27 Comments
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

I can soooo relate to the energy shifts that come with speaking on public/travel and being perplexed each time I observe the highs and lows, even though I’ve observed them many times before. And I often ask myself just about the same questions. I don’t have an answer either☺️

Always good to read whatever you have to say, and I love the word “bedraggled”. I’m adding to my vocabulary. ❤️

Expand full comment
author

I’m pretty sure I made that word up ! 😂

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

I love that you linked to Sarah's stuff. I also found her in 2016 or so and cannot believe how tragically correct she's been nearly every step of the way. You're not alone in these feelings; and together we can see it through. Somehow. Some way. Take care, in the meantime <3

Expand full comment
author

Yes! She is a truth-teller. Glad I’m not the only one but also, yes, it’s chilling.

Expand full comment

Love you friend. I’m so grateful for you. Also, summer can be..weird, liminal, and yes, existential. 😂🫶🏼🙈

Expand full comment
author

You’re the best ♥️

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Yes curious about the psychoanalytic work! Psychiatrist here

Expand full comment
author

Awesome! And thanks for being here 🙌🏽

Expand full comment
Jul 17Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Thank you so much for your sharing yourself authentically. I can so relate as I have been in a space which feels similar to what you describe. Maybe it does have a lot to do with introversion and ADHD and the political and climate issues are huge for me.

Expand full comment
author

Intellectually I know I’m not the only one *and* it’s always so nice to be reminded. Thanks for taking the time to share Connie.

Expand full comment
Jul 15·edited Jul 15Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Hi Pooja! I am really enjoying all your writing and reflections. We were in high school English class together, which makes it even more awesome. Anyway, I sympathize about HFM! We went through that last year with my son; I had it in my throat for a week. I'm a psychoanalytic therapist now myself and wanted to chime in that I would like to hear more of your thoughts in that direction. I am excited that psychoanalysis is making a bit of a comeback!

Expand full comment
author

Hi Emma! Wow what a blast from the past! Mrs Goodyear??

Expand full comment

Haha yep! Senior year Mrs. Goodyear I believe. I seem to recall something about a paper crown being given to the best essay writer each week?? I am in California now. @postnobillstherapy on Instagram!

Expand full comment
Jul 15Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

I hope you enjoyed breck - I grew up in CO going there during summers and it’s my absolute favorite place 🥰 Just reread Real Self Care for the second time in as many years and it’s one of the few books I can say has truly changed my life ❤️

Expand full comment
author

KJ your comment made my day when I read it. Thank you for your support of my work. Truly means the world.

Expand full comment
Jul 13Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Glad you all made it through HFM! It can be so pitiful 💜

Expand full comment
author

Pitiful !! That is the correct word.

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Authenticity ❤ exactly what I needed in this moment. Thank you! I feel your pain with the Hand, Foot, Mouth, it was terrible for my youngest. She almost ended up with IV hydration because she wouldn't drink anything. I hope the rest of your summer is magic!

Expand full comment
author

Trying to get a small human that does not want to eat or drink to eat and drink is probably one of the most painful life experiences! And I hope your summer has some magic too :) thank you Maria

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

Same girl, same!!!!! <3 Thanks for your refreshing authenticity and candor.

Expand full comment
author

♥️

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

We're so good at pushing away suffering in this country, so your honest comments about the ups and downs of our life are appreciated. Because you indirectly brought up Freud by mentioning Karen Horney, I thought to say how pessimistic Freud was about the human race which is about how crazy we all are. Our job then would be do seek contentment and gratitude for being in this beautiful world, which it is in a deep way.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for being here Janet. Yeah Freud really did think pretty badly about us. Contentment and gratitude are admirable goals that I wish more of us were connected to.

Expand full comment
Jul 12Liked by Pooja Lakshmin MD

HFM is the worst. Houston has been hit especially hard with ice storms and hurricanes lately. Meanwhile, NJ where I live is becoming a new “tornado alley.”

I have a speaking gig coming up soon which I am simultaneously excited about but also apprehensive as I am expecting a similar crash. For me it’s travel + being social.

I am in heavy revision mode on my book, Designing Success, to make the Aug 20 deadline to submit to copy editing. Unfortunately, life still happens when busy and both of my parents were hospitalized last week with completely different illnesses, though are thankfully recovering now.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for sharing where you are Catherine. Sending you a dose of calm and compassion ♥️

Expand full comment

Hey Pooja, always good to read your posts! So sorry about K's infection—and glad to know he rallied for the trip.

I'm doing moderately well, finishing up edits for the next book and also trying to manage ADHD brain. 🤓 Keep up the good work here!

Expand full comment
author

Always lovely to hear from you Chris! Congrats on being in the home stretch of your next book!! I am envious 😝

Expand full comment