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Sophie Nicholls's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words about my piece, Rachel. I loved reading this and here's to going gently in the company of 'willing and supportive baggage handlers.'

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Rachel Connor, PhD's avatar

You're welcome, Sophie. It deserves sharing - it's such a great post! I feel grateful to be here, in this community, surrounded by generous and supportive people who can bring a light to the world when needed. Thank you for contributing to that.

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David Bourne's avatar

Love the bag metaphor! My writing "baggage" is not as clear cut as yours seems to be. Maybe it's older (meaning a younger me), maybe it's about comparisons made of me to my older sister. I guess, WHATEVER it is matters less than the willingness to do the work. Thanks for the thoughts!

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Rachel Connor, PhD's avatar

I'm glad you love the bag metaphor, David! I've noticed (with myself and others) that it can often take a while to figure out what the 'baggage' is. I completely agree that the willingness to do the work is the important thing. Thanks for reading and responding. I appreciate your reflections.

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Tara Penry's avatar

My long bag includes wonderful memories of the Beinecke Library and a delicious carrot salad with an H.D. scholar from England. 🙌 Rachel!!! Hello! 😂❤️

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Rachel Connor, PhD's avatar

Tara!!!! Thanks for responding. It's amazing to find you here on Substack! That trip was such a long time ago now - another lifetime, it feels - but I also have such happy memories of those grad student days. And I clearly remember making that salad for you coming over for lunch! If time and space allow, I'd love to catch up some time...

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Tara Penry's avatar

Yes to all you say. It was quite a salad. 😂 I’ll drop you a reply to the ‘welcome’ email.

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Louise Mulvey's avatar

I was with you every step of the way for this piece 👌👏 & what a beautiful image to end on, the rainbow parachute 🌈🪂

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Rachel Connor, PhD's avatar

Ah, Louise! Thank you so much. So glad it resonated. Thank you for being someone willing to play underneath the parachute with me!

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