Welcome. I’m grateful for your presence here.
Why my Substack, and why now?
If you’re weary from increasing hostility and polarization in this world, if you notice the rising reactivity in people’s behaviors online and on the streets, then I invite you to stay with me a while and simply exhale. I extend my heart to you as you read this.
I offer what Richard Rohr coined “the ministry of presence,” which means the gift of my time and my heart in the way I show up for each person who crosses my path, reads my work, or types a comment.
I believe we all deserve a place to freely share our lived experience without worrying about recrimination, judgment, or criticism. My Substack corner is one of those digital places, where safety and belonging emerge through empathic listening, curiosity, and kindness.
I make this a refuge for those who feel vulnerable, raw, or choose to share their stories with me.
What my subscribers want
Permission to be human—to feel conflicted, to move slowly, to love imperfectly, and to find meaning in small moments.
To feel appreciated, seen, and deeply understood.
Nuanced and complex stories that offer a glimpse into our shared humanity.
This is a community of thoughtful, sensitive, and emotionally literate people.
If you landed here, you value emotional and reflective storytelling and meaningful human interactions.
What you’ll get
I won’t rush you toward a solution or an empty promise. Instead, I will sit with you in the midst of your unanswerable questions, ambivalence, and the tension of uncertainty.
By reading my essays, you’ll be stirred to emotion—sometimes laughter resulting from joy and delight, other times tears of healing or grief. You’ll also:
Feel witnessed, grounded, and less alone,
Have access to me as a guide in modeling emotional courage and kindness,
Become someone who practices empathy in difficult situations,
Slow down by noticing more and rushing less.
My Substack essays and guest features will help you dig deeper into discovering what matters most to you, finding your brave story and ways you want to give voice to it, and receiving support from other subscribers who respect you.
Free subscribers get:
Weekly essays on topics related to human connection;
Twice monthly guest features from authors who share their stories about strength and resilience.
Paid subscribers get all of the above, plus:
Access to my 45-minute talk, “Declutter Your Life” (spoiler: it’s not about spring cleaning);
Monthly, short video featuring Sarah and me discussing whatever is on her heart at the moment;
Monthly, one-hour virtual gathering for a chance to chat with Sarah and me.
Your paid support helps keep this space and my writing intentional and unhurried instead of transactional and frenetic. Thank you for slowing down and recognizing that the moments we tend to rush past are worth savoring.
My AI Policy:
I want you to know how I use AI in my work.
My essays, reflections, and Notes are entirely my own writing.
I never use AI to generate or ghostwrite my essays.
Sometimes I use ChatGPT to organize my written notes, brainstorm structures for projects, or shape my original ideas into outlines. I also occasionally use it to reflect back my voice to me, which can be helpful for naming patterns or themes in my work.
I believe in honesty and transparency in all communication. The heart of my publication comes directly from me, not a machine.
What Readers Say
“Your essays are beautifully written and deeply relatable. You offer a safe, accepting space for readers to leave comments. You are open-minded, brave, and honest—especially when writing about motherhood and religion.” —Beth Gainer
“Authenticity and genuineness hold deep meaning for me. You, my friend, are a person of Soul.” —Kert Lenseigne
“You help us take an aerial view of life. You invite us to celebrate and respect others who may be different from us.” —Sherry Taveras
