Summary

Alexandra Duncan is a millennial writer from Charleston, SC, who explores her multifaceted identity, personal struggles, and passions through poetry and memoirs, while also embracing her roles as a mother, wife, and individual navigating life's complexities.

Abstract

Alexandra Duncan introduces herself as a writer of poetry and memoirs, a mother, and a wife living in Charleston, SC. Her self-perception is complex, shaped by her experiences and the roles she plays in her life. She reflects on how others have described her, acknowledging both positive and challenging traits. Duncan identifies as a survivor, dealing with mental health issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Intrusive Thoughts, and PTSD. Despite these struggles, she finds strength in her support system and her love for writing. Her work is influenced by her past, her love for music and culture from the 90s, and her desire to engage in deep conversations about life's uncomfortable truths. Duncan's writing is a therapeutic outlet for her, and she is committed to sharing her journey, even when it's difficult or triggering. She is introspective, recognizing that her self-discovery is ongoing, and she is content with where she is in life. Additionally, Duncan maintains a presence on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she continues to share her experiences and connect with others.

Opinions

Duncan views herself as a chameleon, adapting her identity to fit different audiences and situations.
She values deep and meaningful conversations over small talk, showing a preference for intellectual and emotional engagement.
Duncan sees herself as incredibly fortunate, appreciating her happy and healthy children, hard-working husband, and supportive family and friends.
She identifies as an INFJ, suggesting she is introspective, empathetic, and values quality time with loved ones.
Duncan considers her childhood and the cultural influences of the 90s as significant in shaping her identity.
She is introspective and self-aware, acknowledging that she is still discovering who she is.
Duncan believes in the therapeutic power of writing, considering it a constant and devoted part of her life.
She is unapologetically open about her life experiences and the impact they have on her writing.
Duncan embraces her role as a mother fluidly, sometimes working and other times staying at home, depending on her mood and circumstances.
She has a dark sense of humor and considers herself hilarious to those who know her well.
Duncan is letting go of the need to chase people, indicating a sense of contentment and peace with her current relationships.
She feels that her life is somewhat mundane but recognizes the value in the simplicity and stability that "boring" provides.
Duncan is a survivor, fighting through personal challenges and mental health issues, and is committed to sharing her story through her writing.

About Me — Alexandra Duncan

Millennial writer of poetry & memoirs, mother & wife in Charleston, SC

I’m Alexandra Duncan.

My introductions have never been real; they have always been tailored to my audience. I create a “made-to-order” version of myself in new work environments, social situations, and educational settings. I’m exactly what you’ve always wanted.

“Tell me about yourself”

Do you mean my hobbies, my profession, and my hometown, or do you mean something different? Who am I really? There are too many things to make sense of in my head to make this a simple task. I think of how other people have described me in my life, both my enemies and those close to me.

They say I am strong, I am sensitive, I am a good mother, a good friend, a good listener, they say I am good. They say things that I used to care about. But now I don’t, I’m too busy.

They used to say I was beautiful, intelligent, rebellious. They also said I was crazy. I was wild and young.

To me though, I see myself a little differently.

I am the daughter of a genius, at least to me he is.

I was a child with tremendous potential. A child with a good life.

I am the victim of heartbreak more painful than I can describe.

I am a sufferer of Anxiety, Depression, Intrusive Thoughts, and PTSD.

I am a survivor and a fighter.

I am supported by a huge village.

I am a mother, sometimes a working mother, sometimes a stay-at-home mother. It depends on my mood. I am privileged.

I am an INFJ, a lover, a thinker. I am an introvert even though I desperately want my house constantly filled with people, children, and music. My love language is quality time.

I am awkward. Funny and honest. My eyes are always closed in photos.

I am recovering from myself and learning from others.

I am a 90’s kid who grew up watching Lizzie McGuire, listening to Britney Spears, and shopping at Limited Too.

I spent my childhood playing with game boys, trading Pokémon cards, and collecting Beanie Babies.

Taylor Swift’s words have saved my life and changed my life more times than I care to admit. She has sometimes been my only true friend.

I am 30 but I feel 22. I want to stop time. I’m terrified of death. I hate small talk. I want to talk about religion, politics, money, fears, addiction, and everything that makes people uncomfortable.

I am calm. I am happy (?). I am creating a life that my children don’t have to recover from. I am incredibly fortunate to have happy and healthy children, a hard-working husband, and family and friends who love me.

I have a dark sense of humor and I am hilarious if you get to know me well enough.

I am letting people go who want to go. I am not chasing anyone. I am content and comfortable.

I think I'm quite boring now. Growing up during hot Kentucky summers sitting on the front porch with my siblings my mother would say “Boring is good”. Now I understand why.

Author as a child with beloved American Girl Doll and Beanie Babies.

I am finding myself and letting people know about it. I’m going to write, and it isn’t always going to be pretty. It’s going to be triggering and it’s going to be upsetting, sometimes. Writing has always been there for me. My love for it has never changed. Its therapeutic devotion to me has never left.

I am me.

Maybe I don’t know exactly who I am and maybe that’s why I’m here.

I like to hang out on TikTok, IG (Things To Do in Charleston), and the Charleston Moms.

About Me — Alexandra Duncan

Millennial writer of poetry & memoirs, mother & wife in Charleston, SC

Why Do You Write?

I write to survive

They Could Tell

I wasn’t one of them

Get Up

Frozen in Motherhood-a Poem