Dear community members in the Unexpected Shape Cafe, When do you share with family and friends that you are in the process of writing (a book, an essay - whatever it may be)? Once you've begun the process? Once you have an idea? Once you have a manuscript? I find myself thinking about all the aspiring writers and musicians in my circle and feel nervous, some slight imposter syndrome, and fear of envy, to share with them that I, too, am on this journey to share my creativity. What are your thoughts?

This is the introduction thread. Say hi, tell us where you’re from and what your writing is all about! In your introduction, answer these 4 questions: ➡️ What is your name (preferred pronouns as well, if you don't mind) ➡️ Why did you decide to join The Unexpected Shape Café? ➡️ What is your favorite book? ➡️ What are you interested in writing about? We can’t wait to meet you! If you'd like to share anything else as well, feel free! And welcome!

Still one of my favorite articles from The New Yorker: The Work You Do, the Person You Are by Toni Morrison. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/06/05/toni-morrison-the-work-you-do-the-person-you-are

I recently wrote a blog post on my Substack that seemed to really resonate with a lot of people. It’s about what’s often missing from gratitude practices: https://madelleine.substack.com/p/the-missing-ingredient-in-gratitude