|
Hi Subscriber First Name, I know I don’t typically pop into your inbox at random, but as I mentioned in the most recent issue of The Shelf, I’m in a season of transition. And I want to give you a little more info, because you’re going to begin to see a few changes around here. This email is not like what you normally receive from me (a lot more words and a lot less polished), so if you’re new here or simply don’t have brain space for a long email, please don’t be overwhelmed. Maybe scroll through the bold sentences to get the gist. :) But for the rest of you who want a little bit more, here’s the story… Early in the summer, I sensed the need to pull back from producing, so I paused Not My Story podcast for July and stepped away from most blogging and even book-writing. But it didn’t stop there. Instead of simply taking a break, I knew I needed to put everything I was doing “out on the table” and not treat any one thing as precious. I surrendered to the idea that I would not pick anything back up unless it was clear it was mine to hold. That process was slow. It had much uncertainty and weird twists that I won’t get into here. But what emerged was an exciting opportunity I did not anticipate. Something that was not even on the table! (Go figure…) This fall, I am stepping into a new role with hope*writers as Director of Community. To say that I’m excited is a gross understatement, because as a member of this writing membership community for over two years, I know its value in my own creative life and the lives of others. I’m as stoked as stoked can be! But here’s what that means for us here… It’s no secret that slow, intentional living has become a high priority of mine. For me, it’s the only way to live a sustainably connected life with my people and with God. So in order to hold this new role, I also have to put something down. That thing is the Not My Story podcast. Beginning in October 2021, I will officially step back from Not My Story, after we finish on what I think will be a high point—our Art + Ash series and then an “Epilogue” episode with me and my husband/producer Ben. We aren’t stopping cold turkey but will ease us all out. Hear this: I have loved every moment and every interaction with listeners and guests. Podcasting was so much more of a gift than I realized it would be when I started. However, in order to make room for good things, sometimes other good things have to go. I will still be sending out The Shelf and blogging (probably much more sporadically, but it will happen). But my main focus for the fall will be to allow space for me to adjust to this new role, to continue working on a book idea I have brewing, and to make sure I’m not going to get my soul in a twist in the process. Thank you to everyone who has listened to Not My Story and been part of that community. I am so very grateful. And hey…we aren’t quite done yet, so even if you’re new(ish) here, I’d love for you to join us for Art + Ash, a four-week series of conversations exploring beauty, creativity, and brokenness. It’s a truly special way for us to say farewell. All grace and peace,
|
