Women Wiser Than I: Janet Fitch
Un-becoming to become
“You've got to let go of who you were, to become who you will be.” —Janet Fitch
This concept of embracing reality and evolving—even if it means abandoning past aspirations or identities—to find satisfaction and success is something I have been contemplating lately.
In major life transitions, there are often things/people/beliefs/ideas/dreams we must release to move forward. We have to redefine who we are and what we want and reconcile that with who we were and what we wanted.
I will write more about this in next week’s newsletter, but for now I will leave you with this interview in which Fitch expresses the need for artists to accept imperfection and adapt to what is possible, rather than an idealized vision. I think this applies not just to artists and writers, but anyone who is feeling stuck or has the desire to tear up what they’ve written and rewrite the ending.
Just when I thought I was ready to publish, I looked at what I had written and said to myself, “I will be damned if this is my ending.” So, it’s back to the drafting phase for me. I’m letting go of what I thought would be my final chapter so that I can write a whole new book.
🎧 📺 Listen / Watch
For more of Fitch’s wisdom on embracing loneliness to foster personal growth, the importance of self-reliance and creating your own meaning in the face of disappointment, and the artist's role as a phoenix who must burn to re-emerge anew, read her novel (one of my favorites) White Oleander or watch the film by the same name.
Janet Fitch’s Writing Wednesday (the author’s personal YouTube channel on all things writing)
💭 Reflections / Journal Prompts
What parts of my past identity am I holding onto that may be limiting my growth?
What fears do I have about letting go of my past self?
Is there a version of myself that I’m afraid to become—even if it means growth?
Do we owe loyalty to our past selves, or is it okay to outgrow who we were?
Is it possible to honor your past while still choosing to let it go?