Big News ☕️✨

A new name and a shot of hope.

I, like so many of us, feel helpless right now. I can’t watch the news, but I can’t look away. I want to be informed, but I also can’t spend the next four years in constant despair. I genuinely don’t know what to do with my hands, my time, my frustration, or my fear.

I’ve never considered myself “political”. At least, I never intended to be. I don’t strive to hold an office, I can’t offer knowledge or education in the government or legislative sphere. I don’t have endless pockets with which to donate from. It’s hard to feel like I have anything to offer in times like this. I feel powerless.

Since November 5, I’ve spent a lot of days and many sleepless nights thinking about what I can do to fight for change these next four years. So no, I’m not “political”. But I am a woman and a mom with big, strong feelings about things happening in my community and in my country, some of which directly impact my health and the future of my family. And I have the privilege of being outspoken—I don’t have to silence myself for the sake of my career, my relationships, my marriage, or anything else I hold sacred. I can be loud.

That said, I don’t ever intent for this space to become “political”. For starters, there are too many far more knowledgable people on the internet to get your facts from than me. But as I’ve done the soul searching on how I can create change—how I can make my communities and spaces reflect the values I hold—my mind keeps coming back to this space. To writing. To here. Writing is something I love, something I’m good at, and something tangible I can use to stand for what’s right these next four years.

♥️ With that context in mind, here are a few changes coming to this little Substack:

Meet The Slow Pour.

We needed a glow-up. She needed a name. And The Slow Pour is exactly what I want this space to be. Life always feels fast and loud, but right now, it seems like it’s in overdrive. We’re all (hopefully) being more mindful of what we consume and looking for ways to slow down and turn down the noise.

For me, coffee is one of the very best parts of life. I go to bed excited about my cup the next morning and count down the minutes to my afternoon latte. And there’s absolutely nothing better than that first slow pour into your favorite mug—that little boost of serotonin to help you survive the day.

This space has always been a place for me to take a deep breath, rest for a minute, and connect. I truly hope it serves as that for you, too. Consider it my slow pour of love into your favorite mug. Too much? Probably. But I mean it. More importantly, I never met a pun I didn’t love.

We’re rolling out a paid option, with a catch.

There will always be a free subscription. Always. But I’m also adding a paid option—with a purpose. A percentage of all proceeds from paid subscriptions will be donated to a different foundation or cause each month. Have any favorites? Send them my way. Each foundation, movement, or cause will be highlighted so you know exactly where your dollars are going. We’re kicking things off with one of my favorite and most trusted organizations, the ACLU, for the month of February. You can find more about their work here.

Paid subscribers receive all free content plus at least one exclusive post per week with personal updates, my favorite things, big thoughts, other exclusive scoop, and my enormous gratitude. Your support helps sustain my writing and helps us contribute to the causes that matter big and the people making a difference.

What’s not changing? The heart of this space.

Let me say this again: I am not, nor will I ever claim to be, someone to look to for education or expertise. I have my own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions, and those might weave into my writing because they have become deeply ingrained in who I am. But the content here isn’t changing. This space isn’t about informing you—it’s about using my voice and this platform to support and donate to the people and resources who can.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading. There are so many wonderful voices for you to follow on the internet, especially here on Substack, and imposter syndrome is real real. But I hope you find value, hope, and maybe even laughter here. First exclusive drop for paid subscribers lands in your inbox on Tuesday morning. Can’t wait to share a cup of coffee with you then. 🫶

xo, L