Hi
Whenever I find myself in a new place - whether in real life or online - there’s always a mixture of feelings that come up: excitement, fear, hope, wonder and expectation to name a few.
I love to write but I don’t always feel like it - or feel confident or inspired when I do.
I’m hoping that saying yes to the personal challenge of joining Substack will be the beginning of a long, fun, fascinating and exciting adventure. It’s an adventure I need to go on - to express what’s on my heart, get thoughts and words out of my head, and do something messy and creative and bring order out of chaos.
I also look forward to reading what others have to say and interacting with other Substackers.
So here I am - introducing myself to the world of Substack.
So far I like what I see. I’m enjoying the experience. Being here feels good.
Why this, why now?
“I'm a writer at heart.”
A few days ago, I heard those words coming out of my mouth in a conversation. It was strange to hear them. They reverberated in my core.
Did I really just say that?
I surprised myself. Why did those words sound so true and yet so alien at the same time?
I’m both a recovering perfectionist and living in a crazy-busy, messy, full-on stage of life. Sometimes I feel confident in myself and my abilities. Other times I feel I’m caught in the mudflats of self-doubt, worry and not-good-enough.
I didn’t realise the impact and significance of those five words. I didn’t think at the time they’d lead to me sitting here, so soon after saying them, writing my first Substack post.
How did I miss Substack for so long?
How is it that I’ve only just found it?
How is it that I seem to be getting my writing mojo back?
Well, first of all there are just certain things in life that either demand attention or take priority.
Secondly, I have post-concussion syndrome (aka a mild brain injury) from a car accident nine years ago. And although, since then, writing has been a part of my recovery, I’ve struggled with it.
There’s the almost-constant pain down the right-hand side of my body. The brain fog that intermittently descends. The train of thought that so often derails. The slowing down that feels like swimming through treacle. All part of the joys of living with this condition. But I don’t want to dwell on that or write about it much. I just thought I’d mention it here anyway.
Writing has been like a healing balm when I’ve felt up to doing it. And I want to do more.
During that time I’ve managed to write several paid blog posts on the topic of post-concussion syndrome for a law firm, co-author a book on concussion recovery, write lots of Instagram posts and journal a fair amount.
So the words are there. They just don’t always flow.
But now I’m hoping that, by signing up to Substack, I’ll be more motivated again.
What kind of space will this be?
I want to share thoughts, insights and learnings from my life along with helpful and encouraging posts, particularly for mothers, speaking from my current stage of midlife.
It’s a space for thinking, breathing, questioning, learning, sharing, wondering, changing and growing. It’s a call to live more authentically, courageously, gently, fully, intentionally and wholeheartedly.
This will be a place to connect with others who share similar concerns and interests. Let’s talk about the things that really matter and grow and learn together through the joy and the mess.
What to expect
I’ll aim to share:
1 heartfelt post once a month, hopefully more often - something real and reflective
Short Notes during the week - nature notes, today’s glimmers, quotes, inspiration, random thoughts, politics, etc.
Restacks of other people’s posts - on issues as varied as motherhood, the brain, nervous system regulation, personal development, home ed, nature, social issues and whatever else I come across that I think you may be interested in too
Occasional printables or coaching tools - things I think might help or encourage
Invites to coaching offers - for a 1-to-1 coaching experience for now, maybe other offerings in the future
A few photos - to bring a little beauty and interest to your inbox and to brighten up my Substack home
I look forward to seeing where this journey leads. Please do join me if you’d like to. It’s free to subscribe - just click the button below.
Yours,
Anna
@Sandra parker Thank you very much for restocking my post. It means a lot! ☺️