Adjusting Course
A mystic's new year manifesto
Before we start, a serious question:
How many publications do you subscribe to on Substack?
10, 50, 100?
Of those, how many do you read regularly?
Be honest.
Yeah, I thought so.
And which, right now, are you feeling guilty about, because it’s been MONTHS since you opened up one of their emails?
I’m guessing more than a few.
The last time I looked, I had over 400 subscriptions.
Yes, you read that right.
I’ve thought about trimming that number down, but I look at a few, and I’m like, “Oh, I love THEM!” And before I know it, I’ve given up on the idea.
So why am I telling you this?
I read an article on Medium the other day that discussed how so many of us are drowning in “content” from all directions. Books, movies, articles — So much to take in, so little time. On top of that, we feel this imperative to “stay informed.” It’s our civic duty after all!
As a result, even the things we enjoy — a romance novel, a thriller, historical fiction —whatever — get pushed aside. Let alone the things we feel we “need” to read. Especially in the current political climate.
And so, throwing more content at people, thinking you are helping them, only adds to their stress.
What you need to do is figure out what people REALLY want, and deliver that to them — as quickly as possible.
I know if I look at my email, or the subscriptions tab on the app, it looks a whole lot less like an invitation to explore and connect and a whole lot more like homework.
As I read, my mistake became clear:
It’s not about giving MORE.
It’s about giving more by giving LESS.
You don’t want to add to your TODO list.
You want help in whittling that list DOWN.
To narrow your list down to what is TRULY important.
to what you are CALLED to do.
A FATEFUL DECISION
A few months ago, I made a decision. A decision that appeared wise at the time. But looking back, it seems rather foolhardy.
I decided to add paywalls to some of my posts, albeit reluctantly, but in the hopes it would bring more exposure, more subscribers. Even possibly more paid subscribers.
But I see now that it did none of those things.
I let ego get the best of me. I thought I could “trick” the system. But the only “trick” I played was on myself.
I don’t need tricks to reach the people who need to hear me. I don’t need AI or algorithm tweaks or anything else.
I only need to share myself.
I only need to share Love.
From the beginning of this journey, I’ve only wanted one thing: to be successful enough at writing to make it my full- time gig. To support myself and my family through it.
But after nearly three years of trying, I don’t see myself any closer to that dream.
I’m not giving up my dream, no matter what is going on in this country or elsewhere.
But I realize that if that is my dream, and if I’m going to have any hope of achieving it, I’m going to have to cut back.
If anything, the money I received, though welcome, only brought a quiet pressure. An added pressure. To perform. To churn out more content. Not to take a break. Even over the holiday, while celebrating and enjoying the company of friends and family, I still felt that pull.
CHANGING COURSE
I don’t really believe in “New Year’s Resolutions” per se.
But I do find that the first days of January are a good time to “take stock.” Like a retail store, do an “Inventory” of where I am, what I’m doing, and where I want to go.
As I settled back into my normal routine, I took a moment to sit quietly with paper and pen and put down my thoughts. My thoughts about the coming year, what I will focus on, and how I can best serve the people I am called to help.
I began searching my mind — Asking the question, “How could I serve you better?”
I know some — or all of this is true.
You’ve been burned one too many times.
You are sick to death of what’s going on in our country.
You feel it is your duty to stay informed and up to date with the firehose of trauma coming through your feed.
You are desperate to maintain the last shreds of your sanity.
You have a persistent feeling that there has to be more to life than this.
And the last thing you want is homework assignments.
This was my staggering realization.
I’m not going to help you by expecting you take on more work, cramming more onto your already full plate, and on top of that, expect you to happily pay for the privilege.
But what I can do is help you to find salvation. What I can do is lead you to the path. What I can do is show you the way.
I know why you are here.
Even if you don’t. Or can’t yet admit it to yourself.
I know you are here because you are stressed, unhappy, unsettled, looking for purpose, reaching for happiness…
Searching for love.
I know because I was too.
Whether you admit it or not, you are looking for a savior.
The savior we seek out takes different forms for each, but it is still the same.
For you, it may be money. Or better health and less pain in the body. Or the perfect relationship, or just an improvement in the ones currently in your life.
Or maybe it’s simply to feel safe again in your own country and see an end to the Christian nationalist nightmare of Trumpism.
What you are really seeking is peace. To take the Beloved’s arm in yours, and to walk through life together.
I know that if you would give me a month,
just a month —
I could teach you to see through the eyes of Love.
I could change your world — forever.
I’d love to say I could show you in a day or a week… But you are not yet ready.
So for now, a month — a month is good.
My job is simply to remove your fear and doubt.
To convince you that I can.
To make you believe that YOU can.
GOING FORWARD
My goal for last year was to finish my book: A Month of Miracles. A book that asks you for only a month, and promises you The Kingdom.
It is a goal I failed to reach. Because I was too caught up in the grind. Too enmeshed in the hustle and churn.
I realized if I really want to help you — to be your “savior” — I have to finish my book.
So here is what I will be doing to make that a reality.
No More Podcast
Even though I love doing them, it is simply too time-consuming. If I ever hope to finish my book, I have to cut it out. At least temporarily. Maybe I’ll return to it at some point, but for now, I must tell it goodbye.
Two Posts a Week - Saturday and Sunday.
I find that the weekend is the time when people most find time to read, so I will keep publishing on those days. Some readers have asked for more poetry. And I do love writing poetry! So that will be my focus. I also love writing essays — on love, hope, God, and other spiritual topics, and I have several already drafted that I’m itching to share, so you will find those sprinkled in as well.
Daily Notes/Chat -
Recently, I have started sharing daily mages and words of inspiration in the Everyday Mystic chat, hoping to open up opportunities for conversation. This has been well received — even better than I had hoped! So I will be continuing that. If you find yourself thirsty for more, aside from the weekly posts, you are humbly invited to join us there and find community, solace, and warmth at that fire.
I have also opened up the ability to post in the chat. Hopefully, that will encourage more dialogue. Feel free to post whatever you like, your own content or others, always adhering to community standards. PLEASE share love, not hate!
Opening the Archives -
I still have literally hundreds of posts in my archives — most of them evergreen, that I know can help you find what your soul is looking for. But I also realize that the thought of diving into that ocean may feel overwhelming. And I definitely can’t expect you to pay for that feeling of overwhelm.
As I like to refer back to those post from time to time as opportunities for further exploration, I will slowly be opening up those archives, freeing them from paywalls (unfortunately, it is a laborious, one-at-a-time process.) Giving all the ability to read, comment, and share their message of love.
Always Gracious -
Though by no means do I expect your support - financial or otherwise, I will always be grateful for it. I have given you a multitude of ways to do so. If you feel called, I ask only that you pledge only what you feel comfortable with, in whatever method you feel comfortable using, knowing always that whatever you give, you give only to yourself.
Subscribe on Substack - Now only $5 a month!
Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/aaronwaddell
At the Intersection of Strength and Light (e-book - only $3!)
A Song of Shadows and Light (an epic poem/inspiration fantasy - also $3!)
The Miracle Morning - My Routine For an Inspired Day and Joyful Life (free!!!)
Coming Soon - A Month of Miracles
I’d love to know what you think of my plan! Will you miss the podcasts? Are you enjoying the chat and the daily messages? Would you like to be notified by email when I post them? When do you like to read? Do you read from emails or through the app? Do you want more poetry, more essays, or a combination? Let me know so I can bring you exactly that for which your soul hungers!
Thank you again. You — your reading, your sharing, your love —make all this possible.
Sending Love and Light.
Aaron
Namaste
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Learn more about my upcoming book - A Month of Miracles!
I think you're very smart to limit yourself to Saturday and Sunday. It'll give you time to hone and prune your words.