the only way I can be here (erin jean warde)
What I can do is try to be here. I will try to share myself with you when I can (and I will take breaks because breaks are good for me). I’ll try to offer myself and receive you in return.
the only way I can be here
One of the big reasons I feel so overwhelmed by social media (that includes this Substack, I think?) is that it is integral to my work. On the one hand, I love sharing with y’all, through silliness and seriousness. That’s really why I’m here.
But on the other hand, as a self-employed business owner, whether I like it or not, being here is important for my work. I don’t have any financial “buffers,” nets to catch me if I fall. If I don’t sell my work, I don’t keep a roof over my head or food in my stomach. Period.
What this means is that I get really caught up in the business side of things. When money is tight (spoiler alert: always) I spiral into blogs about how to grow my business. How to use social media to sell my — coaching practice, course, book, soul.
IF YOU POST TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY AT 9:17A.M. EST WITH A SQUIRREL PRESENT YOU WILL GET THE MOST ENGAGEMENT
I realized yesterday that the only way I can be here is if I’m myself. And I don’t have a content calendar. I don’t have an app that pumps out calls to action 3 times a week. I believe that having a strategy works, but I don’t have a strategy. I don’t think I’m ever going to get like, really into reels. And, I can’t pay anyone to help me do any of these things.
I do have myself, what I care about, my silliness and my seriousness. My words as a writer. The pictures I take when I am paying attention.
And I have work I want to share with you — courses I offer or am teaching, retreats, articles I write, this Substack, a coaching practice, my book, and more.
I know this won’t be ~strategized for growth~ like everyone says it should be. I’m sure there’s a world where I do all the things and make tons more money, but I can’t do all the things. Not if I’m going to be okay.
But what I can do is try to be here. I will try to share myself with you when I can (and I will take breaks because breaks are good for me). I’ll try to offer myself and receive you in return.
I don’t think I’ll ever go viral. But I will stay inside my integrity, what my mind, body, and soul ask of me — and that’s all I can do.
Love y’all,
EJW
coach with me
As one of my clients and friends put it, the holidays can be a really tough time, for a variety of reasons. If you’re trying to figure out how to survive the holidays, while coping with holiday stress in a way that feels more loving toward yourself, I’d love to work with you. Maybe you’re trying to stay sober, or maybe you just want to drink less, or maybe you just know your drinking can get out of hand when the holidays are here (I know that feeling). No matter where you are with it, if you want some support and would like a coach, I’d love to work with you. <3
upcoming events
Annual Recovery Retreat for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas — December 1-3 (Camp Allen in Navasota, TX)
Join us in the beautiful East Texas piney woods with activities for renewal, space for rest and fellowship, and insightful teachings! I’ll be offering sessions based on my book, Sober Spirituality, and we’ll enjoy meetings and prayer together. Open to members of all 12 Step Fellowships and their Family and Friends of Recovery.