The Moth

The Moth Podcast: Resolutions

13 snips
Jan 3, 2025
Join Ian Stewart, a Portland-based writer known for his short story collection 'Bittersweet,' and Melissa Earley, a United Methodist pastor and creative spirit from Leadville, Colorado. Ian shares his battle to quit smoking, uncovering the mix of joy and regret tied to his addiction. Meanwhile, Melissa recounts her transformative solo vacation to Guatemala post-divorce, navigating feelings of nostalgia and independence. Both stories highlight resilience, reflecting on personal challenges and adventures in the face of change.
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ANECDOTE

Quitting Smoking

  • Ian Stewart shared his experience quitting smoking, highlighting the cyclical nature of addiction and the importance of perseverance.
  • Despite repeated attempts and setbacks, he eventually succeeded by focusing on small victories and reframing his perspective on failure.
INSIGHT

Reframing Failure

  • Instead of viewing past attempts as failures, recognize each day without smoking as a success.
  • These small wins build momentum and encourage continued progress.
ANECDOTE

Solo Trip After Divorce

  • Melissa Earley recounted a challenging solo trip to Guatemala after her divorce, pushing herself to relive her youthful adventures.
  • A cave incident and difficult journey forced her to acknowledge her changed physical limitations and embrace a new approach to travel.
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