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"No matter how much we say we don’t, we sometimes end up craving what we don’t have and neglecting what we do have in the process." Wonderful reflection, Mansi.

Once again, congratulations on the 1K readers; very well deserved. Thanks for the mention, too.

About the friends who appear to be moving on, I've realized that most relationships and interactions are 'out of sight, out of mind.' In your absence, people move on much quicker than you think.

The only constant is the in and out of each other's lives. We'll do it, and others will do it on us.

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Well said Patrick! I had to unfortunately learn it the hard way just like most people. I love the way you put it, 'out of sight, out of mind'. It's true. But experiences like these make us appreciate the relationships that still exist, and the people who still choose us despite the distance. Such is life.✨

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Congratulations for reaching the 1,000 subscriber milestone!

I love your lesson about friendship. It reminds me of a sentence in a Korean novel last year—Love is not a painful labor that requires effort to find evidence. This applies to any type of relationship.

For me, July was a very fulfilling and challenging month. I started writing on Substack with less than 10,000 English words of vocabulary and sharing my casual sketches on Notes. Despite facing many struggles during these processes, I have had a very fulfilling month as a creator. In July, I‘ve learnt that I want to continue writing and drawing, not retiring, until the end of my life.

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That is so beautiful!🥹

Honestly, before I started my newsletter, I was so looking forward to retire (I had just started out in the corporate world but a couple months into it quite literally drained me lol). But channeling my creativity through this newsletter has kept me going. So I feel you!

All the very best on your journey. I hope you continue to find fulfilment through your art💕

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July was a mixture of challenging and good. First I started my substack and started posting and realised that hey, I'm a writer, I've been gatekeeping my writing for what reason. The challenging part is quite personal but I'm challenging myself to have a positive outlook on everything and get out of my comfort zone because the greatest lesson I've learnt in July is that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Also congratulations on 1000 subs ✨

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HUGE Congratulations to you on starting your own Substack Caroline. So proud of you for it💕

And I hope you find a sense of calm even when you are out of your comfort zone. It's certainly challenging but speaking from personal experience, one experiences the most growth out of one's comfort zone only!

Thank you for being here, really appreciate you✨

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July felt heavy. I’m not sure why, but I am seeking a lightness and freshness as August progresses ✨

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I resonate with you David!

Sometimes it's okay to sit with our feelings to make sense of them, and in order to let them pass. I hope August brings the lightness and freshness you are seeking at the moment✨🌻

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I'm going to say it again because it is such a wonderful accomplishment ... Congratulations on 1000 subs 🎉 I know many, like me, have come to look forward to reading your honest and heartfelt words.

I can relate to friendships drifting and then ending ... No fireworks or dramatics, they just drift away ...

I think that friendships almost come in seasons, and I've learnt that the ones that have ended aren't necessarily a bad thing ( I used to think there was something wrong with me ), but maybe that person needed to be in your life at that time for a reason, and if that season ends and they move on, it's ok.

The friendship was still beautiful. Some friendships last a life time, some come and go ... They all have their value. 🙏

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THANK YOU Emily!💕

I love your kindness and generosity. This is such wonderful wisdom. I guess I never thought about friendships this way, but it makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing your words. This is what I love about this wonderful community, there's so much we can learn from each other.♥️

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Totally agree 🙏🙏

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Such wisdom on friends and friendships, Emily. Thank you!

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Well done on the 1000 Mansi. Another solid reflection, July. I especially like your notes about "urgency" - oh how easy it is to push forward and lose the impact (good or bad, blessing) of "now". Maybe this is also what impacts "friendships". I also particularly liked this section - a lot of hard truth buried there, treasure. You've also put me onto Patrick - thanks

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Thanks for your support as always Cecil!

I spent so many days in my journal in my head trying to make sense of how and why relationships change. Later on ended up realising that it's okay to let go of the need to control our friendships. Feeling so much better since the day I chose to let go✨

PS- I absolutely love Patrick's words, I hope you enjoy them too.

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Congrats on 1,000 subscribers, Mansi! I would also describe my July as intense. And I have experienced similar friendship issues lately so your words are timely and appreciated!

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Thank you for your constant support Cherie!✨

I really appreciate your presence here. I hope things sort out at your end soon. Sending so much love and positivity your way💕

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Thanks for including me! Hope you enjoyed reading about how the flowers speak.

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I loved it Claire!❤️

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Great piece 🌿

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Thank you Richa💕

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Congratulations on 1000 readers! I agree, good things do take time 💛

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Thank you Dana! So glad you are here💛

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Congratulations on 1,000 subscribers. It’s been so fun to connect and see you make your place here on Substack.

It’s going to be interesting to see what happens after school and here life is going to take you. Always cheering you on.

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Thank you for staying Mika💕🫂

I have absolutely loved being a part of your journey as well. I never thought I would say this but I really do look up to a handful of writers here on Substack, not just because of their writing, but also because of who they truly are as a person behind those words. You are certainly one of them. Excited to see what's in store next for us in our respective lives✨

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That’s so sweet. Thank you! ☺️

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