Hi! You’re receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to my former newsletter, The Makings. You can read more about my plan (or lack of plan!) for Stay Soft below, or unsubscribe using the button at the bottom.
Is there ever a good time to start something? I’ve had this (unused) Substack page for 5 months; I’ve been thinking about softening for years. This post has been delayed for all the usual reasons. Specifically, a desire to consider a new project carefully:
Do I want a new project? How does one keep a project from taking over their life? If I start a new project I should really take the time to make it GOOD. What does GOOD even mean? (Who has time for GOOD?) Woah, GOOD feels like a lot of pressure. Pressure feels like the antithesis to softening….
And so on and so forth.
While walking last week I realized that the only project I can welcome right now is one that fits the current confines of my life. One that’s a little bit messy and unpredictable. One that’s allowed to grow into whatever it wants to be. If that sounds like your jam, welcome! It’s an honor to share whatever this will be with you.
Here’s what I know:
I’m interested in holding space for ideas and resources that help us cultivate a more tender relationship with ourselves, one another, and the beautiful and hard parts of being human. I expect this might include poems and parts of books that delight me, links to favorite podcasts, and the psychological nerdery I’m digesting as I finish grad school and learn from my therapy clients.
I expect these notes will be short-but-regular, and contain typos and half-developed thoughts—and sometimes just a favorite quote and/or link or two. I wrote a few more words about my intentions for Stay Soft, and you can read them over here.
It’s December, which is a time notorious for high expectations, hustle & deadlines. What areas of your life might benefit from a “soft & messy” approach? What is a need you can meet for yourself, without waiting for January 1 or a convenient time? What discomfort or dialogue emerges as you think about welcoming more softness?
I am eager to read your Stat Soft newsletter, as it evolves. This fits me where I am now. I like the word softly, and wonder how this idea will speak to me. Thank you, Laura.
beautiful. and excited for whatever - softly - develops here. thank you, Laura.