Hi hi

(Yes, this email header is totally a nod to Donald Glover…IYKYK)

So we are close to halfway through 2024. A weirdly fast and (at the same time) devastatingly long year, right? I declared 2024 a recovery year…as May Sarton declared 78-79. Her journals of this time period (aptly named Recovering), are gorgeous and messy for all their humanity.

This year so far, I moved my license to inactive status in order to be freer to work across state (and nation) lines.

I slowed down my writing schedule…tho don’t worry I am still publishing plenty this year. My book Unfuck Your Shame, is at the printer as we speak, and I’m hoping to have it available in time for a Zoom event at the end of pride month.

I am working on a book about mental health, coping, and boundaries around holiday activities. Aptly called “Unfuck Your Holidays,” I’ll have a section of “Dear Auntie Faith” letters again, feel free to leave me a question either in comments or to my email (info@faithgharper.com).

I’ve come to miss teaching, and am working on developing some new courses. Some for in person, some to go on the internetz.

But I am doing all of these things more slowly. As a gorgeous Gen Z human told me recently, it’s time to stop apologizing for not overworking.

My youngest moved back recently, and we’ve been working on the house and garden, spending time with family, and throwing tennis balls endlessly for his cattle dog, Scooby.

The cats have thoughts on this intruder, btw. And will share them with you gladly:

Fuggin’ bork-borks and their bullshit.

One thing I just put on my website is a packet for individuals (not just my clients), to prep their sessions with their therapist or coach. Pre session notes, post session notes, and a full-in-the-blank support plan for between sessions. Yes, you can absolutely use it for your own personal healing work. It’s the second link down on this page.

The idea that someone else documents your journey has always weirded me out about this profession. Which is why I started doing collaborative documentation close to two decades ago. This is my next offering on making sure the power in healing work stays with the people who are doing the work.

Let me know what you think of it! And let me know if there’s anything you’ve hoped I’d write or teach in the future. It’s a slow recovering year, but that doesn’t mean I’m not excited for new projects. I’m endeavoring to make the mental space for more of them!

Also, tell me what you’ve been reading/watching/eating lately that I might enjoy. As indicated from the title of this newsletter, I adored the “Mr and Mrs Smith” reboot. I’m currently running Blacklist on the background while writing, and am on Season 6. (Red is actually Katarina, right? No one will tell me if I’m right or not!)

Also, I’m going to be in Spokane in a couple of weeks (for a training I’m taking, not one I’m giving) and if there’s anything I shouldn’t miss, please let me know!

Here’s to not apologizing for not overworking!

Besitos,

Faith