Thank you, Beth, for writing this piece. It resonates with me in so many ways: as a writer, author, daughter (my mom is living with a cancer that has no cure), mother, introvert. Thank you for always moving slowly enough to get the Truth. I sooooo appreciate that about you and your writing.
Beth, I feel your words deeply. My Mum told me recently that she was proud of all I had done. As writing is one of the things, in a family where the feminine voice did not find a place, I am redefining that narrative. I co-authored my first book, published last year, and am well underway with my second, a solo project. I feel the beginning of my Mum's transition, and I keep moving forward each day. Thank you for sharing your experience so openly.
I know I've read this essay before as there was that familiarity of parts when you've read something before. In the short time that I've joined SoulCircle and published on Substack, I feel like I've read and skim read and written so many thousands of words everyday! :) However, I 'really' read this essay again this morning having been directed back here by your Welcome Note on next week's free Book Proposal course.
As I sat here in the silence absorbing every word and sentence this time; it was as if there was a complete shift in my world. 'Another' worldly transportation, of chills, yet warmth that penetrated throughout my whole being, both at the same time. A deep realisation. I have always been so sure what I was going to write my memoir about and have much research and written many words already on that part. But maybe too much I now know. Like it was the main wound I was poking open all the time with angry words trying to get rid of it. Yes it is very important and sharing it will, I think, be off great value. But this morning I now know that it is only one sum of greater parts. Of me.
I have to tell you this Beth. I haven't bought Kokoro 'yet', the only book of yours I don't own. You see, I was scared to buy it. When I read your email about losing your Mum, and then replied, it brought back many memories of the same time in my life. Memories I have stuffed down. I had skirted around what themes Kororo would include when you launched it and somehow thought it might bring up your grief. A particular grief I knew I couldn't handle back then knowing how beautifully you write. Now I see I was being selfish too because not reading this important book denied you of a sale, simply for my fears. Fears I now need to and know I can face by climbing my own mountain. Thank you Beth. 💙
This is such a beautiful reflection @beth kempton on your book Kokoro.
You book is an incredible homage to you mum - she was proud before she passed on and she is proud now - as you say she already knew how the rest of the book would unfold after reading the first two chapters. Because it was also her story.
So much i enjoyed about the book, but especially love how the book allows sadness and grief to rub shoulders with humour, mystery, magic, unexpected wisdom keepers, travel detail and the joy of the natural world. I definitely was inspired to visit Japan, but more importantly, to write memoir with the vulnerability and humour I need to pass through the pain... thank youxxx
Thank you, Beth, for writing this piece. It resonates with me in so many ways: as a writer, author, daughter (my mom is living with a cancer that has no cure), mother, introvert. Thank you for always moving slowly enough to get the Truth. I sooooo appreciate that about you and your writing.
Beth, I feel your words deeply. My Mum told me recently that she was proud of all I had done. As writing is one of the things, in a family where the feminine voice did not find a place, I am redefining that narrative. I co-authored my first book, published last year, and am well underway with my second, a solo project. I feel the beginning of my Mum's transition, and I keep moving forward each day. Thank you for sharing your experience so openly.
I know I've read this essay before as there was that familiarity of parts when you've read something before. In the short time that I've joined SoulCircle and published on Substack, I feel like I've read and skim read and written so many thousands of words everyday! :) However, I 'really' read this essay again this morning having been directed back here by your Welcome Note on next week's free Book Proposal course.
As I sat here in the silence absorbing every word and sentence this time; it was as if there was a complete shift in my world. 'Another' worldly transportation, of chills, yet warmth that penetrated throughout my whole being, both at the same time. A deep realisation. I have always been so sure what I was going to write my memoir about and have much research and written many words already on that part. But maybe too much I now know. Like it was the main wound I was poking open all the time with angry words trying to get rid of it. Yes it is very important and sharing it will, I think, be off great value. But this morning I now know that it is only one sum of greater parts. Of me.
I have to tell you this Beth. I haven't bought Kokoro 'yet', the only book of yours I don't own. You see, I was scared to buy it. When I read your email about losing your Mum, and then replied, it brought back many memories of the same time in my life. Memories I have stuffed down. I had skirted around what themes Kororo would include when you launched it and somehow thought it might bring up your grief. A particular grief I knew I couldn't handle back then knowing how beautifully you write. Now I see I was being selfish too because not reading this important book denied you of a sale, simply for my fears. Fears I now need to and know I can face by climbing my own mountain. Thank you Beth. 💙
This is such a beautiful reflection @beth kempton on your book Kokoro.
You book is an incredible homage to you mum - she was proud before she passed on and she is proud now - as you say she already knew how the rest of the book would unfold after reading the first two chapters. Because it was also her story.
So much i enjoyed about the book, but especially love how the book allows sadness and grief to rub shoulders with humour, mystery, magic, unexpected wisdom keepers, travel detail and the joy of the natural world. I definitely was inspired to visit Japan, but more importantly, to write memoir with the vulnerability and humour I need to pass through the pain... thank youxxx
thank you for all that you are, Beth. It touches me deeply.
These words hit my heart and unlock my writer and reader soul xx
Such beautiful, heartfelt writing Beth. You have been on quite a journey. Can’t wait to read Kokoro. ❤️
This one was for the teary-eyed Beth. What a scandalous, gorgeous piece.
And I love that you have a typos page.
Love,
F
"...the gap between the person who wrote it (you, then) and the person who is reading it (you, now)"
This is always amazing to me. I can sense it in a gap in time as small as a single day.
Words fail me. Just so much love for this piece. I look forward to reading 💛
This brought tears to my eyes. Wishing you so much peace and joy.
Thankyou
Utterly beautiful.
You have an incredible way with words Beth. Gentle but very thought provoking.
I can not wait for the release of your new book. Xx
Such a beautiful and moving read, I couldn't (and didn't want to) help crying. It tapped into my own grief. Thank you, I can't wait to read Kokoro.
A beautiful read, thankyou for sharing this.