While The Man and I were in Florida a few months ago, we drove by a forest fire. I know, it wasn’t a legit forest fire. It was a controlled burn. I don’t know a lot about controlled burning aside from the fact that it sounds like an oxymoron. I know it’s supposed to be good for the foliage and such. I also know they do it on purpose. And for what it’s worth, I rolled down my window to take this photo and it was hot. Really hot. Like, let-me-clean-out-my-pores-on-my-face- now-that-I-just-got-a-steaming hot. I couldn’t believe how close the fire people were to it, working hard to control all that burn. I have a new respect for firefighters.
At the risk of sounding all purpose driven life-y, there are some things I’m doing on purpose. I know myself, and I know I can get caught up in things just because it’s what you do without really stopping to consider why. I’m sure every profession has their own version of that. Being a writer definitely does. You have to have a website with your name at the top! You have to travel and speak at tons of places to sell your book! You have to know how to pray out loud while someone softly plays the piano! And my head spins. And I question things. And I want to choose on purpose what I do while remaining true to who I am.
With that in mind, I want to share with you three things I’m doing on purpose. Hopefully, they are things you will benefit from, which is why I’m telling you.
Grace for the Good Girl Summer Book Club
When I mentioned last week I might like to do a loosely organized summer book club with you, I thought maybe 30 of you would do it. So far, there are nearly 200 interested in joining in. And so my “loosely organized” book club is slowly morphing into a semi-structured book club. I’ve recruited the help of my virtual assistant (have I introduced you to her? Ah, the things I haven’t told you yet…) We have read through every comment on that post and are feeling our way through what will serve you best (and not make us crazy). I’m so excited! Stay tuned next week for more details and exact start date.
Updates from Chatting at the Sky
One of my goals this year was to send out a monthly update newsletter-ish type of thing. This was hard for me. I went back and forth for months – why do I want to add one more thing to people’s inboxes? How can the updates remain a gift and offer readers a place for their souls to breathe while also providing information?
In the end, here are 4 reasons why I decided to develop a monthly newsletter.
- to have another way to connect with you besides the blog post
- to offer exclusive content
- to update loyal readers with any happenings that may not get front page on the blog
- to share books I’m reading as well as quality links to other blogs that I think may encourage you
I understand the trust exchange that takes place when you give out your email address. I hoard my personal email address – No, Old Navy, you may not have my email! No I will not give you my zip code! I respect your time and your privacy. Your email will never be used for any reason other than these updates and you can unsubscribe at any time. My 3rd newsletter will go out next week – if you are interested in receiving it, sign up here. (You can check the box for Summer Book Club if you’re interested in learning more about that). If you would like a preview as to what these look like, here is last month’s newsletter.
The Influence Conference
When Hayley (The Tiny Twig) asked me to consider speaking at The Influence Conference in October, I hesitated. Not because it didn’t sound amazing (it does), but because I’m trying to be laser focused with those things I say yes to, especially when it means traveling away from home. But something about this one intrigues me. I talked with The Man about it, spent some silent time listening and considering what I may have to share with the group this conference might attract, and I decided that The Influence Conference was a good fit. Maybe it will be a good fit for you, too? It will be held October 11 – 13 in Indianapolis. Here are the speakers and here is the conference website.
Are there things in your schedule that you do just because it’s what you’re supposed to do? What are some things you’re doing on purpose?
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