An Inspired Chat with Caitlin Gemmell

Caitlin Gemmell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I live close to nature— in a community surrounded by woodlands, gorges, nature paths, a meadow, and a pond. My days would not be complete without regular nature walks. This gives me a chance to chat with neighbors, witness wildlife, and observe the ever-changing landscape. My daily walk brings me great joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Caitlin Gemmell and I am that solitary creature otherwise known as a poet. I live tucked away in the countryside of upstate New York where I spend my days working on writing, homeschooling my feral teenager, and engaging with nature as often as possible. My poems have been widely published and anthologized, and my debut poetry collection is set to publish on November 1st! It’s called Year of the Hermit and is about the importance of solitude and quiet contemplation, a reverence for nature, and living in harmony with the seasons. I’m excited to share it!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been quiet and introspective, but with a kind of unshakable sense of self. Recently, I was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend I’ve known since I was eight-years-old. It had been around twenty years since we last saw each other. I was immediately struck by how neither of us had really changed. We both grew up with loving and supportive parents, and I think that helped us to be authentic from an early age. If anything, being present in the world as an adult has meant less time for play. Other than that, I’d say I’ve pretty much always danced to the beat of my own drums — not in an obvious way, but even though I was quiet as a child (and still am) I’ve always been stubborn. Not easily swayed by peer pressure. I just quietly do my own thing.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You know, I recently caught a glimpse of my younger self. She walked through my garden gate and sat beside me — this twenty-year-old me who was standing on the threshold of adulthood. She was so much more trusting and open-hearted than I am now. In a way, I think she has more to teach me than I could possibly teach her. She was full of magic! But if I could share one piece of advice with her it would be about leaving an abusive relationship. I stayed for years too long. I’d tell her to just leave and let the pieces fall into place after. Maybe I wouldn’t say a word to her but would just hug her and show her she is loved.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say I care deeply about living a magical life. They’d say that I need to find magic in the mundane, embrace a life of enchanted simplicity, honor and revere nature, drink tea, bake bread, write poems, watch the sunset, hug my child. They’d say that I romanticize life and am happy to be a solitary creature — for I can always find something to occupy my time and interest me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I am always and forever most peaceful when I’m blessed to be beside the sea. The sea is my solace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @caitlin.gemmell
• Other: https://substack.com/@caitlingemmell?utm_source=user-menu

Image Credits
Caitlin Gemmell