15 Comments
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Jamie Park's avatar

HAYYY, this is definitely something to be proud of — congratulations! And happy birthday! But also, what a wonderful feeling to recognize that while this is no longer new, it also means your body, mind, heart, and soul are craving for the next adventure. And understanding that's part of our brain chemistry makes the anticlimactic nature of it mean so much more. You're somewhere new. And that is beautiful. So proud of you! ♥

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Brit Stueven's avatar

I can't tell you how much your love and support around ALL of this means to me. I also just re-listened to what you shared with me on Voxer. Love the way you think about the next steps as you climb down the mountain and having another goal in place. I remember reading something -- I believe when I was feeling post-book publishing depression -- about how important it is to have something "book-ended" shortly after something like a book launch or a wedding or something you plan, plan, plan for a long, long, long time...and it's just...over. That can be really hard to swallow!!!! So, having something else to look forward to -- whether it's a vacation or a gathering with friends or even a new project -- can be so healthy for the 'ol brain and heart!!!!

I could geek out about this with you for hours!!!!

Thanks again for chiming in and for all your love. It's been wonderful reconnecting.

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Jamie Park's avatar

That is such a great idea — having something after the BIG thing. So can shift the momentum, savor it, and start the next thing. Big love to you, sister. <3

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Jodi's avatar

This was so real and inspiring! So lucky to be here on your journey!!

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Awwww!!!!! I am so grateful for you and feel the exact same way about you!!!

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Logan Steiner's avatar

The arrival fallacy is so real! But also—look at this list of differences. It’s really inspiring, and I’m excited this will be a multi-part story, because I want to hear more!

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Awww! This encourages me to share more knowing you are eager to read. Thank you for telling me. Also. I was just digging through your Substack for the post when you talked about holding and celebrating your book. I think this one was about goalposts, too?!?!! Anna Rollins (who commented above) is journeying with her first book and feeling a lot of similar things you were at the beginning. I want to share that post with her. Can you share the link with us? Please and thank you!!!

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

Happy Birthday and Happy Sober-versary!

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Oh, my goodness!! Mary!! Wow!! It's so good to see your name pop up. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I look forward to keeping up with your writing now!!

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travis henry's avatar

Good stuff today Brit! Happy Birthday!

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and sharing this with me!!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, TOO!!! It never gets old!

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Anna Rollins's avatar

This is super inspiring! And your discussion of the Arrival Fallacy feels so relevant to much of what I'm experiencing in my life right now. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with us!

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Oh, my gosh, this inspires ME! I'm glad this connected with you. So the stuff you're experiencing right now...does it have anything to do with the 'ol book?? Ehhh??? We gotta catch up!!!!

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Anna Rollins's avatar

Ha! Of course. Now I’m worried about promotion. And the next book! What is wrong with me?!? 😂😂

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Brit Stueven's avatar

Oh, girl -- I feel that!! I FELT that. I'm thinking about a post that Logan Steiner (who actually commented below -- and if you aren't following her yet, you better!!) wrote about this and how she finally let herself hold her book and celebrate it. I'm going to ask her for the link. I think she also talked about goalposts in it, too!!! It was so good.

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