Managing my own concerns and those of other folks into the bargain
Ask Me Anything Q and A time!
Hi friends,
I realized this past week that we haven’t done an AMA (which stands for “Ask Me Anything” in Internet-speak) in more than a year(!)1 so yesterday I opened up the old question box on my Instagram Stories and my Facebook Stories for your enquires to help build this week’s Field Notes. Hundreds of questions rolled in - far more than I can answer in this newsletter, I’m afraid - but I tried to choose a good cross-section that represents frequently-asked questions as well as a wide spectrum of topics, so buckle up.
In the spirit of AMAs, these responses are pretty “off the top of my head” answers. Plus I am making my best *attempt* at keeping each answer short and to the point in order to answer as many as possible: brevity has never been my strong suit but I’m trying!
You asked:
How are you feeling about the election?
Grew up with purity culture era, not scarred but not sure what I want to impart to my kids. Help?
What do you miss most and least about having little kids?
How can I open up to friends at church about my changing faith? I worry it’ll change things.
I’ve given my adult life to ministry and about to stop out for 1000 reasons. What’s next?
What’s it like navigating so much American readership without being a US American?
What is your favourite fiction book of the year so far?
I’m almost a year postpartum and still not feeling myself. What’s your PP advice?
What is bringing you the most joy in this current season of your life?
You met Pope Francis, do you agree with the view that he was a good person
Where are you finding hope right now?
What is your go-to stress relief activity? Mine is evening knitting.
How do I make friends at my inclusive church? I’m used to being so guarded at my old church.
Any wisdom to share about how you discuss current events with your children?
How do I get back into reading and writing when I’m chasing 2 kiddos and still feeling postpartum brain fog?
Are you still letting your hair go grey?
How do you keep from feeling the Evangelical church is the face of hate?
Who are you cheering for in the NHL playoffs, since the Flames didn’t make it in?
I’m teetering on the edge of faith and I want back in but don’t know how to re-enter.
How do you respond to people who say inappropriate things about you or your body or your beliefs or even just something offensive in general?
How much do you love Belinda Chandra?
How was Catherine Tate??!!
How did you let go of old narratives drilled into you whilst growing up in the church?
To what extent have your political views been shaped by your changing spiritual views?
How do you make time to read/write, be a mom, wife, and all the stuff of your life?
What are your recs for Canadian national parks that offer space for reflection/connection with the divine?
Have you gotten better over time at not caring what others think of you? If so, how?
Are you working on a new book? I really loved Miracles and Other Reasonable Things and Out of Sorts.
Best go to self care when life just feels a bit too much and you need a little retreat?
What would Rachel Lynde have to say about *all of this*? ;-)
How to balance leaning into joy while remaining grieved by the world? Feel off kilter, either way.
Favourite “soft” media for these crazy times (Ted Lasso type of stuff that just feels good), new or old?
