‘Somewhere along the way everything fell in place’

1 year in and I'm still trying to figure out what this column is about.

I’m currently eating french fries and drinking a glass of milk, watching Kai Cenat on Twitch and thoroughly enjoying it—am I too old for this?

Happy one year of writing to me! 🥂

This time last year, I took the leap and launched this little column on Substack and I’m so glad I did. I remember it clearly. It was Super Bowl Sunday (just like today—let’s go ¹Chiefs! Or Eagles…whatever, I’m really here for Kendrick). While I was beyond excited for Usher, I was also nervous about hitting send on my very first post. Before doing so, I wanted to find the perfect title. With Usher heavy on my mind, I decided to name it after one of my favorite songs of his, Something Special. The lyrics captured exactly how I felt in that moment, just as this post’s title—another lyric from that same song—perfectly fits where I am right now.

And then somewhere along the way, everything fell into place. After I ripped off the bandaid and got past the first post jitters, I was off! What started as a bi-weekly column turned into a whenever-the-mood-strikes kind of writing, without overwhelming your inbox, and I love it here.

So, what have I accomplished in a year on Substack?

Well, I managed to welcome a little more than 100 of you here, and that means everything. I also launched two additional sections: Pouring Coffee in the Dark and more recently, Heartbutter, which I don’t think I’ve officially introduced! Heartbutter is where all my philanthropy writing lives, a space dedicated to spreading goodness through stories of generosity, entrepreneurship, and meaningful work. There’s more to come in this space, including posts on entrepreneurship and Smile On Me, so stay tuned.

The most important thing I’ve learned in my first year here: Embrace the Unexpected

When I first started this column, I had one idea in mind. But as the months went on, I found myself veering off course in the best way possible. I’ve learned that writing isn’t just about sticking to a plan, it’s about following where the words and ideas take you, even if that means taking unexpected detours.

Along the way, I discovered my true voice. This year has shown me that the best work happens when I allow myself to evolve, stay curious, and let go of the need for perfection.

I've also learned that some of my best work happens at 3 a.m., when a bomb idea wakes me up, and I have to scramble to type it into my phone notes to keep up with the thoughts racing through my mind. There’s just something about those late-night (or early-morning) bursts of inspiration that make the words feel the most real.

The post y’all loved the absolute most:

Out of everything I’ve written this year, this post received the most likes and comments by far. And I think I know why.

It was one of the most personal things I’ve ever shared; about my parents’ divorce, the years it took me to fully process it, and the emotions I carried from leaving my childhood home, adjusting to ‘Francis’, and watching my mom navigate single motherhood. It was about anger, change, and, ultimately, healing.

I think people connected with it because so many of us have complicated relationships with our past. Whether it’s family, home, or the way we thought life was supposed to go. Writing this was a way of making peace with mine, and I think reading it helped others feel seen in their own journeys too.

The post that brought me to tears while writing:

Some posts come easily, and some feel like they pull something deep out of you. This was one of those.

Writing The Things We Carry in Our Pockets brought me to tears because it wasn’t just a story, it was a reflection of memories, loss, and the small, everyday things that hold so much meaning. It was about what we keep, what we let go of, and what stays with us long after we think we’ve moved on.

Maybe that’s why it hit me so hard. Because fear and insecurity don’t always announce themselves—they show up in the little things, tucked away in pockets, waiting to be remembered.

Thank you. ❤️

I’m so grateful for you and am so excited for another year of embracing Everyday Ribbons in all its forms.

You might’ve noticed in all my posts, I end with a note that says:

Thank you for following along. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your support. Thank you for saying yes. I can’t do this without you and I don’t want to!

You are the reason I keep showing up at my computer desk or typing furiously on my phone in the middle of the night. I write because you read, and without you there’d be no point!

And since you’ve been enjoying my column, keep sharing it, keep inviting others to this little community, and keep commenting and sharing your thoughts and stories with me—I love it so much!

1. Actually I really want the Chiefs to win today, for my husbands sake! And a 3-peat is crazy work, so yea, How 'Bout Them Chiefs!