Hello dear readers!
I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me in a while. Life has been interesting these last few months. I took an unplanned break from writing and podcasting, thinking it would only be a few weeks, and now it’s been a few months. During my absence I’ve slowly come to accept that while I love this publication and connecting with all of you, it’s time to officially announce an indefinite pause to Notes from Your Acupuncturist.
Like a lot of writers here on Substack, I started publishing here for fun, and because I had things I wanted to say and there wasn’t really anywhere else to say them. Back then I think I was the only person publishing regularly about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and now there are lots of us sharing more about our medicine here, which is great. I’ve always wanted to use this platform to increase awareness about the medicine I love, and it’s nice having colleagues sharing alongside me.
Adding a podcast to my publication wasn’t part of my original plan, but I’ve loved incorporating the spoken word medium, learning a new skill, and having fascinating conversations with colleagues.
But as often happens, at some point this little labor of love has started to feel more like an obligation with deadlines rather than a fun project. It’s been interesting to watch how Substack has grown during my time here. They’ve added so many features and tools I’ve lost count. It’s all been with the intention to help writers, but it doesn’t actually put pen to paper, and in some ways all those bells and whistles just add up to more distractions and tasks.
So I’m putting an indefinite pause on Notes from Your Acupuncturist, and that’s in part because my own ambition for this publication has made it a bit unwieldy. Writing AND podcasting AND social media posting AND whatever else Substack dreams up, like Substack Notes (which I still never really figured out but I guess is like Twitter, but I’ve never been on Twitter so what do I know)…it’s too much for me right now.
The other reason for the pause is that in addition to doing patient care and running a business, I’ve also taken on primary caregiving responsibilities for my husband, who’s been in poor health for over a year and ultimately needs a liver transplant. He’s stable, and we’re fine, truly, but he’s my #1 patient and my priority.
So it’s time for me to end Notes from Your Acupuncturist for now. I have no idea what the future holds, and if or when I’ll bring it back. I will miss this form of expression, but it also brings a sense of relief to let it go.
To my paid subscribers…a huge thank you for supporting my work financially. Truly. I know there are a lot of creators out there asking for support, and I’m forever grateful that you’ve chosen to allocate some of your dollars to me. I’ve stopped monthly paid subscriptions, so if you’re a monthly subscriber, you won’t be charged again. For my annual subscribers, I realize that many of you renewed your annual subscription in the fall, shortly before my unplanned break. If you’d like a refund, just hit reply and I’ll get with Substack to make that happen.
Millions of people around the world just celebrated Lunar New Year, a time to let go of whatever it is we need to release, create space for something new, and welcome the year of the Wood Dragon. Dragons are the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, and are said to be powerful, confident, charismatic and intelligent. The wood element represents growth and expansion. It’s an auspicious combination, so we’ll see what happens.
I hope the Wood Dragon has something powerful and expansive and magical in store for all of us.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
I'll miss you but totally understand. Best wishes to you and your husband as you move forward into your glorious futures!
Alexa, I hope everything goes absolutely well as possible for your husband and for you. Of course I will miss your offerings out here, but of course you have your priorities in order. Lots of healing energy to you both!