I made zero profit at a shopping event
But here's why I am RICH with gratitude
Last night, I was part of a Sip & Shop event that celebrated female-owned local brands, artists, and authors. Hosted and oh-so-perfectly curated by Mini Kil, founder of Everyday Sabbatical, this event took place at the Sudler Building in downtown Denver, which was recently renovated by lead designer Fiona Arnold.
Not only was I honored to have a Mama Be Present table and a spot to have many lovely convos, but oh, my goodness, seeing all these vendors in one room lit me up.
By the way: If you’re looking for local businesses to support this holiday season or simply want to be inspired by what’s possible, you have GOT to take a gander at these incredible creators:
KetiVani - Fashion with Fit & Fuction (@ketivaniofficial)
Artisan candles by Paddywax (@paddywaxcandlebar)
Mindful Metals Permanent Jewelry (@mindful.metals)
Brooke Hipp Art (@brookehippart)
Erin Hunt, author of Lovely Disaster (@lovely.disaster.book)
Home goods hand-crafted by women Threads Worldwide (@threadsworldwide)
Regan L. Rouse Photography (@reganrousephotography )
Miss Victoria Regina - Best Hats in the West! (@missvictoriaregina)
Grüvi Alcohol-Free Bevs
Hooch Booch Hard Kombucha
The Sudler by MAINSPRING (@thesudler)
Zuri Leigh performing music live (@zurileigh)
OK.
Now.
Let’s cut to what moved me to sit down and hit record this morning. In the following ditty, I talk about how even though I made zilch profit in book sales last night, I am feeling so rich in gratitude from the connection, conversations, and unexpected gifts.
If you watched: Johanna Garton’s book is called Awakening East: Moving our Adopted Children Back to China.
Too Long, Didn’t Watch:
No, my bank account didn’t budge, but I met amazing women, had much-needed laughs, and most of all, I got to connect with and encourage an 11-year-old girl who’s writing a book about dragons. Her aunt told me she was inspired to meet her first author, but *I* was the one with stars in my eyes. Seeing her face when I gave her a book was MORE than any money I could have made. Hearing her tell me I’d be the first to read hers? Priceless. (And since recording that video, she already sent me the Google Doc. Swoon!)
That is the stuff that lights me up: The wonderful surprises that show up when WE decide to show up.
I hope this reminds you that no matter what you go into next — even if it’s going on a jog or going to the store — that sometimes, you’ll have a great run. Other times, you’ll have a terrible run. Sometimes, you’ll want to cry when the cashier asks how you’re doing. Or one of those times, you just might meet your new best friend.
So, I just encourage you to stay open, because as my mom always says…
You never know who you might meet.
You never know what might happen.
Speaking of staying open, have I got an update for YOU!
Remember when I told you back in January that my friend Jodi and I decided to write and launch books together?
Yeah, don’t worry. I forgot, too. That first half of the year was rough in my brain. It took everything in me to just keep up with my newsletters! Then, summer hit, and l was reminded of why I tell myself every summer that I will take next summer off.
Now, here we are: I’m almost 9 months sober, out of the dark tunnel that birth control sent me into for 10 months, doing the heart work that God knows I need more than anything, and way more excited to guide others in writing and self-publishing their own books right now than I am about churning out my own.
For once, I’m not feeling bad about pausing or pivoting. I’m feeling excited!!
Long story short, Jodi has now invited me to join her on HER book journey. She’s asked me to hold her accountable and guide her through the process of writing a book that will give others a roadmap to relaunch their life on THEIR terms — not the world’s terms. I couldn’t be more honored.
We kicked off at the beginning of November, and holy moly. Her first rough-draft chapters aren’t even rough. They are profound. And although she writes from a place that builds immediate trust, she doesn’t claim to know all the answers. She writes from her open heart while respecting that we all have different paths.
Jodi will be sharing some of her book content and wondering what’s sticking via her Substack, which I wholeheartedly invite you to subscribe to.
Also.
If social media has you wondering if there’s any hope for humanity or you simply desire a place to connect with others on a kind, productive level…
We’re still gettin’ comfy and acquainted in there, but the mission of this free, private Facebook group is to be a digital campfire. It’s a space to dream, share, listen, tell stories, and wrap our virtual arms around each other while we roast virtual marshmallows.
Welp! I think it’s time to go power walk to some Purple Disco Machine, ask myself how the heck it’s almost Thanksgiving, and wonder all of the following:
What are your plans? Do you have any favorite traditions? What was the best part of your month? Did anything land for you in today’s letter? Hit reply or comment below!
Until next time,
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
—Maya Angelou
Love the video 💕wish I could have made it to the event but love your perspective!
Book coach Brit! Thanks for sharing so many great doses of inspiration here!