13 Comments
User's avatar
Dillon's Diary's avatar

as a lover of fullmetal alchemist, i frequently think about the laws of equivalent exchange— what needs to be sacrificed in order to be able to receive things. it's nearly impossible to gain anything without some sacrifice, so i've had to determine what i'm willing to give up to succeed, but also what i'm willing to suffer through to build a tolerance to it. social media is one thing i struggle with as well and i'm hopeful that using it more will make it easier, but in reality it burns me out.

reading your posts helps me feel seen in my similar struggle and inspires me to post sooner on substack which i haven't gathered the courage to do quite yet, haha.

thank you for continuing to share your story in all forms!

Expand full comment
Jacque Aye's avatar

"But also what I'm willing to suffer through to build a tolerance to it" -- Yes! I'm learning every day that to live is to "suffer" in ways. We can't escape it. But hopefully, what we get in return is worth our sacrifices. Def post on Substack! It's so welcoming here. Substack and Threads are my least tiresome platforms, ha. Wishing you positive exchanges 🫡

Expand full comment
Lani's avatar

Hi Jacque!

Your substack posts and the ones on other socials always make my day, it’s so nice to see the inside of your process , because to me, you already seem cute and talented and successful!

I hope that social media becomes easier and less stressful, and that you can still have peace-of-mind in some places, I hope this provides a release, somehow. If anything, you’re motivating a black college girlie to push through hard stuff!

Big hugs, and much support ^^

Lani

Expand full comment
Jacque Aye's avatar

Thank you so much, Lani! Pushing through succckkkssss but you can do it! 💗 Thank you for reading 😭

Expand full comment
Ashleigh Faulkner's avatar

It seems like I've been on a similar journey over the last couple of years with social media/capitalism! Substack has seemed like a wonderful landing place when my heart misses DeviantArt or Tumblr Circa 2010. Full Metal Alchemist has been getting me through this year and is one of my top comfort shows.

<3

Expand full comment
Jacque Aye's avatar

Omggg YES Tumblr was everything to me! Maybe that’s why it feels so nice here. Good luck on your journey! You’ve got this 🤘🏾

Expand full comment
Kevin Chung's avatar

Love the Fullmetal Alchemist reference. I've been talking a lot more about being a nerd who watches anime on Substack recently but I think I need to do it more!

Expand full comment
Jacque Aye's avatar

There are so many lessons to be learned from anime! Even marketing lessons 👊🏾

Expand full comment
Kevin Chung's avatar

Marketing lessons and lessons on life!

Expand full comment
Iykechi's avatar

As SOON as I saw FMAB on this essay and that you’re exploring the law of equivalent exchange in relation to social media I was like ohhhhh I am going to EAT THIS UP!!! Can’t wait to read this tomorrow 🤭

Expand full comment
Jessica Phylicia Jackson's avatar

It’s such an exhausting, awkward game to play 😩 but you do it with grace and in cute clothes! I’m proud of you 🥹🩷 and can’t wait to get my copy of I Live To Serve The Witch

Expand full comment
Jacque Aye's avatar

Thank you so much!!! It’s truly the worst (having to constantly market) but we’re doing it!! 🫡🫡🫡🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

Expand full comment
Iykechi's avatar

Ok, didn’t get to it when I planned to but got to it right on time. I’ve been thinking of life recently emphasizing that it’s more reductive than additive. Subtracting the things that are keeping you from living in alignment with your souls path which then naturally adds to your motivation, capacity etc. Kinda like anti-goals if you’ve heard of that.

In thinking about law of equivalent exchange I find the things that we might need to focus on tend to bring us somewhere beyond our present wants to a more fulfilling place in the long run and when all is said and done might we say that I’ve received more riches than I gave? A bit hopeful I know.

Enjoyed reading where you’re at and what you’re currently discovering.

Expand full comment