The Message: I think I’m back (for real this time)
I miss the practice of regular sharing. Of diving into a subject so deeply you excavate depths you never imagined. Put more simply, I’ve missed writing this newsletter. I know it’s been awhile (over a year 😬) with only intermittent notes. But after a few years of managing an illness that destroyed my strength, stamina, and imagination, I’m slowing coming back to myself. Or coming into who I am becoming.
So consider this a reintroduction of sorts. I still want to share tips, resources and insights to make you a better storyteller and communicator. I still believe we’re all storytellers. But I imagine this will be a bit more flexible in terms of subject matter as I reestablish my footing. It will remain human, and honest, and hopefully still helpful to you as you work to share you own stories with impact.
I’m still running my storytelling-led, strategic communications consultancy. And growing Re-Work. I’m also working on a new writing project in the slowing wake of the launch of my kids book so my storytelling adventures continue. I’ll share what may be helpful as I go. Full disclosure: this newsletter is part of my play practice as I integrate rest play and creativity into my work in ways that keep me healthy, engaged, and not burnt out. So the content will reflect what feels like play to me.
In each note, I’ll share a message, a practice or lesson, and a story well told. Here’s the practice for you.
A Practice Worth Sharing
I use this feelings wheel at the start of every workshop I run. It’s meant to ground people in how they’re showing up. But it does something more important as well. It gives them a chance to practice something many of us struggle with: self compassion. It’s a way to invite kindness toward yourself and non-judgement as we set off on a journey together. I encourage them and now you to at the beginning of a journey or project to start from where you are, without judgement. That’s what I’m doing every time I start a new project, a new work days, a new story. It’s what I’m doing right now as I write this note to you. I’d encourage you to try it and see how it helps shape your efforts and your stories.
A Story Well Told
I wish this were about the Odyssey but the hunger games of imax ticket procurement means I haven’t seen it yet. But that’s maybe a good thing because it means I get to share with you a creator who helped me get through the past few years and inspired me in so many ways to explore, play, and try even when it felt hard. Trixie Mattel.
She is a drag queen, youtube creator, podcaster, and makeup company owner. The makeup part is where she got me. It was through her tutorial videos that I was able to reconnect with a sense of play and fun and the power and magic of storytelling. Each of her lines tells a cohesive, engaging story. Following her is a masterclass is in marketing, communications, storytelling, branding, and showing up humanly in a world that sometimes makes you feel like you shouldn’t. Get into it. Start with a youtube video and see where the adventure might take you.
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