An Intentional Beginning
Learning to Let Life Unfold
I’ve been watching from the sidelines for a while now, marveling at the talent here and the refreshing nature of this platform. The writers, artists, musicians, and deep thinkers who share their work so openly are incredibly inspiring.
I’ve been dabbling in creative writing for about ten years, though I’ve rarely shared it publicly. Not out of fear or hiding. Mostly because life is busy, but not always in the ways I want it to be. I’m working on that.
So it’s time to be more intentional with my time and accountable to the things that matter to me. Writing is one of them. That’s why I’m stepping into the Substack community. My hope is simply to share honestly and find my place here, while adding something meaningful to the collective. I trust that will happen if I just stay authentic and keep showing up.
At 49, I’m in the midst of a major life shift, an evolutionary period that feels both exciting and humbling in its uncertainty. I want to connect with those who are navigating similar changes as they move into the next phase of life with curiosity and courage.
I have always chased the idea of “getting ahead.” Even as I write it, it sounds absurd. Ahead of what, exactly? Life? What does getting ahead even mean? But there’s a realization that has emerged about this season: life can actually deepen and expand if we surrender to its unfolding rather than resist it. This is something I have to remind myself of often, as I slip back into my old patterns of wanting to “get ahead”, rather than surrender to the flow of life.
So as I stumble, question, and sometimes sail through my own journey, I’ll share pieces of it here. I’ll stand in solidarity with those who are struggling, and celebrate moments when things suddenly click; when an insight shifts into something meaningful in one’s life, and the path opens up just a little more.
A few other things about me:
My first name is Billie, though I’ve gone by Kay most of my life. I’m Billie at heart- it feels more like the real me- so feel free to call me that!
I’ve been married for over twenty-one years and am raising two teenage boys. My family is the center of my world and I’m deeply grateful for them, but like many people, I sometimes lose myself in the responsibilities of being a wife, a mother, and a professional in the corporate world, which is why I have to be more intentional about making sure my calendar reflects my core values: connection, health, expansion, freedom, and aliveness.
We also have a Fox Red Lab named Rubi. She’s the best! She reminds me daily how to simply be, to love unconditionally, tune into my other senses, and just have fun! The photo I chose for my Substack debut is of us hiking in Lake Tahoe because being active in nature with my pup is my happy place!
I also host a podcast called My Soul Connection, where I share what led to my midlife awakening and the journey that has since unfolded. I just wrapped the first season. Like Substack, the podcast has been a space for me to express my experience in a cathartic way, with the hope that something I share might resonate with someone out there. At its best, it becomes a point of connection. I’ve also truly enjoyed the conversations with the people I’ve interviewed along the way.
My intention here is to post about once a week. Sometimes I’ll reflect on podcast episodes. Sometimes I’ll write about whatever is on my mind. And sometimes I may try something different: maybe a poem, a short reflection, an original quote, or something unexpected. I’m intentionally leaving some space for mystery and creativity.
Thanks for reading. I hope we can connect in a grounded, human, and authentic way as this unfolds.
Billie