"How does an anxious, “I like guaranteed outcomes before I begin anything” person like me persevere?" I'm right there with you. It took me years of gathering up the strength and courage to leave a depleting job (that was paying me money every month) and start on this more soul-aligned, exciting journey of holding space, creatively, for others. I still don't have an answer other than "because it is the only way that's right for me".
Oh wow—this spoke straight to my heart. As a mom and creative entrepreneur, I felt every word of this. The courage it takes to step off the traditional path, especially after pouring so much into a “guaranteed” career, is enormous. And yet, your honesty, vulnerability, and beautifully grounded perspective offer such a powerful reminder that our worth isn’t tied to outcomes—but to the essence of who we are and the love we bring to the work. 🦋💖
Beautiful essay! This is reminding me of the “sunk cost fallacy” which I thought a TON about when I left my successful and secure teaching career after 11 years to be a stay-at-home mom with a couple low-paying “side gigs.” It was HARD to give up job security, a decent paycheck, and mostly the knowledge that I’d put so much time, money, heart, effort, etc. into my career. But, at the time, it really was the best possible move. Those decisions are tough as hell to make. Mostly, I want to say, thanks for writing this! 🩷
You're welcome and thanks for sharing your story! The sunk cost fallacy is real. And I think we often fail to recognize the immense ways we're growing in the process, what we're learning and building along the way.
This was a lovely reminder for me today as I begin another round of querying! 😊💗
I loved reading this. I've always seen myself as someone who's living in a very "non-linear" fashion and honestly, it supports my non-linear brain even if it looks a bit messy. Plus I feel more content inside, even if the outside takes a little while to catch-up.
I saw recently that someone shared how Einstein is associated with the quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results" and whilst this is true in some contexts, and sometimes changing our approach / energy towards how we do something is important, I also believe that its the repetition in our movements in something our whole being believes in, that allows us to arrive at the gold - basically, keep querying 💖
You can do it for sure if you want to. That book deserves to be shared to the world. Momentum is on your side, you have been stacking miracles with your hard work 🌱
Aww, thank you, Keva! I love that visual of "stacking miracles." It helps to be surrounded by other courageous creatives like yourself! Sending a hug from the U.S.!
You're welcome! You've also cheerleaded me many times—creative sisterhood support all the way! Our creative path isn’t an easy one, but the joy of creating and the mindful people in our radar can definitely ease the journey.
You need to do a tutorial on that query process—I really want to dive deeper into it!
As for self-publishing, feel free to reach out if I can help. I definitely need to share more behind-the-scenes.
🔥 I also think you have a great chance of getting your book out there—you already have a manuscript, an engaged audience, and the marketing awareness to push it through.
It really does make a world of difference to be surrounded by community and others charting their creative path alongside you. I'm so grateful for our friendship!
I love the idea of doing a tutorial on the query process---I was so intimidated when I first started out! I sent you a message about maybe sharing our ideas and collaborating on the querying/self-publishing journey?
I'm always looking for ways to work together again, you know! 😊
I agree. It helps us feel less alone. Me too, I am grateful for our friendship, and it all happened thanks to a Note (back in the day).
Oh! That could be interesting. I am focused on the creating and publishing part, but I need more support with the query process. It could be a good combo indeed.
Yeah, it was a fun experimental project. I think it can be a fun new collab!
Thanks and sending the same + good vibes from France :)
"How does an anxious, “I like guaranteed outcomes before I begin anything” person like me persevere?" I'm right there with you. It took me years of gathering up the strength and courage to leave a depleting job (that was paying me money every month) and start on this more soul-aligned, exciting journey of holding space, creatively, for others. I still don't have an answer other than "because it is the only way that's right for me".
Oh wow—this spoke straight to my heart. As a mom and creative entrepreneur, I felt every word of this. The courage it takes to step off the traditional path, especially after pouring so much into a “guaranteed” career, is enormous. And yet, your honesty, vulnerability, and beautifully grounded perspective offer such a powerful reminder that our worth isn’t tied to outcomes—but to the essence of who we are and the love we bring to the work. 🦋💖
Congrats on making the move. I did the same as you, also to write. Take a look at my Stack and let me know what you think.
This resonated SO MUCH for me today! Thank you!!
And I can't wait to read your finished (and published!) work!
I'm so glad! And thanks for the encouragement! Currently revising another query letter, haha! 🤞
Beautiful essay! This is reminding me of the “sunk cost fallacy” which I thought a TON about when I left my successful and secure teaching career after 11 years to be a stay-at-home mom with a couple low-paying “side gigs.” It was HARD to give up job security, a decent paycheck, and mostly the knowledge that I’d put so much time, money, heart, effort, etc. into my career. But, at the time, it really was the best possible move. Those decisions are tough as hell to make. Mostly, I want to say, thanks for writing this! 🩷
You're welcome and thanks for sharing your story! The sunk cost fallacy is real. And I think we often fail to recognize the immense ways we're growing in the process, what we're learning and building along the way.
This was a lovely reminder for me today as I begin another round of querying! 😊💗
I loved reading this. I've always seen myself as someone who's living in a very "non-linear" fashion and honestly, it supports my non-linear brain even if it looks a bit messy. Plus I feel more content inside, even if the outside takes a little while to catch-up.
I saw recently that someone shared how Einstein is associated with the quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results" and whilst this is true in some contexts, and sometimes changing our approach / energy towards how we do something is important, I also believe that its the repetition in our movements in something our whole being believes in, that allows us to arrive at the gold - basically, keep querying 💖
Thank you, love! Your support is truly nourishing. I'm humbled by your encouragement and sending some right back to you!
You can do it for sure if you want to. That book deserves to be shared to the world. Momentum is on your side, you have been stacking miracles with your hard work 🌱
Aww, thank you, Keva! I love that visual of "stacking miracles." It helps to be surrounded by other courageous creatives like yourself! Sending a hug from the U.S.!
You're welcome! You've also cheerleaded me many times—creative sisterhood support all the way! Our creative path isn’t an easy one, but the joy of creating and the mindful people in our radar can definitely ease the journey.
You need to do a tutorial on that query process—I really want to dive deeper into it!
As for self-publishing, feel free to reach out if I can help. I definitely need to share more behind-the-scenes.
🔥 I also think you have a great chance of getting your book out there—you already have a manuscript, an engaged audience, and the marketing awareness to push it through.
Sending hugs from France ☕️
It really does make a world of difference to be surrounded by community and others charting their creative path alongside you. I'm so grateful for our friendship!
I love the idea of doing a tutorial on the query process---I was so intimidated when I first started out! I sent you a message about maybe sharing our ideas and collaborating on the querying/self-publishing journey?
I'm always looking for ways to work together again, you know! 😊
Big hugs from the U.S.! 💗
I agree. It helps us feel less alone. Me too, I am grateful for our friendship, and it all happened thanks to a Note (back in the day).
Oh! That could be interesting. I am focused on the creating and publishing part, but I need more support with the query process. It could be a good combo indeed.
Yeah, it was a fun experimental project. I think it can be a fun new collab!
Thanks and sending the same + good vibes from France :)
Cheering you on, and sending hugs, Mariah. xo
Thank you, Victoria! Cheering you on, as well! Caregiving is perhaps one of the most “non-traditional” roles and you deserve so much recognition! 🙌💗
Thanks, Mariah - Right back to you too, Mariah! xo