the power of the postscript
a space for all the things we wanted to say, but didn’t.
Within written communication, there exists a space for all the sentiments left unspoken—the nuanced, the withheld—the postscript.
With each letter, text, or email I send, an equal, if not greater, investment is made in the meticulous scrutiny of my choice of words and punctuation. The inevitable post-send apprehension looms large—Why did I send this already? I should have taken a moment to reflect on it. I don’t always need to use an exclamation point to appear easy-going. The impulse to double text arises, craving the addition of context.
P.S. I miss you!
Ugh.
P.S. I love you!
UGH.
Yet, it dawns on me that within the postscript lies a unique power, a form of absolution.
Despite its occasionally cringeworthy connotation (unless you’re a bit of a romantic like me), the postscript has evolved into my refuge. It permits the expression of afterthoughts in a playful and forgivable manner, an extension of my in-person self.
I almost always instinctively reach for my phone after a social gathering, no matter how large or intimate, to convey to my friends and new acquaintances, “loved seeing you! that was so fun! let's do it again soon, xx". A post-event postscript, if you will…
The postscript serves as my sort of digital follow-up, whether included after my email sign-off or sent as a voice note the next day. It’s all the same, isn’t it?
Through the crafting of these seemingly inconsequential exchanges, the postscript has empowered me to articulate sentiments initially contemplated but abandoned at the eleventh hour. We've all experienced that moment of hesitation, the desire to backtrack—a phenomenon that a well-placed postscript gracefully accommodates. It feels liberating when we summon the courage to voice our unfiltered thoughts. All we need is a bit of space.
This realization prompted the creation of postscriptbyliv.
Together, we'll navigate life's intricate journey and shed all the excess baggage, much like that liberating feeling of releasing what was left unsaid. We will treat this space as a digital safe haven where the unspoken transforms into our uniquely woven narrative. Anticipate essays inspired by journal entries of moments when fear held sway, reflections on the dichotomy of what's right and wrong with the world (or at least my world), and a plethora of feminist musings. Above all, find solace in this judgment-free space—a virtual place where distractions graciously yield the spotlight. Picture it as our exclusive corner of the internet where you receive the words you wished you had spoken (or perhaps only pondered, secretly reveling in not uttering them).
So join me where the earnest, not-always-serious discussions meet the quirky and candid, and saying it like it is becomes my art form. I would love it if you would subscribe, but either way, I'm just glad you’re here.
xo,
liv
P.S. Thanks for reading! :)
Here for the quirky and candid!