| It’s been one year since Crummy Conversations was published and it seems appropriate that I would reflect on the past year and share some highs and lows from the experience. Highs? Many. Lows? Some. And isn’t that the truth about most life experiences? My biggest take away from last year, as I reflect, is gratitude. The amount of people in my community of friends, family, and colleagues who have shown me what support looks like has been incredible. Thank you for every kind word you shared with me while I tackled publishing a book when I (mostly) had no idea what I was doing. Thank you for buying a book some of you will never read because you wanted me to find success. This past year, I’ve heard the whisper of “what’s next” get louder and louder. There isn’t the next project, or book, or opportunity at my fingertips and as this one-year anniversary approached the pressure to have something became almost oppressive. Some of you might have wondered why I’m not offering more communication tools or products or why you don’t see me advertising classes or groups. Some of you might be wondering what I’m writing next. I, for sure, wonder that as well. It’s tempting to offer you (and myself) some explanation about the lack of… next things. The most honest truth I can offer, however, is this: Like other pivotal life experiences, the writing, publishing, and subsequent opportunities that followed the release of Crummy Conversations have led to new insights, a deeper understanding of the research, and an expansion of my work far beyond what I first anticipated. And I don’t know yet how I want to move forward with this somewhat deeper, somewhat different, understanding. So, I’m waving the white flag of surrender on the what’s next struggle for now. Instead, I’ll say: What a year. Thank you for being here with me for this experience. Next, I’ll write about nothing or something when the time allows. Next, I’ll swim lengths, hike with my dog, be present for my kids, be loving to my spouse, read a fiction book (maybe, but that one is unlikely), work my day jobs, jump at opportunities as they arise, and of course, bake cookies. –Michelle |