9 Comments
User's avatar
Megan Corcoran Locke's avatar

One of my favorite essays so far!

Expand full comment
BB Corcoran's avatar

THANK YOU!

Expand full comment
Brett Chinn's avatar

"The hardest part of facing the monster in the mirror is realizing it’s just you. No claws, no fangs—just flawed, complicated, trying."

Sometimes, the hardest part is facing that you're not a monster at all. Nor are you a saint. You're just human. And loving yourself because of - or in spite- of that.

Expand full comment
BB Corcoran's avatar

as long as i can be a little fuzzy

Expand full comment
Ani Birch's avatar

I am so very in the grey. I flip back and forth, seeing each sides. I fear speaking out about almost anything because there is always a chance I’m wrong—I missed an angle—I’ll get emotional and my brain will fog, making me say the wrong thing, or look irrational—stupid. This character trait makes me inclusive and compassionate but I don’t trust my tongue so often have my own regrets.

Expand full comment
BB Corcoran's avatar

that is so interesting! no matter where you are on the spectrum (or side of the coin, if you're me) there is insecurity some and fear of regret. Thanks for sharing that Ani! Good for me to think about :)

Expand full comment
Sophie's avatar

So much to relate to here. Especially this: “Because isn’t that what we’re all doing? Carrying our contradictions, our regrets, our sharp edges and soft spots, and hoping that, in the end, they balance out?” ♥️♥️♥️

Expand full comment
Maureen Mcdonough's avatar

Your writing always makes me feel something… no monsters just a real human!! L and the shovel is priceless and we all would take out that shovel if needed for ones we love!!! Thank you for inspiring me to take an online writing class I start next week… I have so many unorganized journals , notes on my phone from years of monsters in the mirror and lifetime experiences.. I know there is a book somewhere in there!!! Thanks Bri.

Expand full comment
Samantha Stein's avatar

So relatable. Loved this! All of it 🙌

Expand full comment