Love it! I’m looking forward to reading about your change when you’re ready. As always, your newsletter has arrived at the perfect time. I’ve been sitting on changes of my own, pondering if I am truly ready. Reflecting on your piece, I realise it’s not fear after all. I’m very ready, I’m just avoiding the inevitable opinions of others. I won’t be hurting them, and their opinions won’t sway me. I just don’t need to hear them, as I know the change is right for me and my family. That’s not a reason to avoid pushing on - thanks for the well-timed reminder. Take care :)
That's very relatable, Hayley. The feeling you can get when people deliver unsolicited feedback/advice (or even just make a "look")... even if you know it won't sway you, it doesn't feel good. I tend to hold back on announcing anything, until I know I can handle whatever people might say. Not sharing that as advice, it's just what's true for me (even after years and years of announcing the next change, haha). Good luck with whatever change you are making, friend ☺️
I was just thinking the same thing about change. In the past, I held off changing things because I didn’t want to rock the boat and upset others. My people pleasing got in the way of making the right decisions for me. I think we are ready way before we actually make the change. Thank you for sharing.
All the best for the upcoming change! I found you via TYOL (so I really should read Adventures soon) and have been following you since - I love that you are embracing change instead of staying in a niche just because it was working for you. I hope you and this space continues to flourish 🙆🏻♀️
When I read Adventures, I shared it with my hubby and kiddo. It allowed us all to discuss the options that are available in life when we are open and listening within. Wonderful read. ❤️
It might seem obvious, but what about Adventures? (Adventures with Cait Flanders)
I appreciate your sharing and advice as well. I’m trying to settle on a name that feels me right now, or like it encompasses what I’m here with and for. I’ve written down so many, have a few possibles, I worry about settling on one and being identified with it but I worry about not having something I can easily be identified with too 😄
“ Choose what makes you feel excited. Choose what makes you feel light and free. Choose what will help you express yourself. Choose what will help you be more of yourself. That’s what we should want for one another: to be more of ourselves.” This <3 Thank you for this.
I think so! Natural belies ease and non-efforting, both of which I like :)
And thanks for sharing this. It makes me think I might benefit from asking someone if I can run a few of my ideas past them, that the outside reflections might be helpful and take me out of my own head a bit (in a good way).
Cackling at the lede here…having just spent my entire Skye visit dodging sheep shit, this is SO real 🤣
Also: yes to normalizing newsletter/blog name changes! We’ve all been so conditioned to think of these changes as super-serious (“relaunches” and “rebrands”) rather than the totally mundane, often gradual shifts that are simply the stuff of life. Yours, as always, is such a refreshing approach, and feels like a permission slip.
Ha, now I feel as though I should've warned you! 😂 But I'm sure you navigated the sh*t just fine! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. Maybe a catch-up call soon!?
Not at all…it would’ve been more surprising had it *not* been everywhere! Yes yes, I’ll drop you a line when I’m back. Can’t wait to compare notes! What a magical place 🤗
I'm here for what's true, what's honest, what's real. Because we get the rest -- everything that's not -- in nearly every other space in our lives in dominant culture. And so I'm way less interested in that the *name* is changing than I am interested in that *you're* changing, and the changing name is simply a way to be in alignment.
There's a way you could have written this essay just about the name changing that wouldn't have resonated at all. But that you're expressing this change with honest, boundaried vulnerability?! I am here for that! May we all give ourselves such grace. It's so potent.
I felt the same way when I read this post. I am a bit back logged with my Substack reading, so it seemed fitting this was the first one I started with. I love your reflection on change. People get their feathers ruffled when we change. Why? Isn’t it the normal course of life to shed old patterns and stories in order to make room for the new? I see change as a sign of growth.
To be honest I was sad when you transitioned from explore within to mindful consumer. But I’m intrigued to see where you’re headed now. It doesn’t matter what makes me (or anyone else) happy, it’s about what writing and topics light you up.
There's a lot of understanding in this comment, Katie, so thank you for that! I can totally understand and appreciate why some people might prefer a writer choose a certain path and take their work in a certain direction. I also trust people know me well enough to know every choice I make is done with a lot of intention. And, that I just want to keep being more of myself. I truly think that's one of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves, and one another. Your last sentence is beautiful. Let us all find more of what lights us up ✨
Yes to this! Always inspiring us, Cait. I’ve been feeling a name change for my Substack too. I’ve had a significant life change recently (a baby!) so I want to review the focus of my writing, although I think it will now naturally evolve and change. My Substack name was always going to be temporary too but I just never knew what to change it to! I don’t think I’m very good at coming up with names/brands etc. I see others and think ‘oh that’s a great blog name!’. I’m excited to see what your new one is 😃
Oh my gosh, Louise—a very significant life change! I am so, so, so happy for you, friend ❤️ I'm not very good at blog names either... even the new one, I don't know that it's "good." But it feels natural, if that makes sense. Natural feels good ☺️
Congratulations Mama! I fretted over my Substack name and lived into it for over a year. Last year I changed it again, but it felt like the right move. Don’t overthink it!
I'm here for this!! I've had a few name changes with my publication over the past 18 months. This summer I found my Hell Yes name and smile each time I see it. I hope this space continues to grow. Can't wait to see what you bring.
Love it! I’m looking forward to reading about your change when you’re ready. As always, your newsletter has arrived at the perfect time. I’ve been sitting on changes of my own, pondering if I am truly ready. Reflecting on your piece, I realise it’s not fear after all. I’m very ready, I’m just avoiding the inevitable opinions of others. I won’t be hurting them, and their opinions won’t sway me. I just don’t need to hear them, as I know the change is right for me and my family. That’s not a reason to avoid pushing on - thanks for the well-timed reminder. Take care :)
That's very relatable, Hayley. The feeling you can get when people deliver unsolicited feedback/advice (or even just make a "look")... even if you know it won't sway you, it doesn't feel good. I tend to hold back on announcing anything, until I know I can handle whatever people might say. Not sharing that as advice, it's just what's true for me (even after years and years of announcing the next change, haha). Good luck with whatever change you are making, friend ☺️
I was just thinking the same thing about change. In the past, I held off changing things because I didn’t want to rock the boat and upset others. My people pleasing got in the way of making the right decisions for me. I think we are ready way before we actually make the change. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Cait - or is it Caityyyyy, Leigh, Caitlin, LC, friend? I so confoosed!!! 😳 but it won't be "Hey You" !
It great to see you back here online. Glad to read that you enjoyed your trip back to BC.
I'll be interested to read what next to call you but I'm sure that it will reflect the real you.
Until then, my friend, enjoy your day back in your UK home.
Thank you for your message, friend! It will definitely reflect the real me ☺️
Hi Rob! ❤️
Hi Blythe ! 😏
All the best for the upcoming change! I found you via TYOL (so I really should read Adventures soon) and have been following you since - I love that you are embracing change instead of staying in a niche just because it was working for you. I hope you and this space continues to flourish 🙆🏻♀️
Thank you so much, Eustacia ✨
When I read Adventures, I shared it with my hubby and kiddo. It allowed us all to discuss the options that are available in life when we are open and listening within. Wonderful read. ❤️
It might seem obvious, but what about Adventures? (Adventures with Cait Flanders)
I appreciate your sharing and advice as well. I’m trying to settle on a name that feels me right now, or like it encompasses what I’m here with and for. I’ve written down so many, have a few possibles, I worry about settling on one and being identified with it but I worry about not having something I can easily be identified with too 😄
“ Choose what makes you feel excited. Choose what makes you feel light and free. Choose what will help you express yourself. Choose what will help you be more of yourself. That’s what we should want for one another: to be more of ourselves.” This <3 Thank you for this.
It *might* seem obvious... but that's often the best way to go, isn't it? Think about what feels most natural? (You're not far off, I will say.) ❤️
I think so! Natural belies ease and non-efforting, both of which I like :)
And thanks for sharing this. It makes me think I might benefit from asking someone if I can run a few of my ideas past them, that the outside reflections might be helpful and take me out of my own head a bit (in a good way).
Excited to see the new name!
Excited for all the iterations.
This is such a generous comment. Thank you, my friend! ❤️
Here for it! Glad you had a nice time home. 🏠
Cackling at the lede here…having just spent my entire Skye visit dodging sheep shit, this is SO real 🤣
Also: yes to normalizing newsletter/blog name changes! We’ve all been so conditioned to think of these changes as super-serious (“relaunches” and “rebrands”) rather than the totally mundane, often gradual shifts that are simply the stuff of life. Yours, as always, is such a refreshing approach, and feels like a permission slip.
Cheers to what’s next, Cait!
Ha, now I feel as though I should've warned you! 😂 But I'm sure you navigated the sh*t just fine! Can't wait to hear more about your trip. Maybe a catch-up call soon!?
Not at all…it would’ve been more surprising had it *not* been everywhere! Yes yes, I’ll drop you a line when I’m back. Can’t wait to compare notes! What a magical place 🤗
I love picture you dodging sheep poop 💩! I’m a bit jealous. Despite the mess, Skye sounds lovely.
I hope you get a chance to go someday—it was 1000% worth it, sheep poop be damned!
I'm here for what's true, what's honest, what's real. Because we get the rest -- everything that's not -- in nearly every other space in our lives in dominant culture. And so I'm way less interested in that the *name* is changing than I am interested in that *you're* changing, and the changing name is simply a way to be in alignment.
There's a way you could have written this essay just about the name changing that wouldn't have resonated at all. But that you're expressing this change with honest, boundaried vulnerability?! I am here for that! May we all give ourselves such grace. It's so potent.
Yes love this comment! I agree 💕
This is such a generous comment and reflection, Hannah. Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️
I felt the same way when I read this post. I am a bit back logged with my Substack reading, so it seemed fitting this was the first one I started with. I love your reflection on change. People get their feathers ruffled when we change. Why? Isn’t it the normal course of life to shed old patterns and stories in order to make room for the new? I see change as a sign of growth.
Feeling the wind if change blowing in. I think it's fall. 🧡
To be honest I was sad when you transitioned from explore within to mindful consumer. But I’m intrigued to see where you’re headed now. It doesn’t matter what makes me (or anyone else) happy, it’s about what writing and topics light you up.
There's a lot of understanding in this comment, Katie, so thank you for that! I can totally understand and appreciate why some people might prefer a writer choose a certain path and take their work in a certain direction. I also trust people know me well enough to know every choice I make is done with a lot of intention. And, that I just want to keep being more of myself. I truly think that's one of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves, and one another. Your last sentence is beautiful. Let us all find more of what lights us up ✨
Welcome forward friend!!! 🩷🩷🩷
Ps. I've used this lovely phrase with people in my life and it is just SO FITTING. Thank you again for sharing it!
That's exactly, it!!! Thank you for reflecting it back to me, friend ❤️
Yes to this! Always inspiring us, Cait. I’ve been feeling a name change for my Substack too. I’ve had a significant life change recently (a baby!) so I want to review the focus of my writing, although I think it will now naturally evolve and change. My Substack name was always going to be temporary too but I just never knew what to change it to! I don’t think I’m very good at coming up with names/brands etc. I see others and think ‘oh that’s a great blog name!’. I’m excited to see what your new one is 😃
Oh my gosh, Louise—a very significant life change! I am so, so, so happy for you, friend ❤️ I'm not very good at blog names either... even the new one, I don't know that it's "good." But it feels natural, if that makes sense. Natural feels good ☺️
Thanks Cait! Yes IVF finally worked for us 🙌💕
Congratulations Mama! I fretted over my Substack name and lived into it for over a year. Last year I changed it again, but it felt like the right move. Don’t overthink it!
I'm here for this!! I've had a few name changes with my publication over the past 18 months. This summer I found my Hell Yes name and smile each time I see it. I hope this space continues to grow. Can't wait to see what you bring.
Yay for your hell yes name, Tami!
You are #goals for me! Thanks for being here. 💕
That's very sweet of you to say, thank you ☺️
Can’t wait to see what’s next.