Launching Anew
I’ve just introduced my Engaging Presence newsletter to Substack where it is called Embracing the Muse. The new title reflects the spirit of my book Meeting the Muse After Midlife, and I hope it captures the creative journey we’re all on together.
If you’ve just found me here, leap on over to the page and leave a comment. You can find me here: https://sallyfox.substack.com/
And you can continue to find my weekly posts on this website.
Sharing Our Stories
Back in the early ’80s, I earned my MBA as part of a dynamic and talented class. But I barely knew most of my fellow students. I was focused, driven, and busy—too busy, I thought, to connect more deeply.
Decades later, during the pandemic, a few classmates began reconnecting via Zoom. The group grew, I joined in, and something surprising happened: we began telling our stories. And we discovered a wistful truth—we hadn’t really known each other at Yale. But now, as “mature adults,” we were turning old acquaintances into new friends.
Sharing stories can be like that—transformative, even magical.
Sometimes “Tell me your story” feels too big, too vulnerable. But you can start with simple questions:
- What’s your name?
- Where did you grow up?
- How long have you lived here?
- What do you love to do?
Those basics can turn a stranger—like someone in your gym class—into a person with a story. They open the door to connection.
And connections like these form the gold of “social engagement,” which is essential to thriving and living well. They help move people out of the “stranger danger” box into the much more satisfying “real human being like me” category.
A Slice of My Backstory
Substack says I should introduce myself in my first post. While many of you know me already, here’s a brief peek into my past:
- I’ve always been fascinated by people.
- Even as a kid, I had a hunch there was “something more.” I was a seeker then—and I still am.
- I tried to be “normal” growing up but often felt odd. I was sensitive—to feelings, energy, people. It wasn’t always easy.
- These days, I think “normal” is highly overrated. At 73, I’m glad to leave that concept behind.
- I adore animals—especially horses and dogs. They make life sing. I put up with a lot of muddy paw prints from my “joy boys” (two springer spaniel brothers), and I love dog kisses and horse nuzzles. (Slobber on your shirt isn’t for everyone, but it’s part of my joy.)
- I’m a lifelong learner—and a reformed academic. About 15 years ago, I had to relearn how to write. I’ve been at it ever since. Three graduate degrees are plenty. Academic writing now puts me to sleep.
- I make art—and I make messes. Maybe my paint-stained shirt will be collectible one day.
Want to know more? You can always visit:
👉 www.engagingpresence.com/about
What’s Your Story?
I hope to hear more from you—your stories, your creative sparks, your dreams, and your challenges. What helps you thrive in these complex times? What do you wish for? Where do you get stuck?
I can’t wait to find out.
We’re in this together. 💛
With heart,
Sally
I’m sharing my “You Don’t Have to Be Normal” class pass with anyone who wants it!
