39 Comments
User's avatar
Elizabeth's avatar

Beautiful and deep and resonating - thank you for sharing such a tender piece of writing 💕

Tara Leaver's avatar

Ah thank you Elizabeth! So many feelings 🫣 but also the response has been incredibly encouraging!

Melanie Leavey's avatar

This was such a breathtaking read, Tara. Thank you for letting us witness you in this…and for the gift of your beautiful writing.

I’m letting go of a few dreams of my own right now, and while not as life-altering as yours, I know the feeling of sudden clarity and the profound relief (?) that comes with it.

Thank you again xo

Tara Leaver's avatar

Gosh thank you Mel, I so appreciate your kind words. Here's to clarity and relief! 😊

Nimisha Kantharia's avatar

This is beautifully written. What a sensitive subject and you have spoken about it bravely beautifully courageously- people are scared to speak of the relief of accepting what will never be, the gift of pain that is clarity. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to read your words Tara.

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you so much Nimisha - I don't think I've read about that relief before either - it's a nuance I wasn't expecting but am so grateful for.

Hilary Garner's avatar

Beautifully written. If it was a novel I would not have been able to put it down. Please keep writing 🥰

Tara Leaver's avatar

Oh my goodness, what a compliment, thank you Hilary! I appreciate that more than I can say.

Catherine's avatar

I’m just so glad you have Poppy.

Tara Leaver's avatar

Me too! 🥰🐾

Babs's avatar

This took my breath away - both the content and your beautiful writing. Thank you ❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Wow thank you Babs, that’s a lovely compliment. I was so unsure about about sharing this but knowing it has an impact gives me courage to keep going!

Claire Gillen's avatar

Thank you for sharing so much of you Tara. It sounds like this piece came from a much deeper place. Beautiful indeed. 💗🙏

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you Claire - there’s something about words that come in the middle of the night I think! No filters, just whatever wants to come through.

Frances Dimmer's avatar

I'm so glad you decided to post this, it's beautiful, Tara.

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you Frances - I really appreciate your support of my work. 😊

Zuzu's avatar

This is so beautiful ❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you so much lovely, your support is so appreciated. 💖

Wendy O'Callaghan's avatar

I found your post after watching your first 2026 monthly YouTube post. I am watching from New Zealand as a 77-year-old artist with 5 granddaughters. I just want to acknowledge the courage you have shown by sharing this beautifully written piece. Life is a journey. I don't have the answers, but hugs, and I have resistance envy.

Hugs Wendy (Taupo Nana)

Wendy O'Callaghan's avatar

I meant residency envy I have never been brave enough to think my work wouldn't be good enough. Any excuse not to get out of your comfort zone. Hugs

🤣🤣

Tara Leaver's avatar

Oh! I really could have worked that out, lol. I felt that way for a long time too - it took a big life change for me to really decide to go for it. It started to feel like a commitment to myself and my work, more than anything.

Tara Leaver's avatar

Hello Wendy, thank you so much for coming over and taking the time to read and comment! Hugs appreciated. :) {Not sure what resistance envy means though?}

Jeanine  Watts's avatar

Thank you for sharing such a sensitive and vulnerable piece of writing. So raw, beautiful and deeply moving ❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you very much Jeanine, both for reading and for the lovely comment.

KATE S ROBERTSON's avatar

This was beautiful to read, not your situation but the words and feelings I felt while reading. Thank you for sharing your story. I know it was difficult to do so. Much love to you.

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you so much Kate. I always want what I create to have a visceral impact {not necessarily dramatic! But felt} so I really appreciate your kind words.

Shelley's avatar

Wow. I always feel drawn to read your emails and posts. Somehow I have felt deeply connected to you since I first discovered 21 days in 2020. I am so glad I found you as an inspiring artist. I just wanted to share that, and to tell you your writing is connective. I have not experienced what you write about here (well, I’ve had my share of back pain, but I know that’s not what this is about!); however, I am able to connect to you through your writing. You have a gift. I look forward to following your ongoing writing journey. ❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Gosh Shelley, that means so much, thank you. I've always loved to write, but for some reason am only now returning to it in a more personal way. It feels a bit scary but I'm fascinated by the craft and what words can do. I'm so glad you find a point of connection in my work that's helpful to you.

Onnieg's avatar

2025 was the year of the Snake in Chinese astrology. The year to shed all that does not serve us. Clearly, you heard that call and we're brave enough to love yourself. ❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Wow, yes, that rings true for me for sure! It was a very pivotal year in many ways. Ready for the good stuff now! :)

Sophy Dale's avatar

Beautiful Tara xo

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you Sophy! x

Pauline Leger's avatar

Oh T... this beautiful writing! I'm glad you decided to share this. So many tender connections being made. ❤️❤️❤️

Tara Leaver's avatar

Thank you so much - I think I'm glad too! {lol} Still feels vulnerable, but the response has been very heartwarming and encouraging.