Catherine Newman, author of SANDWICH and WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS, on the model of "utter graciousness" her mother provided and collecting tidbits from her daily life as a way into writing
"And because what I’ve always written about is actually the caregiving itself, there’s never been a disconnect between caregiving and creative work. In fact, it’s been completely the opposite."
What a revelation! I am in my 20s and realizing somewhat unexpectedly that one of my deepest desires is to become a caregiver and center my creative/other pursuits around care work. I have worried some about the potential incongruences there, and so appreciate Catherine's perspective on how generous caregiving can spill over into every area of your life. Thank you.
Oh, thank you so much! I just heard about Elissa Strauss's new book and cannot WAIT to read it. This interview, and really your whole series on creativity and caregiving, are so life-giving!
I love that framing of caring for sick children and now I also want a butter rum Lifesaver, which I haven't had in 25+ years... do those still even exist?
I loved this interview. I experienced the same anxieties in my 30s and they’ve calmed down in my 40s. I also appreciated the jump starting creativity tips.
"And because what I’ve always written about is actually the caregiving itself, there’s never been a disconnect between caregiving and creative work. In fact, it’s been completely the opposite."
What a revelation! I am in my 20s and realizing somewhat unexpectedly that one of my deepest desires is to become a caregiver and center my creative/other pursuits around care work. I have worried some about the potential incongruences there, and so appreciate Catherine's perspective on how generous caregiving can spill over into every area of your life. Thank you.
ahhh I’m so glad this resonated with you! I think you’d also really love Elissa Strauss’s new book, When You Care—she did an interview here: https://nancyreddy.substack.com/p/dont-let-that-patriarchal-voice-telling
Oh, thank you so much! I just heard about Elissa Strauss's new book and cannot WAIT to read it. This interview, and really your whole series on creativity and caregiving, are so life-giving!
thank you! that really means so much to me!
I love that framing of caring for sick children and now I also want a butter rum Lifesaver, which I haven't had in 25+ years... do those still even exist?
I loved this interview. I experienced the same anxieties in my 30s and they’ve calmed down in my 40s. I also appreciated the jump starting creativity tips.
Caregiving is so much work and also such a gift to give and receive. Can’t wait to read!