Take A Risk, Make A Leap Together

a new way to be together -- you're cordially invited

Hi to new subscribers. Thanks for being here!

I took the summer off and I’m baaaaack with zing in my step and a new format. Format is such a boring word - how about a new way to connect with each, and with what you desire?

If you are new here or have forgotten who I am, I wanted to be Harriet the Spy when I was eight, an enlightened master when I was twelve, and a brilliant comedy writer at 22. Instead, I became a personal growth writer, penning my first bestseller, The Woman’s Comfort Book after my first “it’s too late” moment. 

I went on to write 8 more books including The Woman’s Retreat Book, The Life Organizer, and Why Bother? and a guided journal to get on what your life all the while trying to write fiction, which I failed at many many times.

This summer, I passed the 100K mark on my novel because I refused to believe it’s too late.

me and my daughter hanging this summer

I realized this summer I’m lonely for more like-minded community. I used to have so much of it at The Oasis, my former membership community. I want to talk more about how we’re doing our lives, how we’re stretching, what we’re daring, like we did here and here. (Yes both those were about writing but you don’t have to be a writer or be writing to be part of this cool thing we’re doing!)

Here’s what we’ll do…

If you’re game.

Every month we’ll investigate one aspect or theme around it’s not too late and see what we want to shift or experiment with or leave behind. We’ll trade resources, high-fives, and generally feel less alone. And I’ll invite a guest to offer their take on the topic du jour. And I’ll weigh in too.

I’m nervous to do this but hey, that’s why we hide out in it’s too late because we’re scared so whatever. If nobody plays with me, I won’t die!

This month’s theme is Take A Risk, Make A Leap.

When something feels too late, it can be helpful to do something different! To stop the same old and pop a move or float down a river or bake a cake or go to Mongolia.

My friend Jabe has been biking alone around Europe for months. Her beloved wife Eve died last year and this was a trip they always planned on taking together. Jabe turned it into a pilgrimage mourn and reflect on what’s next, by throwing herself out of her comfort zone.

Our guest writer next week,

Anne Boyd

, took a big risk two years ago — she sold everything she owned, moved to Europe alone with only a couple of suitcases, and gave herself time to discover what’s next. Stay tuned for Anne’s thoughts coming out next Wednesday.

Risks and leaps are something I need to take regularly and mostly resist. I like to cuddle up in the bottom of deep rut and make a comfy hobbit hole, with cookies and books and shopping for the perfect pair of shoes I never actually buy. I love my rut, I hate my rut. What might get me out for a bit…?

Click the purple button and share what you want to try. A leap you’ve been contemplating, that you can feel your legs tensing and ready to take. Or maybe a risk a friend has taken that you want to celebrate.

Whatever you want to have witnessed. To put into words. To try on for size.

I want to be clear you don’t have to propose taking a big risk. It might be getting to know your neighbor or trying a new yoga class or ordering something new thing at your favorite restaurant. It’s whatever feels like a risk, a leap, for you.

AND if you have a question or need a resource, ask!!! And see if you can read a few people’s comments and offer support. No advice please, as that tends to shut us down — but please mention a book you think might be helpful or a grant program you know about, or “My sister did that and it was amazing. You got this!”

Thanks for growing with me and pushing me to do the same.

Love,

Jen

P.S. I’ll be in Denver doing a Happy Women Dinner talk on it’s not too late on September 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The ticket price includes dinner and a signed copy of Why Bother? It’ll be a cozy evening at a private home with plenty of time for discussion and connection. To register email Jill@HappyWomenDinners.com. The cost is $100. The deadline to register is 9/20. Please email Jill and let’s spend time together.