Happy Saturday, friends!
One year ago today, I published my first post on this Substack. I had been looking for something new to pour my energy into, something to focus on creatively that wasn’t work and could help me feel connected to people after so many months of quarantine and isolation and stress and fear. I wanted a way to remind people (myself included) that there are still folks rooting for them… that there’s people out there who believe in YOU, and who relate to the messy feelings we’ve had in our own heads during the pandemic.
And so, here we are!
It’s also been a year of me just trying to figure out what I wanted (want) out of this space. Of debating whether or not to change the name a million times, and reminding myself to keep writing whatever is most important to me, regardless of whether or not I think anyone else will read it.
There can definitely be a bit of imposter syndrome that comes along with putting yourself out there on the internet, particularly with something like this, where you’re actively asking people to allow you and your words into their inboxes. It’s sort of personal, you know, to be welcomed into that place, considering people have to actually opt-in (this newsletter/story-letter/note doesn’t just show up like spam… you have to seek it out via subscribing). I’m still amazed anyone reads these, but I can tell you I appreciate it so, so much. I don’t take it lightly, not one bit.
A million years ago, I was a wellness blogger, and I used to frequently joke that I knew at least no matter what happened, at least my mom would read and comment on every post. That’s obviously not an option for me anymore, since I started The Yay Club after she’d passed, so I guess it feels extra significant that there are others continuing to read my words and message/email me about things I’ve written and like posts.
I have always written to process things, and to understand myself and how I’m feeling. I’ve also always written just because I love it. When I was little, I used to create stories about imaginary characters who’s lives I was draw to go along with whatever dialogue and scene I had create in my head; I have always been a writer, and wanted to use words to help people. Even the freelance writing that I do on the side, it’s just because it’s fun and important to me, never because I want the paycheck that comes along with it (although I do appreciate that too, as an added bonus, let’s be real). Anyways, I say all that to explain why I continue to show up, rambling over here, week after week. I’m not sure if anyone else has gotten anything out of it, but I know I sure have. Sometimes we have to do things that prove we are showing up for ourselves, and it really doesn’t matter how many other people are watching as long as you’re proud of yourself.
Speaking of… here’s a gentle reminder that you are allowed to be proud of yourself, a and to celebrate the things that you do, big and small, no matter how hard or simple they may seem to anyone else. If you did made it over some hurdle or achieved some long-fought dream, GOOD FOR YOU. Yay! Be proud, and know it doesn’t matter if anyone else understands why it’s so meaningful or important to you. You can be your own hype person. (But also, I’m definitely proud of you too, and you can always email me and I’m happy to pump you up with obnoxious party emojis and all-caps responses.)
Aaaaand now I’m going to be my own hype person, and tell you I just wrote an essay for Runner’s World magazine’s website about belonging to the running community despite a knee that has decided it’s done with running. 🙃 You can read it here, if you’re interested! (Warning: if you’re not already a Runner’s World magazine subscriber or digital member, my story is unfortunately hidden behind a pay wall… while it’s only $5/month to join, but I 1,000% understand anyone not wanting to pay $$ just to read one essay. 💛) Besides being a sort of cool things professionally for me, as a writer, it’s also so special to me personally, as I read Runner’s World magazine religiously for many, many years.
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That’s it for this week, but I hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend. Can you believe it’s almost time for Thanksgiving?
Thanks for reading, and sticking around a whole darn year!
Sending you all the YAYs,
Joelle