It truly makes it a great place.

Kristine Ann Brandes Teal's avatar

I feel this so much.

Sometimes we want, and need, to do things just for ourselves. Not everything is about money or popularity.

Majoring in English I always wrote papers at the last minute, so I wouldn't edit them relentlessly. Perfectionism and writing are a brutal combo. I later learned my behavior -perfectionism and procrastination - was driven by undiagnosed inattentive ADHD. Ugh!

I love reading your writing and your perspectives. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights.

Noelle's avatar

Thanks for your kind words Kristine! ❤️

“Perfectionism and writing are a brutal combo.” 1000%!!!

I loved the creative writing class I took in HS (can’t remember the teacher—you might’ve been in there too!) but it was such a combination of enjoyment + agony. Wonder if this might’ve been why I initially opted for a more “black & white” career with numbers . . . much less enjoyable, but I knew when I had the “right” answer, or when I was “done.”

Kristine Ann Brandes Teal's avatar

I didn't take creative writing in HS, unfortunately. Not enough confidence in myself or my writing. I bet it was Peggy Painter that taught the class.

My daughter 100% agrees with you on math! I have always liked the wiggle room that writing provided. For me, that is very comforting . . . As long as I don't reread what I wrote and edit the crap out of it. ha ha ha

It takes a lot of courage to put your thoughts out there. I admire you!

Noelle's avatar

Oh Mrs. Painter!! I think you're right! (and thinking of her as "Mrs" made me feel like I was 16yo again!)

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Mar 9Edited
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Noelle's avatar

Tom this is fabulous! 🤣 How have I never heard of this FU speech before?!