… let’s start with…the end of 2023….

I decided that instead of a New Year’s Resolution, I would go with a simple word. Just one word. I’ve over explained everything my entire life, so for a change, I decided to follow the old KISS rule and try something different. (keep it simple silly)

Safety.

Safety was the word that I chose for 2024 and decided I would repeat it to myself over, write it down so I saw it a lot, and over eventually I succeeded in convincing myself that I wasn’t constantly being chased by lions for the last 50 years of my life. ⚠️ I had left teaching, I had made some other life adjustments, but still my heart raced at the thought of being wrong (perceived rejection) At what you may be asking? Nice. You’ve never had anxiety.

All of 2024 tested me, asking over and over if I was who I said I was. As if the previous two years (for another time) weren’t enough.

Will you stand up for yourself this time? ✔️
Will you raise your voice for others without your privilege this time? ✔️
Are you going to put yourself aside so someone else can feel more comfortable this time? ✔️
Are you going to trust yourself this time? ✔️
Are you going to ASK FOR HELP THIS TIME? ✔️

Are you who you say you are….or do we need to go another round…? 😭

Somehow, though, somehow I was able to do it it. I convinced myself I could handle anything that came my way, positive or negative. (With so much help from friends, loved ones, and ME - more to come)

At the end of 2024, I decided my new word would be Action.

This girl (me), she (me) loves to plan things, going over the details again and again ad nauseam trying to guarantee that it’s done correctly the first time. (I know, hilarious!🤡) She (me) means well, but all that planning keeps her (me) from DOING. Also, she’s (me) learned that all that planning and thinking can be an excuse, so guess who’s now asking to be accountable for sharing?

Me. 🙋🏼‍♀️

Thank you, in advance, for your service! (Exhibit A: It’s mid July 2025 and I’m just starting this)

Next…. I will tell you about how I learned to give myself grace……🤣 😇.

Finally, I created place to collect my stories and share some things that I think are worth knowing - a general place to reflect, share some creative endeavors and collaborations with people. I will be sharing some things from the “archive” aka From My Notebooks (including my favorite love notes from students) and social media and any little bits of paper around my desk or taped to the walls. So kind of a digital scrapbook.

It’s me showing up for a promise I made to myself a long time ago - taking action.

xoxo. 🥰

Laurie