I’ve been writing consistently for the past ten or so years. Being an English major and someone to whom writing has come very naturally, putting my thoughts and emotions down on paper (usually digital paper, at this point) just feels natural. My writing has generally always been well-received, often followed by DM’s/texts/emails/calls saying things like “thank you for saying what I’ve been thinking for so long,” or “I didn’t know other people felt this way,” or “you inspired me to finally xyz,” etc, etc, etc. Messages like this are what inspire me to continue writing, even when I question who will care about what I have to say.

Up until this point I’ve always “published” my work on social media—because it’s accessible, easy. And for me, safe.

I know—some people would think baring your soul on social media is the farthest thing from safe—but to me, I don’t feel any shame in sharing experiences I am having because I know there is no way in hell someone else isn’t going through the same thing, or at least something similar. Also, most of my family already thinks I’m weird af, so I truly don’t have much of a “normal” reputation to lose with anyone. 🤣

Truth be told, my actual biggest fear is taking myself seriously. To really get serious and make something out of my writing other than the well-received facebook post. Maybe even getting “for real” published. There’s a whole bunch of loaded reasons for my fear of “making it” with writing, but I’ll save that for another newsletter.

Actually starting a publication (this newsletter, for example,) and holding myself to my real passion—writing and content creation—on a schedule, treating it like a real thing that I do and not just cosplaying a writer when I want to feel fancy—is scary.

Because what if it actually goes somewhere? What if this newsletter actually takes off? What if my job truly becomes “being a writer”???

Is that enough suffering to be worthy in a world where we are constantly told that everyone hates their job and to get ahead you just have to keep grinding through the misery??? Will people respect me, if the hardest thing I do all week is go to the coffee shop and type on my $1,200 MacBook??

We are still so much in a culture that equates worthiness with effort, and even more, suffering. So, if I just do the thing that comes naturally to me, brings me joy and I’m good at, very little effort or suffering involved—what will that mean about my worth as a human in this capitalistic world? I know this might sound insane, but this is a thought that tortures me daily. We have been well-indoctrinated. There is a deep part of me that is afraid to follow my joy, and be eaten alive by judgement. There are many parts of me that think finding true joy in your work is too good to be true.

I don’t know, I really don’t. But it’s time for me to explore that real possibility of maybe, just maybe, this writing thing being more than just a hobby. To really lean into and be proud of the fact that I am good at this communication thing, people like to read my stuff, and maybe something can come from it.

(But don’t worry—I still have business consulting clients to pay the bills as I take my dream a little bit more seriously. There’s nothing wrong with a little safety net, and a good dose of reality.)

So here I am—baring it all to you. In hopes that when I let you see me, you feel a little bit more seen. When you hear me, you feel a little bit more heard. And that you can know that the human experience—all of it—is just so—normal. And whatever you are going through is, ok.

…and maybe encourage you to own what you are good at, and lean into your strengths more deeply this year, knowing that judgement may come, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of the joy following your passion can bring.

What to expect henceforth (yes I am a real writer now so I use fancy words like that!)

The base level of this weekly newsletter will continue to be free, forever and ever, amen. But I have decided to add some extra juicy stuff that will be a low monthly subscription charge. I am really excited about what will come with this addition.

Here is what this new set up will look like:

With the free version of this newsletter, you can expect a weekly email early Sunday morning (this may change, but I am digging the idea of you drinking your coffee and reading my writing 😃). This will be my weekly love letter to you all—full of thought-provoking, spiritual, inspirational, educational, and entertaining (at my own expense, of course 😜) content. If you have liked my newsletters up until this point, you can expect more of that.

Now this is what I am really excited about 😅

In addition to my normal writing, you now have the option to “upgrade” to the premium subscription of this newsletter, where you will get bonus content. This will include:

• Monthly Tarot Card Reading for Your Astro Sign every month to your inbox

• Full Moon, New Moon Readings and Solstice/Equinox Readings sent to you

• First access to reading openings and discounts

• Bonus Newsletters and Exclusive Content

I used to offer my monthly astrology readings, full and new moon and equinox readings for individual pricing. Now, with the subscription price, all of those are included on a regular basis.

I did this to allow your spiritual maintenance to seem a little bit more automatic, instead of randomly purchasing small readings here and there. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying all of them individually.

With this change, I will be sending less newsletters, but they will be more intentional.

With the premium subscription, every month, you can expect to get your monthly outlook for your astro signs, and then stay in tune with the cycles of the moon as you will receive a new moon and full moon reading every cycle. You will also receive seasonal readings to align with the equinox/solstice.

The subscription is a way for you to stay accountable to your spiritual work and connection, with regular “check-in’s” and guidance.

The upgrade is an easy $15/month, and will always stay that way for founding members who start at that price. The pricing will go up after January.

I’m getting my sh*t together in 2024

I’m telling you, this is the year I start taking myself seriously again. It’s been a while, and it feels good to get back on a schedule and get serious about the way I am showing up for you all.

I love doing this work. I believe in the power of self-expression, connection, tarot, spirituality. We need it more than ever. Our world is changing, and we have the choice to lean in and shift with it. I’m honored to be in this with you.

So thank you, no matter if you stay “free newsletter” status for a while, or if you upgrade—I appreciate you.

My energy is inspired by you all, and the people you continue to grow into.

Thank you, and here is to the journey of 2024!

xoxo

Sarah