November: Connect, Create, Collaborate
Our monthly resource exchange + why are we doing this?
“The next stage of human economy will parallel what we are beginning to understand about nature. It will call forth the gifts of each of us; it will emphasize cooperation over competition; it will encourage circulation over hoarding; and it will be cyclical, not linear.”
—Robin Wall Kimmerer
Hello!
Welcome to our monthly “Connect, Create, Collaborate” thread, an experiment in exchanging resources outside of the constraints of capitalism.
(If you’d like to jump straight into our resource exchange, scroll to the bottom of this letter!)
Why are we doing this?
Because capitalism is purely transactional. It tells us every exchange must be measured, quantifiable, and direct. It ignores the natural flow of abundance that’s circular, connective, and rooted in trust.
Capitalism relies on one source of currency to exchange, whereas a connection economy thrives on gifts of time, energy, goods, and services.
“I want to live in a society where the currency of exchange is gratitude and the infinitely renewable resource of kindness, which multiplies every time it is shared rather than depreciating with use.” —Robin Wall Kimmerer
Sharing resources beyond the limits of capitalism acknowledges that our relationships are greater than a 1:1 ratio. We don’t have to give and receive in equal measure to experience reciprocity. Sometimes we’ll have more to give, sometimes less.
The connection economy understands that our value and worth are inherent, independent of how much we have to give. It knows that receiving is just as honorable as sharing and that when we do both with a spirit of generosity, everyone benefits.
This week, I’m especially aware of how nature beautifully mirrors this principle for us. How the sunlight pours through the windows unreservedly, how the night makes no apology for its repose. How Spring bursts forth with determination, budding with life. And Winter teaches us it’s okay to prune, to rest, to retreat.
As you engage in this month’s resource exchange, feel free to break the rules a little bit. Ask for as much as you need and offer as much as lights you up and brings you joy. Trust that just by showing up, you’re opening doorways of possibility for a little bit of magic to come through.
Heartbeats Resource Exchange 💞
Our monthly resource exchange is a safe place to practice what it looks and feels like to move beyond a capitalist system of exchange. It’s a bold, yet soft way to reclaim our inherent worth, talents, and connection to each other.
How It Works:
In the comments on THIS POST
Share your city in ALL CAPS
Under "RESOURCES OFFERED" list up to 3 free resources you'd like to share (examples: tarot reading, editing services, homemade meal, etc.)
Under "RESOURCES NEEDED" list 1-3 items you'd like to receive from the community (examples: a writing critique partner, 2 hours of childcare per month, an old typewriter, painting lessons, etc.).
Connect with others by responding directly to offers/requests that interest you
If you can’t directly respond to a request, but know someone who can, invite them to participate!
Check back periodically for new connections
This thread will remain active through November 30th, with a new thread starting December 1st.
💗More ways to connect
✏️ Learn what it looks like to self-publish a literary fiction debut as a creative caregiver
I’m about six weeks out from publishing THE PATTERN SHOP—a story about a nurse who realizes she can’t save her family or her patients and decides to trade it all for a mustard-colored backpack and a one-way ticket to Ecuador, only to keep making the same mistakes.
I’m sharing everything I’m learning (including transparent cost breakdowns!) along the way and would love for it to help other authors or creative mamas. Please share these resources with a friend or ask me any questions you might have!
🌱Help our resource exchange grow!
Share this post and invite others to participate
“Heart” the monthly exchange, so it becomes more visible
Become our next co-host! Reach out to thebarefootbeat(at)gmail.com by November 15th if you’d like to share your experience or insights around building community next month.
Thank you for being here.
All my love,
Mariah
Hi! I'm Mariah, currently living in CHATTANOOGA.
RESOURCES OFFERED:
1. A unique Spotify playlist to go with the theme of your book or listen to while you're writing.
2. I can offer 3 people free spots in the Heartbeats Community Bulletin Board throughout September to promote your work or offerings. Fill out this link for more info (ignore the paid sub part, happy to offer this without upgrading your subscription). 😊https://forms.gle/9RvsEos5CrEM1ZJR6
3. A curated Pinterest board on one specific topic: Maybe it's family meals, a new hairstyle, or a vibe you'd like help visualizing. I'd love to put one together for you!
RESOURCES NEEDED:
1. Help sharing THE PATTERN SHOP (coming in early December!) I'll be doing a soft launch before the holidays, then doing more outreach starting in January--if you have podcasts, guest posts, indie book store/book club connections, or creative ideas for marketing, I'd love to hear 'em!
2. Snail mail. It really makes my whole week to get real letters in the mail. DM me for my address and I'll be happy to send something back.
3. Substack recommendations--if you enjoy this newsletter, it really makes a difference for you to add it to your "recommended" lists and add a little blurb about it!
Beautiful quotes and great idea Mariah, thank you . I am in CHAGFORD UK, I can offer a Book Club, a walk on the moors and a cup of tea to anyone who is passing .