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And by minute, I mean, about a year.

Here’s a very succinct recap of what I’ve been up to, just to catch you up:

RelationshipsTravelingHangingoutwithmydogHikingTakingWalksInTheRain

ClimbingTreesImprovTeachingImprovStartingABusinessMovingAwayFromTheBusiness

SpendingTimeWithFriendsAndFamilyFallingInLoveMovingInRedecoratingEatingBreakfast

WritingArticlesResearchingFreestylingMakingArtMeditatingReadingWatchingTheGreatBritishBakingShow

SwimmingBartonSpringsMoreGreatBritishBakingShowGettingOffTwitterGettingBackonTwitterGetting

BackIntoWritingDoingLaundryGettingNewBedding

I think that about sums it up. So onto new things: as you can see, I am back on the blog, baby! If you’re being a good detective a la Randy Potts (Peter Able series, check it out), you might have surmised that this means I am getting back into Author Things.

And I am – I’m feeling excited and re-motivated to get back into my books/articles/author career, after nearly a year of exploring other things. My last post announced my new company, Present Company, which does still exist. But in exploring creating a business and working directly with teens, I realized what was missing for me: WRITING!

I really need the creative expression of writing in my life, and while I’ve continued writing poetry and articles over the past 12 months, I have put marketing my current books and writing new ones on pause. And this blog post is here to tell you, I’m pressing play. Or, taking it off pause. Or if you have an AppleTV, just pushing that big button in the middle.

At any rate, I’m aiming to get back into writing more on this blog, being more active on Twitter and my Facebook author page, contributing more to Elephant Journal, and ultimately, creating new books*. 

I’ll have an announcement soon about those new books and new content. For now, I just wanted to say – it feels good to be back. You’ll hear more from me soon!

❤ Natalie

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A lot has been shifting in my life in the past several months, and overall, I feel like I am moving from a more Doing space to a more Being space. As you might have noticed, this has meant a lot less “hustle.” No social media videos, a rare post here and there, and a lot less trying.

I’ve let go of the story of Natalie the Successful Author, and am now focusing more on what feels good and right in the moment. Mostly, that looks like spending time with people I love, more time outdoors, yoga, playing, and writing a lot more poetry. I’ve created an album of poems on my personal Facebook Author page, linked here.

From this place of being and not trying so hard, I notice that things just… happen. For a while, my intention has been to move from writing books that help kids and teens to working directly with them more – hosting workshops and events that will help them connect to themselves and others.

In the past week alone, several opportunities have presented themselves to me to do just that. I’ll be hosting some workshops in Austin, and have been invited to a conference in Sydney, Australia in May to host several days of workshops/talks.

So – things are happening. Slowly, naturally, and without so much pushing. It feels good to slow down, to be, and to act from a place of inspiration, rather than expectation. It might look a little less active from the outside, but after years of “trying,” this space of allowing feels like home.

More updates coming soon…

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I’m a firm believer that people, circumstances, and things come into our lives only when we’re ready for them. It may not feel like it at the time, but each relationship or new experience has something to show us about ourselves and the world; the timing is always perfect.

For me, over the years, one of the loudest speaking teachers (aside from people) is: books.

Several months ago a friend recommended I read the book “Attached” by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller. At the time, I wasn’t ready – though the felt sense was just a lack of interest. Several days ago, though, the book popped back into my mind. Not thinking much of it, I got the book. I started reading it. And with every word, something deeply known but hidden from me, came a bit more into focus.

Teachers are like that, aren’t they? We can’t really be taught something we don’t already deeply know; and we can’t be shown it until we are ready to see. At this point in my life, I am, apparently, ready to see. I’m ready to choose happiness over being right. I’m ready to change some long-held beliefs – even though in my story I am “VERY stubborn.”

And you know what? It feels like dropping a fifty pound coat, that I didn’t even know I was wearing. Being right over being happy – is dumb.

If you haven’t read the book “Attached” yet, read it. If you have read this book, read it again – especially if you’re dating or in partnership(s). Maybe this book will open your eyes, as well; maybe something else will. Who knows.

What are you reading right now?