I appreciated the vulnerability in this. We often expect transformation to mean becoming a completely different person, but sometimes it’s about seeing ourselves with more compassion and accepting all the parts that brought us here. A powerful reminder that progress can be quiet and deeply personal.
Thank you so much. For reading and commenting. And putting your own thoughts to it. That made my day. Vulnerability is such a difficult yet powerful topic.
You have the gift of a novelist. What marvellous writing. I finished the piece and instantly connected it to Joseph Conrad’s work. I don't know why, but you resemble him.
You really do make the reader feel like you’re in the room and that’s not easy! Beautifully layered piece that also reminded me of my TKD days. A question this raises in me is what good is a meritocracy if it’s no good at teaching others. Thank you!
Thank you, truly. For reading, for commenting and thinking about those deeper layers. I love it when my writing makes someone stop and think, even for a second. And maybe even take something from it.
As someone who generally doesn’t go to fiction literature, this kept my attention the entire time. I think you absolutely nailed this. You did a phenomenal job!
It’s a powerful essay on power dynamics, silent injustice, and how authority can distort accountability. Even when a room stays 'full' on the surface, driving someone away through ego and lack of empathy quietly changes the integrity of the space. Beautifully written!"
Wow ! This was amazing ! You did such a great job world building , I felt like I was there in the room with you ! You were beautifully descriptive & described so well the feeling everyone in the audience has shared — uncomfortable , hushed , worry. Then , saying something & that being met with dismissiveness & an ego reminder that maybe I’m simply just too weak , maybe I just can’t handle it.
I’ve trained Muay Thai at multiple points in my life & reading this felt like I was back in the gym , experiencing this exact struggle. Either myself the one weak on the floor , or witnessing it happen to someone who wants to learn , but isn’t getting the respect & patience they need.
This situation repeats itself in many aspects of life , & as a woman , this situation can especially fester in our day-to-days , so this story may be your own , but you are representing everybody , everyone who’s ever struggled , who’s ever been pushed to the ground & apologized for not being strong enough. So thank you ! & everyone who reads this is inclined to be a little bit kinder today. I’m proud of you for using your voice for good.
This impacted me , & I truly admire this piece’s beauty & your honesty & vulnerability in writing & sharing it. Thank you Jonas , I am proud of your strength & ability to speak up — for others , & in your articles. Keep going , the world needs it.
I have been sitting here for 10 minutes now trying to type an answer. But I am really lost for words.
I admit I needed to pour quite a lot of heart into this article. It wasn’t easy to express in a way it felt right to me. Writing, editing, re-writing and editing again for hours of hours. Worrying whether it’s good enough now. Unsure whether I am happy with it in the first place.
Reading your comment just makes my day. Stratch that - my whole Substack journey I started a couple of weeks ago. Which is pretty much my whole writing / blogging journey.
Sincerely, thank you. I am beyond happy it resonated with you. That there were ideas and small things for you to take away from. And maybe even learn from.
All the best! (And don’t stop Muay Thai training :-P)
It’s easy to just tell myself “he’s wrong, I’m right” but reality is never that easy. I also missed out in this specific example. And there’s always reasons. Sometimes even good ones. On both sides. Admitting, accepting and writing like that is the most challenging but also most interesting part though.
Thank you, truly. For taking the time to read, to comment, maybe even take a little bit from it.
I appreciated the vulnerability in this. We often expect transformation to mean becoming a completely different person, but sometimes it’s about seeing ourselves with more compassion and accepting all the parts that brought us here. A powerful reminder that progress can be quiet and deeply personal.
Thank you so much. For reading and commenting. And putting your own thoughts to it. That made my day. Vulnerability is such a difficult yet powerful topic.
No problem! It was nice to see your perspective it was a lovely read. Don’t shy away from promoting your work on my page! Keep going ✨
You have the gift of a novelist. What marvellous writing. I finished the piece and instantly connected it to Joseph Conrad’s work. I don't know why, but you resemble him.
Thank you, truly. It makes my day to hear that <3. I need to research about Joseph Conrad asap.
my pleasure.
You really do make the reader feel like you’re in the room and that’s not easy! Beautifully layered piece that also reminded me of my TKD days. A question this raises in me is what good is a meritocracy if it’s no good at teaching others. Thank you!
Thank you, truly. For reading, for commenting and thinking about those deeper layers. I love it when my writing makes someone stop and think, even for a second. And maybe even take something from it.
As someone who generally doesn’t go to fiction literature, this kept my attention the entire time. I think you absolutely nailed this. You did a phenomenal job!
Thank you! I might be trying to write fiction-like as I am a long time fantasy lover but this is based on real events. I'm so happy you liked it!
Finally got around to this absolute applause 👏🏻
I didn’t expect to be fully immersed reading this piece but here I am! Love this work so much!!
Wow, thank you! So happy you liked it.
I've been boxing too, but today your piece made me feel what boxing really is. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, truly. I'm happy there was something that stuck with you!
Beautiful piece! Thank you for sharing
Thank you for reading!
It’s a powerful essay on power dynamics, silent injustice, and how authority can distort accountability. Even when a room stays 'full' on the surface, driving someone away through ego and lack of empathy quietly changes the integrity of the space. Beautifully written!"
Thank you, truly. I am happy there was something that resonated!
Wow ! This was amazing ! You did such a great job world building , I felt like I was there in the room with you ! You were beautifully descriptive & described so well the feeling everyone in the audience has shared — uncomfortable , hushed , worry. Then , saying something & that being met with dismissiveness & an ego reminder that maybe I’m simply just too weak , maybe I just can’t handle it.
I’ve trained Muay Thai at multiple points in my life & reading this felt like I was back in the gym , experiencing this exact struggle. Either myself the one weak on the floor , or witnessing it happen to someone who wants to learn , but isn’t getting the respect & patience they need.
This situation repeats itself in many aspects of life , & as a woman , this situation can especially fester in our day-to-days , so this story may be your own , but you are representing everybody , everyone who’s ever struggled , who’s ever been pushed to the ground & apologized for not being strong enough. So thank you ! & everyone who reads this is inclined to be a little bit kinder today. I’m proud of you for using your voice for good.
This impacted me , & I truly admire this piece’s beauty & your honesty & vulnerability in writing & sharing it. Thank you Jonas , I am proud of your strength & ability to speak up — for others , & in your articles. Keep going , the world needs it.
I have been sitting here for 10 minutes now trying to type an answer. But I am really lost for words.
I admit I needed to pour quite a lot of heart into this article. It wasn’t easy to express in a way it felt right to me. Writing, editing, re-writing and editing again for hours of hours. Worrying whether it’s good enough now. Unsure whether I am happy with it in the first place.
Reading your comment just makes my day. Stratch that - my whole Substack journey I started a couple of weeks ago. Which is pretty much my whole writing / blogging journey.
Sincerely, thank you. I am beyond happy it resonated with you. That there were ideas and small things for you to take away from. And maybe even learn from.
All the best! (And don’t stop Muay Thai training :-P)
I'm embarrassed to say I was also at a loss for words. Great story. I liked the way you portrayed the flawed character in all of us.
It’s easy to just tell myself “he’s wrong, I’m right” but reality is never that easy. I also missed out in this specific example. And there’s always reasons. Sometimes even good ones. On both sides. Admitting, accepting and writing like that is the most challenging but also most interesting part though.
Thank you, truly. For taking the time to read, to comment, maybe even take a little bit from it.
I’m so glad to hear that Jonas , I hope you have a long & bountiful writing journey :) Feel free to DM me !