Simi Botic, an author and founder of Unmeasured, joins to unpack the themes behind the new zine 'PIVOT'. They reflect on a decade of friendship that has fostered creativity and personal growth. The conversation touches on the discomfort of revisiting past work and the importance of self-acceptance. They share how impactful literature can inspire change, and reminisce about their early creative collaborations. Finally, they emphasize the joy of genuine storytelling and the significance of community in launching new ventures.
The creation of the zine 'Pivot' illustrates how personal challenges can lead to meaningful self-reflection and growth through creative expression.
The significance of friendship is emphasized as a foundational support system that fosters personal development and shared understanding throughout life’s complexities.
Deep dives
The Dichotomy of Connection and Vulnerability
The episode highlights the coexistence of connection and vulnerability as central themes within personal growth narratives. It reflects on the balance between the desire to retreat and the necessity to embrace experiences that foster expansion. This duality illustrates the raw yet hopeful nature found in each story, conveying that introspection often leads to deeper connections. Ultimately, this journey through vulnerability opens pathways for understanding personal worth and the value of authentic relationships.
Creating the Zine 'Pivot'
The discussion revolves around the creation of a zine titled 'Pivot', born out of a challenging period marked by a broken leg. The zine encapsulates two years of experiences, lessons learned, and reflections from the tumultuous decade of one’s twenties. It becomes a cathartic outlet for expressing the evolution of self-awareness and understanding through various life experiences. The involvement of close friends in the creative process adds a layer of emotional resonance to the work, highlighting the significance of community support.
The Importance of Friendship and Shared Experiences
Friendship plays a pivotal role in the episode, showcasing how long-lasting relationships serve as a foundation for personal growth. The speakers reminisce about moments that shaped their understanding of one another and emphasized the unique bond that has developed over a decade. Through shared experiences, they explore the idea that true understanding often comes from lived moments and collective memories. This emphasizes the value of friendship in navigating life's complexities, serving as a source of strength and encouragement.
Reflections on Growth and Learning
The conversation delves into the ongoing process of self-discovery, emphasizing that growth is often accompanied by repetitive lessons throughout life stages. It discusses how voicing awareness doesn't equate to having resolved personal issues, yet it is an essential step towards change. There is an acknowledgment that past experiences shape current perspectives, often leading to moments of discomfort as one reflects on their journey. This honest discourse underlines the significance of storytelling in connecting with others and fostering a sense of community.
This week, Simi Botic—author, founder of Unmeasured, and my best friend—joins me to talk about PIVOT, a new zine of essays I compiled. After breaking my leg this summer, being stuck inside gave me time to put this together. Simi was the first person I sent it to, partly because she's a character in it and wrote one of the essays with me, and because she's always so gentle and supportive. I don't know how I got so lucky to have her as a friend but I did.
In this, we talked about seeing each other through different phases. And about the uncomfortable feelings that come from revisiting our old work but try to do as Didion advises, "stay on nodding terms" with our past selves. PIVOT is one big nod to my 20's, including all the lessons I learned and the experiences that taught me them. Let us know if you listen.
Show notes:
- PIVOT zine is here - sign up for my paid Substack & we'll mail you a copy | LA launch party on 9/27!