16 Comments
User's avatar
Laia Bové's avatar

Thank you, Amber, for sharing so honestly. I had my own fears about microdosing

for similar reasons, not wanting to have a "bad trip" and re-ignite the trauma, and with the right accompaniment, it has been one of the most healing things I have done for myself and for my younger self as well. x

Expand full comment
Amanda Hirsch's avatar

This is so beautiful, and resonated deeply: "I sensed an enormous, steady, confident presence within me; a mother without fear of her own potential. You’re getting free, I thought to myself."

Expand full comment
Zachary Whedon's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Amber Tamblyn's avatar

♥️

Expand full comment
Narcisa's avatar

This is beyond beautiful and articulate. Thank you so much for such an honest and vulnerable account of hurt and growth.

Expand full comment
Carol Rogero's avatar

Amber, thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. I look forward to reading more, healing my own trauma, and reconnecting with more joy.

Expand full comment
Amber Tamblyn's avatar

thanks for reading, Carol.

Expand full comment
Robert McMurrer's avatar

Great article every time I was hurt I ran and hide. I always been afraid to face my wounds. I sometimes feel I let people hurt me from my biological father to a person who stole my life and framed me a decade ago. I have mental and physical scars that I wish I could free myself from my past and wounds. I hope you keep writing and publishing stories.

Expand full comment
Andrew Heard's avatar

I'm glad to hear that you've managed to work your way out of this sad circumstance. Strangely, I had a lot of admiration for the person at the time you're talking about, or at least shortly before this period perhaps. So It's interesting to hear you talk about what was happening to you at that time. It actually gives me a lot more respect for you because of it.

Expand full comment
Melissa Armstrong's avatar

Amber, I'm so glad I found your substack. Your writing is piercing and delicious. xo

Expand full comment
Amber Tamblyn's avatar

Thank you Melissa! And welcome!

Expand full comment
Ian Mark Sirota's avatar

Thank you for sharing this raw, powerful look inside your mind. Incredibly poignant writing. Can't wait to read what else you have to say/write!

Expand full comment
Kana Crumby, PhD, CST, LPC's avatar

This is so beautiful - as a therapist I have learned the DEEP work is this. Loving all of you. All the versions of you who have looked at the world through your eyes.

Expand full comment
M.M. Joyner's avatar

The “Mother Without Fear” was so poignant, and this tale of healing was beautiful. Your story resonates in ways that hit home for me. It was an honor to read your story!

Expand full comment
Melanie's avatar

This was a beautiful piece and thank you so much for sharing it. I’m a 45-year-old mom and I also have a younger self who allowed terrible relationships to go on far too long. Those memories still haunt me to this day, but I’m encouraged by this essay to adopt your perspective and let the memories go…to embrace my younger self with love and acceptance. I deeply appreciate your writing. 💕

Expand full comment
Michelle Reynolds's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you so sharing this experience with us. Your vulnerability and courage are inspiring.

Expand full comment