Fresh Wind: A Welcoming Note
"Even when we don't know where to begin, we have to start somewhere." — Alex Elle
Sometimes the one thing that discourages me from starting something is not knowing where to begin. I can have the idea, I can feel a calling churning deep within, but if I don’t know where or how to start it… I oftentimes end up delaying the vision that has been instilled in me. That’s just how it goes. Sometimes it’s caused by a debilitating fear. Other times it’s just not having enough faith to step out on. And often I just don’t feel like I have it in me, or I question why I’m even worthy of the vision. I allow self-doubt to consume me.
But today, I decided that I couldn’t delay this calling any longer. I have been yearning to create a soft landing for my words. A space where I can share reflections about life, about womanhood, sisterhood, motherhood, self, and more. I found myself waiting for the right moment — something I’m sure we all do at times. But I realized that I wasn’t supposed to be waiting on the moment. The moment was waiting on me. So right now, I fully submit to what has been placed on my heart, and what has been brewing for quite some time.
My lovely readers, here it is. My offering. The intersection of healing and becoming.
“I wasn’t supposed to be waiting on the moment. The moment was waiting on me.”
When I think of my own journey, I think of all the little pieces that congregate together to create the narrative of life that I carry in entirety. My darkness, my light. My joy, my pain. My grief and sorrow. My yearning. My unbecoming, my becoming. One cannot exist without the other. All of it comes together to make me whole.
When I can extend grace to every crevice of my being, when I can be warm with what aches and what’s broken, I can tend to my whole self. I can surrender to the weaving of all these pieces, surrender to becoming the whole woman that God has created me to be. And if you’re here, reading this, then you can also do the same.
Why here, why now?
I have always been about cultivating spaces. Launching this one is more than just providing a soft landing for my words. It’s about creating a space where I can invite readers into my vulnerability and simultaneously encourage them to lean into their own. It’s a place for others to come, with their heap of humanness, and unfold into the delicate act of facing their full truth — no matter how uncomfortable it may feel at first.
This publication is intended to encourage deep reflection and provide a resting place. This isn’t merely just a publication or a newsletter. This is a community. A sanctuary. Grace-filled. Led by vulnerability and, most importantly, truth.
What you can expect from me?
I intend to post weekly, but I am only human and know that there may be times when I may not have anything to give. Some moments may be more of a free flow than structure-based. I encourage you to ebb and flow with me in those times.
Reflection/journaling questions will be included to engage those within this community. As much of myself as I pour into this space, I also encourage you to leave comments so that I can join in conversation with you and get to know those who have made themselves a part of this space.
As I get started on this journey, I am making all my language a free publication to all right now. All I ask is that you support me by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a comment. That in itself means the world to me.
Reflection questions:
What thing are you hesitating to begin? Why?
How can you make a small step towards bringing your vision to life? Write it down somewhere.
What do you hope to get out of this community/space? Share in the comments.
With love and light,
Mariah Maddox
Just came across your publication and such a beautiful welcoming note! The fear of starting is so real! Also love how you’ve evolved to All My Language and the way you unpacked your pivot was divine! Can’t wait to read more. 🤍
I love the name Woven Woman, the images are beautiful, and the message timely. I had put off starting my Substack but I did it. Now it’s time to get my podcast going. The first step I will take in the new year, which is also my birth month. Time to birth my podcast journey.