Happy 7th! That's the copper/wool anniversary, so get yourself some Brett-Favre-endorsed compression socks. Or a warm sweater, I guess.
Anyway, my favorite is How to Play Dead. Reading your experience in the barber's chair gave me the courage and impetus to explore Adult Children of Alcoholics, which has been the hardest and second-best thing I have ever done for myself.
How to Play Dead was also important to me because it made me feel better and less alone about the times I have been abused by creepy people and have been frozen and unable to yell or say no or say stop. That inability haunted me for a long time until my therapist explained that it’s not just fight or fight. Some people freeze. I am one of them. Apparently you are too. Thank you for writing that, A.J. It must’ve been hard to write, but it meant a lot to read. Happy anniversary! I’m so glad that you survived all the things and that you built this wonderful newsletter and community for fellow outliers. xo
came to the small bow by way of really good shares during my early recovery days. thanks for creating this space and congrats on 7 years ♥️
some favorites include: it’s okay if you’re not ready, love is the drug (edith’s heart moon illustration included), and allis perry’s piece from last week
Not been a reader for too long, more like a meeting go-er, but did appreciate your recent writing on Hulk Hogan! Also what its like to be a fearful man. Congrats on 7 years, and here's to 7 more!
“TSB is for the unlucky and the unlovable. The ugly and the lost. The good-crazy and batshitters alike. And if you're undecided as to what you qualify as, it's whatever you need it to be. All are welcome.“
Grateful to have found you.
2+ years sober, and find it’s still hard…
Life has started now. Lots happening
(divorce, moving out, etc.) but I couldn’t be happier now I’m sober…
I am so grateful for your stories from some of your older followers. Folks in their 50s and 60s have generally been using/drinking/struggling for MANY years and to be able to come here and feel safe with all ages is a huge gift. So thanks.
gotta be pamela anderson. and the one that was a tribute to a regular from a bar the author used to work at. terrible description, hope you know which one i mean. gorgeous read.
Your appearance on the Defector podcast with Drew Magary helped me rediscover your path and I quickly subscribed. Having worked the aging and Alzheimer's disease advocacy space for the better part of two decades, your writing about your dad's journey is why I became a financial supporter and subscriber. It's also what brought me to interact with you for the first time.
For that and so many other reasons, I Love You to Infinity will always be my favorite piece of yours.
Congrats on 7 years. Reading TSB was an a-ha for me, and I’m happy you’re here. Finding your voice never ends.
Glad you are here. Glad I am here.
Happy 7th! That's the copper/wool anniversary, so get yourself some Brett-Favre-endorsed compression socks. Or a warm sweater, I guess.
Anyway, my favorite is How to Play Dead. Reading your experience in the barber's chair gave me the courage and impetus to explore Adult Children of Alcoholics, which has been the hardest and second-best thing I have ever done for myself.
Long live The Small Bow.
https://www.thesmallbow.com/p/how-to-play-dead?r=2ng4e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
How to Play Dead was also important to me because it made me feel better and less alone about the times I have been abused by creepy people and have been frozen and unable to yell or say no or say stop. That inability haunted me for a long time until my therapist explained that it’s not just fight or fight. Some people freeze. I am one of them. Apparently you are too. Thank you for writing that, A.J. It must’ve been hard to write, but it meant a lot to read. Happy anniversary! I’m so glad that you survived all the things and that you built this wonderful newsletter and community for fellow outliers. xo
came to the small bow by way of really good shares during my early recovery days. thanks for creating this space and congrats on 7 years ♥️
some favorites include: it’s okay if you’re not ready, love is the drug (edith’s heart moon illustration included), and allis perry’s piece from last week
Not been a reader for too long, more like a meeting go-er, but did appreciate your recent writing on Hulk Hogan! Also what its like to be a fearful man. Congrats on 7 years, and here's to 7 more!
Thank you for 7 years and Congrats.
S — Alcoholic.
This is what sums it up for me.
“TSB is for the unlucky and the unlovable. The ugly and the lost. The good-crazy and batshitters alike. And if you're undecided as to what you qualify as, it's whatever you need it to be. All are welcome.“
Grateful to have found you.
2+ years sober, and find it’s still hard…
Life has started now. Lots happening
(divorce, moving out, etc.) but I couldn’t be happier now I’m sober…
Thank you!!!
I am so grateful for your stories from some of your older followers. Folks in their 50s and 60s have generally been using/drinking/struggling for MANY years and to be able to come here and feel safe with all ages is a huge gift. So thanks.
gotta be pamela anderson. and the one that was a tribute to a regular from a bar the author used to work at. terrible description, hope you know which one i mean. gorgeous read.
You're a big part of my recovery, A.J. "The Bird Hours" is a favourite: https://www.thesmallbow.com/p/the-bird-hours
I love the ones about you and your Dad. Congratulations!
happy birthday TSB! Hard to pick favourites for all sorts of reasons but the Jenn Sterger story had a big impact on me
Oh nice!
Happy Anniversary! “I’ll Get Funny Again” and anything with Chompy are favorites.
Aw, #RIP Chompy.
Congrats A.J.
Your appearance on the Defector podcast with Drew Magary helped me rediscover your path and I quickly subscribed. Having worked the aging and Alzheimer's disease advocacy space for the better part of two decades, your writing about your dad's journey is why I became a financial supporter and subscriber. It's also what brought me to interact with you for the first time.
For that and so many other reasons, I Love You to Infinity will always be my favorite piece of yours.
https://www.thesmallbow.com/p/i-love-you-infinity
Happy anniversary! Loved the Sarah Miller one and the one when you threw bacon at a speeding car ♥️