Staying Open & Saying Yes

I’ve been feeling discouraged about this blog lately.

Every time I write something for my Substack, I feel proud of it for a quick moment and then I remember that I have no audience. So I stop writing for a while, and the cycle repeats itself.

The reason I write here instead of keeping everything tucked away in a journal or notes app is partly for myself, but also for the small hope that something I write might reach someone who needs it. Maybe it reminds someone they can make it through a hard season, inspires them to book the trip, take the risk, leave the relationship, start over, or simply feel a little less alone in trying to make sense of a world that often doesn’t make much sense at all.

At the same time, I have absolutely no desire to become any kind of influencer, and the fear of judgement has pushed down the idea of hard-launching my writing on my Instagram any time soon.

All of this is to say: I’ve been needing some inspiration lately. And tonight, I did something completely outside of my comfort zone that gave me exactly that…

A couple weeks ago, I got invited to an event in the city at Studiolo hosted by Ladibug and Orly Wellness and I almost didn’t go.

Ladibug is a NYC-based women’s health startup that sends out sustainable pads and tampons, paired with a science-backed wellness product designed to support cycle health. Orly Wellness is a cycle-synced meal delivery service that focuses on aligning food with different phases of the menstrual cycle. Studiolo is a nonprofit workshop and event space in New York that hosts community-driven events.

All three are early-stage projects founded by young women here in the city- still evolving, figuring things out, but already building some real momentum. So, to have been invited to this event was so special!

I didn’t know anyone there, and lately I’ve found myself retreating inward again a bit. But the second I walked into the space, I could feel that it was different and I was meant to be there. There was something incredibly refreshing about walking into a room full of thoughtful, creative, intentional women who genuinely cared about building community and connecting with one another in a real and raw way.

In the elevator, I met the founder of Orly! She was the most down-to-earth girl. She had prepared samples of some of the meals she personally delivers to women around the city. Everything was healthy, intentional, organic, and very much my kind of thing. I remember thinking how cool it was that this was her work.

I also met the co-founders of Ladibug, who were incredibly warm and open, sharing pieces of their journey and how things have been unfolding so far.

Throughout the evening, I found myself talking to different girls who were also interested in wellness, nonprofits, and women building thoughtful things.

We gathered around to listen to the founder of Orly talk about the connection between nutrition and women’s cycles. I learned so much about my own body in that short time, and how aligning nutrition with different phases of your cycle can actually support how you feel day to day.

At the end, one woman led a guided journaling exercise focused on setting intentions. She invited anyone who wanted to share what they wrote, and I was surprised by how many women spoke openly. I ended up sharing too.

The best part, though, was meeting someone who I immediately clicked with. I mentioned that I hadn’t explored much of Brooklyn before, and before the night ended, her and I were already exchanging numbers and making plans to get bagels and wander around together this weekend. I never thought a sweet new friend would come out of this night!

I left the event feeling inspired in a way I haven’t felt in a while. It reminded me how important it is to keep saying yes and to put yourself in rooms that reflect the kind of life you want to build, and the kinds of people you want to build it with.