The Stare I Felt, Her Silence & She Who Wears Her Heart on Her Sleeve
When a stare pulls you back into a forgotten friendship, what do you do?
In this episode, I share fragments of memory — some returned unexpectedly, others still missing — and how they intertwine with moments of silence, friendship, and courage. From a wordless encounter in a grocery store to reflections on a former politician’s unfiltered writing, these stories explore what it means to protect yourself, speak your truth, and navigate the delicate line between the two.
Episode 7 isn’t built around a single theme. Instead, it’s a series of snapshots — moments, memories, and reflections from different phases of my life.
I begin by acknowledging that my memory isn’t what it used to be since my last major trauma. Even though I once considered myself a memory expert, some pieces of my past remain blurry. Yet sometimes, without warning, a missing piece reappears.
One such moment happened in a local grocery store. I felt the weight of a woman’s stare — not hostile, not warm, just heavy. She didn’t say a word, but I could feel it. Later, an unexpected encounter brought a flood of memory: she had once been my best friend. We had shared walks with our babies, conversations about our marriages, and secret thoughts. A chunk of my lost memory had returned… but I didn’t want to remember why it had vanished. I was grateful she stayed silent.
From there, I reflect on how silence can be both protection and harm. Brené Brown and Joe Dispenza say silence is a wise choice after disrespect. Jordan Peterson warns that silence can feed tyranny. Which is true? I’m still navigating that.
I also talk about Linda — a former Latvian politician turned writer — whose courage to share openly inspires me. She writes with honesty about her joys, struggles, and mental health, sometimes walking the fine line of oversharing. Still, her authenticity resonates. People love her for wearing her heart on her sleeve — something rare among politicians.
Negative reviews sting her, just as they sting many creatives, myself included. I recall advice from writer Laura Belgray: don’t engage with haters. Instead, share their words with your supporters and let them rally around you.
By the end, I connect Linda’s courage to my own journey. I want to keep speaking, writing, and remembering — even when the memories are sharp-edged.
Key Takeaways
