Hey there,
It's only been, and already been, eighteen days since my last writing. A blip and a whole season at once.
How have you been? Any news...good or bad? Any revelations? Any good shows or books? Great conversations that really made you think? I'd love to hear.
I'm in a season of major and micro changes.
On one hand, my daily life for the past couple months involves tracking every single thing I eat so I can get to the bottom of my embarrassingly years' long gut issues. Happy to report the data is doing its job and giving me answers to share with my GI in September.
On the other hand, I'm in laser-focused research mode for my next big move. The past 3 1/2 years have been giving me data to support what I can no longer ignore about my work, my business, my life. Long story short, the business is changing.
The truth is it's been changing. It always is. No such thing as static. But I now have 3 1/2 years of data and newfound clarity about where to take it. Thank god!
This is the macro change. Bigger. Slower. Long view kind of stuff. It comes with a clear vision (that's taken time), extraordinary self-trust, strategic planning, and reimagining my here and now.
Someone told with me the other day that they're in a chrysalis period. This made me think about the imaginal stage in metamorphosis — the time when the insect forms wings, eyes and antenna. The stage between chrysalis goo and winged magic.
Imaginal and imagining is, in essence, about forming.
Forming an idea. Forming wings. Taking shape. From nothing to something. From one thing to something else.
What are you (ahem) imagining for yourself?
I'm telling you, imagination is magic. Don't underestimate yours.
Spiritual woo, dreaming and contemplation don't get credit in the dominant culture but it's the stuff a meaningful life is made of.
It's the stuff that your next big move is made of.
Whatever yours will be, you have to imagine it first. But, you have to not know for a while (you can't get to knowing without not knowing unfortunately). You have be totally unsure, scared and terrified even (chrysalis goo). From there you can then begin to imagine alternatives.
What do you think the caterpillar thinks about as it goes from furry cuteness to slimy goo? I'm guessing it's not thinking about flying. It's probably hoping to turn back into what it was — familiarity.
But we can't go back to who we were. There's no such thing. We can try. We can pretend. We can act like we're still into whatever we used to be into. How we used to be. Who we used to be.
But the truth is, you've changed. I've changed. We've all changed.
Nature teaches us that everything is changing all the time. Why would we be any different?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I hope you have moments of quiet alone time. Moments of joyful togetherness. Moments of imagination and playfulness. Moments of rest.
The Culture Club Founders are currently tasked with building practices of rest, play and treating themselves like they're their most beloved. I encourage you to do the same.
If you're up for it, I'd like to hear how you've been. What you're thinking about. The good and the bad. You can tell me anything. Reply, won't you. 😊
Lots of love,
Annie
p.s. Two waitlists are now open: 2026 Emerging Artist Retreat and The Culture Club.
p.p.s. I have 6 Back Pocket Guidance spots in July/August. Take a look. When you're ready, take a spot.
p.p.p.s. Two books I'm reading/re-reading: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, La Frontera by Gloria Anzaldúa.
p.p.p.p.s. Matt's new single, Wait To Walk Into The Light, is truly one of my favorites. And, I made the cover art by hand ✍🏽 which I feel proud of. Give it a listen wherever you stream music. 🎧 👏🏽
A Gallery of June & July Joy