Soul before statistics.

I’m inclined to say I started this newsletter on a whim, but that would be a lie.

I’m inclined to say I started this newsletter on a whim, but that would be a lie.

I don’t think something over 20 years in the making fits the definition.

I barely recall anything from my childhood (or high school, or college, or grad school). However, some memories surfaced once I gave myself permission to start following my heart. When I hit send on my first Substack post 8 weeks ago, one came soaring back.

I remember building a fort with my brother and a  neighborhood friend. The fort was home to our organization, “The Penguin Club”. Guess what little Maggie penned for the club…A NEWSLETTER.

That’s the extent of that memory, but then I remembered I was editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper (it was very teeny). Oh, then there’s at least a half a dozen recent-ish journal entries that contain some variation of, “write and people will read it”.

Once upon a time I owned a very large rabbit, a Catholic school uniform and edited a school newspaper.

Yes, I am an amateur writer with grammatical issues all over, but I’m not called to be a literary great.

I’m just called to use my voice to write about topics in an approachable and relatable way to help others.

So, I suppose it’s safe to conclude my Substack was not the result of a whim, just a long ignored calling.

The first 30 or so people who subscribed to Finding the Flotsam were the obligatory family members and friends.

Then the fabulous Alex Elle,

Gratitude Journal

, recommended my newsletter. I kept writing and more subscribers followed.

New Substack data alerted me that this newsletter reaches the inbox of people in 23 different states and 20 countries. It confirmed that there are now more people who I DON’T know reading my work than people I DO know.

That’s mind blowing and exciting, but left me feeling like I had to make some big proclamation about who I am.

There were moments this week where I felt inclined to list out all of my qualifications and explain my whole life story.

I know that’s my insecurities telling me I had to PROVE that I’m worthy of your inbox.

However, I challenged that belief. So apologies if you were waiting for me to post my resume.

I’m taking the non-traditional route.

My writing and content is so personal that you are getting to know me in a way that doesn’t typically happen in the modern world.

Usually when we meet somebody, there’s an awkward exchange of vital statistics and small talk (AKA my personal hell):

Where do you work?

Where are you from?

What’s the last thing you binged on Netflix?

Instead, you’re getting to know me in reverse.

Soul before statistics.

I’ve already written about my dead brother and shared a journal entry where I labeled myself a glutton, but you still don’t know my favorite color***.

This is such a special container and I am so grateful that people are finding meaning in my words.

I promised myself that I would let it flow organically, pause when I needed, and let it morph into whatever felt right.

So, as Finding the Flotsam evolves into its next stages, prepare for a fourth email every week-ish.

Yes, part of me worries I’m sending out too much content, but I know you have the power to decide whether you open the emails or subscribe. I trust you enough to do what’s right for you.

If you haven’t been following my rhythm so far, here’s what’s in store for you each week (generally):

• Sunday: Weekly Jetsam, my roundup of favorite stuff from the week.

• Monday: Personal musings of mine, often snippets from my journals, shared to be a mirror for you to examine your life.

• Wednesday: My “Read & Reflect” posts which are typically nature based and always with questions for you to consider.

• Friday: TBD

Lastly, if someone in another state or country wants to bottle up some sunshine and send it to Massachusetts it would be greatly appreciated.

Wholeheartedly,

Maggie

***By the way, my favorite color is green. What’s yours?

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