A List of Things That I'm Excited About
Including BEGIN AGAIN, a new event happening December 30 & January 2.
Tonight was a reunion for the “Four Fridays” group I led back in January and February. It felt so good to reconnect, after all the months apart. We spent four hours taking turns sharing how the year has treated each of us. (We missed you Hayley!) Lyndal and Marlei tuned in from Australia. It’s always fun to point out that what is a Friday-evening group for most of the crew, is a Saturday-morning group for them. Tomorrow I’m hosting the folks who were part of All You Need Is Water, last month’s public-speaking workshop. To keep the international theme going, this follow-up event is happening in the American afternoon, so that our man Brian, whose home is Scotland, can go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
Next weekend is a big one, starting with another new workshop. I Love That Kid is dedicated to creativity. Over the course of three sessions Friday and Saturday—12/15 & 12/16—we’ll talk about reconnecting with that younger version of you, the one who loved to write or draw or paint or take pictures or perform, that kid who loved to create. We’ll spend the first evening getting to know each other. And then on Day Two we’ll dive into the creative process, what it means to make things, imposter syndrome and other challenges, and the business side as well. There are still some spots available.
The next day might as well be the Super Bowl. Actually, I don’t care about the Super Bowl so this is way more important. I’m hosting a reunion for everyone who has participated in “Four Sundays,” the group that has been going strong since the beginning of the year. These characters and the story they add up to, it’s been not only one of my favorite parts of 2023, but one of the most meaningful experiences of my career and of my life. Some of the folks will be meeting for the first time. This group has taught me so much and I’m proud to say that it will continue into 2024.
Speaking of 2024, I’m excited to announce a special event. BEGIN AGAIN gets its name from the U2 song “New Year’s Day.” If you’ve followed me for a while, the words Welcome to Midnight might ring a bell. In which case, welcome back to midnight. Sunday, December 30 and again Tuesday, January 2, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on the new year and change. It’s the same talk, same material, but through two different lenses or perspectives. You can choose the date that works for you or join me twice. One ticket gets you access to both nights, along with both recordings.
What Else Am I Excited About?
The song “Shut Me Up” by Devan, along with her new single “London,” which came out today. Also out today: The 1975’s new version of “I Like America and America Likes Me,” which took the top spot on my Spotify Wrapped this year.
Sidenote: What happens to the songs we listen to in December? Do those count toward next year’s Wrapped or is December a strange sort of Spotify blackhole?
The show A Murder at the End of the World. I’m not sure if this show is actually great or if I fell in love with the idea and chose to love it during the first episode. Either way I’m in a committed relationship and I’m happy. It feels good to have a favorite.
I’ve been really enjoying my coaching work, meaning one-on-one conversations. It’s a privilege being invited into someone’s story, getting to listen and ask questions. Every now and then I’ll offer a suggestion or idea with the hope of being helpful. I’m happy to be an open book, answering questions and sharing stories as well as lessons learned.
I had a session today with Nicole Bissett, who I’ve been working with as she returns to writing. Nicole just launched a Substack, called Believe in Futures. She can really write.
Last but not least, I love my dog Gracie aka our Ever Get Home mascot. Gracie had a long day at the vet and has to get some teeth pulled. So if you want to upgrade your subscription or gift one to a friend, we would definitely be excited. And very grateful.
“The Holidays Are Hard for Me” is a small-group conversation happening Wednesday, December 20. If the weeks ahead find you with a heavy heart, please know you’re not alone. Learn more.
Speaking events are pretty much my favorite thing. When it comes to the work I get to do, there’s nothing I enjoy more. If you want to make something happen, the amazing team at Collective Speakers can help.
There are still some wild deals to be found in the land of NEEDS AN OCEAN, the side / passion project I started a few years back when I was living in Nashville.