Hi there! I’m Daphne and I’m here to disclose real-life stories with thought and purpose. I write essays to help me process and move forward. I share them because I’ve benefited from reading so many stories other people have shared.

I also share interviews here with authors and writers. It’s so interesting learning how other people are navigating life while processing their own past experiences.  

Professional bio: I’m an oncology specialty pharmacist, a writer and reviewer for GoodRx Health, and a contributor to Forbes Health. I also manage a local parenting blog, Musical Pathways. Here, I write essays and interviews exploring generational and cultural experiences.

Why I started writing in my 40s

I think it’s normal to reach a point in life when everything starts feeling deja vu. This hit me in my early 40s — during 2017 MeToo — when the world in general was feeling Etch A-Sketchy. Everything shifting all at once — in SO many good ways — but somehow, maddingly, it all felt too familiar. So I started writing because it really helped me come to a place where I felt grounded, but not stuck.

At first, I started journaling. I felt like my kid-self again, back when I filled stacks of Hallmark diaries with my bubbly-cursive thoughts. But this time, I shared what I wrote with the people closest to me. That’s when my Gen Z daughter planted a seed: “You should pitch this somewhere. Someone would want to read it.”

A few months later, I pitched Jumble & Flow with my first story — “GenX and ‘80s Control Culture: Isn’t it ironic?” — about how 80s control culture shaped the next generation's (impossible) expectations. Since then, I’ve expanded into parenting and health content spaces. But I still love writing personal essays. They’re my favorite type of reading. I love writing them. And I love sharing them in purposeful ways.

Why I’m disclosing more than I ever imagined

I encourage everyone to share their stories, when they’re ready, and on their own terms. At some point, it’s good to ask: if not now, then when?

My brother unexpectedly died late 2022. I also work in a cancer center. So I know I don’t have forever, or even a moment more than I might expect. It’s a reminder for me to share, reach out, and connect any time I can in meaningful ways. Knowing it’ll always be imperfect. It’ll never be enough. I try not to overthink it. And just do it. 

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GenX diary-inspired stories about coming of age, generational family drama and transitions. Conversations with authors about navigating life.

People

GenX diary-inspired stories and long-form interviews with writers. Elsewhere, I'm an oncology pharmacist, health writer and reviewer. At home, I'm in Madison, WI.