Month: August 2025

A Word About My Father

Notes by Alex – FreeWrite

“A Life of Love, Laughter, and Family”

I wanted to take a moment to talk about my father, Alex Atkinson Sr. He’s a great man—now in his 80s—and throughout his life he has shown what it means to live with love, honor, and respect.

Growing up, my sister and I always knew we were deeply cared for. Dad didn’t just say he loved his family; he showed it in the way he supported us, stood by us, and carried himself with quiet strength. His example taught us that family is something you don’t just belong to—you invest in it, you nurture it, you hold it together.

I remember him telling me how much he had learned from his own father—“Pops.” He picked up the ways of hunting, fishing, and providing, and then carried those lessons forward. Dad shared them with his nephews, with me, with my cousins. That spirit of passing things down—knowledge, traditions, laughter, and care—has always been his way of looking out for our big family.

What I’ll never forget is his smile. Around family, he always had a big grin on his face, ready to laugh, ready to make others laugh. Joy seemed to flow naturally from him, and it lit up our gatherings in a way that made everyone feel at home.

My dad is an amazing man. Not just because of what he’s done, but because of who he is. He is love in action, the kind of steady presence that anchors a family. And for that, and for him, I am forever grateful.

Closing Reflection

As I look at my own life now, I realize how much of my father lives on in me. His lessons about love, honor, and respect shape how I show up for my family and community today. His laughter reminds me to bring joy into every room I enter. And his faithfulness inspires me to stay grounded in what truly matters. In many ways, I see my role now as carrying the torch he lit—continuing the legacy of care, faith, and strength that he embodied so well.

The Bible says in Proverbs 20:7, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” I see that truth in my father’s life. Because he walked in integrity, we—his children and family—continue to live in the blessing of his example. I carry the torch he lit, continuing the legacy of care, faith, and strength that he embodied so well.

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Becoming a Writer: From Blog to Book

“How Blogging Can Launch Your Writing Journey”

Notes by Alex

Becoming a writer and publishing your first book isn’t some unreachable dream—it’s a very real, achievable goal. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it all at once. A blog can serve as your creative testing ground, your accountability partner, and your first audience. It’s where your voice takes shape and where the seeds of a book can begin to grow.

This journey, from concept to creation, unfolds in stages. Each step builds on the last, taking you closer to the moment when you hold your book in your hands.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Idea

Every book begins with a “why.” Why do you want to write? Who do you want to reach?

For nonfiction, think about the problem you want to help readers solve. Your blog posts can act as mini-experiments—sharing tips, ideas, or reflections that let you see what resonates.

For fiction, passion is everything. Choose a story you love enough to live with for months (or years). Anchor your characters and plot around a central theme—the heartbeat of your story—that carries it all the way through.

Step 2: Create a Strategic Blog

Think of your blog as both your writer’s portfolio and your workshop.

  • Choose a niche: A focused blog builds trust and attracts the right readers.
  • Pick a platform and name: WordPress, Squarespace, or even Substack work well. Pick a name that’s easy to remember and feels like you.
  • Write in advance: Draft a few posts and an “About Me” page before you launch. Give visitors something to explore right away.
  • Promote consistently: Share your work, connect with readers, and show up regularly. Consistency grows your community.

Step 3: Develop and Outline Your Book

Outlines aren’t about limiting creativity—they’re about giving yourself a roadmap.

  • Structure matters: For nonfiction, create a logical flow that builds chapter by chapter. For fiction, map out your story arc and your characters’ journeys.
  • Use your blog as a testing ground: Write posts that double as book material. Pay attention to what readers respond to—that feedback is golden.

Step 4: Write the First Draft

This is where the real work begins—but also where the magic happens.

  • Set goals: Daily or weekly word counts help the project move forward.
  • Build a routine: Treat writing like an appointment you can’t skip.
  • Silence the inner editor: The first draft is supposed to be messy. Get the words down; polish later.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

A book is truly made in the rewriting.

  • Self-edit first: Tidy up structure, fix pacing, strengthen characters or arguments.
  • Seek feedback: Beta readers and writing groups help you see blind spots.
  • Go professional: A skilled editor sharpens your manuscript to industry standards.

Step 6: Publish and Promote

Now comes the leap—from private project to public book.

  • Choose your path: Traditional publishing means agents and proposals; self-publishing offers more control and faster timelines.
  • Promote through your blog: Share behind-the-scenes posts, teaser chapters, and cover reveals.
  • Engage your readers: Offer freebies, giveaways, or early access to your most loyal subscribers.

Marketing isn’t about shouting—it’s about sharing your story with the people who are already listening.

Final Thoughts

Writing a book is less about talent and more about persistence. When you use a blog as your starting place, you don’t just build an audience—you build momentum. Each post becomes a step closer to the finished manuscript.

Your words matter. Your story matters. And if you commit to the process, one day soon, you’ll get to see your name on the cover of a book.

For me, this process isn’t just theory—it’s real. My own writing journey began with stories from the docks and skies of Southeast Alaska, where I worked around seaplanes as a teenager before eventually flying them myself. Those experiences became the foundation for my first book, a memoir that I’m shaping one post, one reflection at a time.

Blogging gave me the courage to put my words out there and test the waters. Each story I shared—about the rhythms of flight, the wild beauty of Alaska, or the lessons learned in the cockpit—helped me see what resonated with readers. Over time, those small pieces began to connect into a bigger story, one worth turning into a book.

That’s the power of this process: a blog isn’t just practice, it’s preparation. It’s where you discover your voice, gather your readers, and slowly but surely, build the pages of a book that’s uniquely yours.

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The Dark Night of the Soul Is Over

Emerging from the Valley into a New Season

There are seasons in life that feel like endless night—where pain, confusion, and suffering seem to swallow every ounce of hope. For me, that season began in the first week of December 2023.

I don’t remember much from that day, only fragments of what happened. One moment I was at home, and the next, I was being medevaced by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. My body was shutting down from a parasite that had been inside me for years, slowly weakening me until it finally brought me to my knees.

In the ICU, I suffered multiple mini-strokes, and at one point, I even passed on the table—only to be brought back. My body was being kept alive by multiple IVs, machines, and the relentless work of doctors and nurses I had never met. For seven days, I was unconscious. When I finally opened my eyes, I was disoriented, everything looked black and white, and though I could see people’s lips moving, I couldn’t hear a sound. Hours later, when I opened my eyes again, color had returned, sound had returned, and a nurse gently greeted me back into the world.

The pain was overwhelming. The shock was real. I remember silently weeping, asking myself, What in the world just happened to me?

And then, in that fragile moment, a scripture rose up inside me:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

I whispered, “Father, You will have to be my strength, because right now, I have none.”

That was the beginning of my healing journey. I had to learn how to walk again. I had to endure months of recovery, with moments that felt unbearable. I was uprooted and unsettled, facing the reality of moving back to Alaska while still fighting through weakness and pain. For over a year, it felt as if I was walking through a valley I didn’t know how to escape—a very real dark night of the soul.

It was hard. It was hurtful. It was sad. And yet… it was not without purpose.

Because in that dark place, I learned surrender. I learned that when all strength is gone, God Himself becomes our strength. I learned to pray not from a place of control, but from utter dependence. I learned that even when my world turned black and white, God was still painting in color.

Now, as I stand here today, I sense a shift. That long night is ending. A new season is dawning.

The valley doesn’t last forever. The storm eventually passes. And while the scars remain, they serve as reminders of God’s mercy, His power to restore, and His promise to carry us through the shadows.

Today, I feel the sun rising again. The dark night of the soul is over, and I am stepping into the light of a new season with renewed faith, deeper trust, and a heart that knows—truly knows—that God is faithful.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our strength when we have none. For those walking through their own dark night, remind them that You are near—that even in the valley, You are the light that never fades. Teach us to surrender, to trust, and to lean fully on You. Lord, bring healing where there is pain, peace where there is fear, and joy where there has been sorrow. We declare in faith that the night will not last forever, and that Your morning light will rise over our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Miracle of Healing

“The Night I Experienced God’s Promise of Healing”

There are moments on this faith journey where words seem too small, too simple, to capture what really happened. Healing is one of those moments.

When I think about healing, I don’t just think of it as something I’ve read about in the Bible, or something that happened long ago. I think of it as something I’ve lived, something I’ve seen with my own eyes, and something I’ve felt in my own body. Yes, I have experienced physical healings—real, unexplainable, miraculous healings.

One of the first times this happened was at the very beginning of my journey. There was a two-week seminar at William Duncan Memorial Church. Every night, people gathered for worship, teaching, and prayer. That week’s focus was healing.

At the time, I was so sick—a nasty chest cold, fever, sore throat, stuffed nose, the works. I could barely breathe and I honestly thought, I shouldn’t go. I’ll just stay home and rest. But something tugged at me. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe faith starting to take root, maybe just desperation. Whatever it was, I went.

I sat alone on purpose, not wanting to spread my sickness to anyone else. As the service went on, there came a time of prayer. Something in me rose up and thought, I want prayer. Maybe, just maybe, I can be healed.

And that’s when it happened.

An elder behind me began to pray. As she prayed, I suddenly felt heat flow through my chest—so real and so powerful I can still remember it vividly today. In an instant, my lungs cleared. My nose opened. My ears popped. My throat stopped hurting. The fever broke. Just like that—bam—I was healed!

I can’t explain it by science or logic. All I know is I walked into that church sick, and I walked out completely well.

Since then, I’ve experienced other healings in my own life and have witnessed others being touched in the same miraculous way. Each time, I’m reminded of what Scripture promises—that healing is not just a story from the past, but a reality that can still happen today.

Do I fully understand it? No. But I believe it. I’ve lived it. Healing is real, and it’s a gift that points us back to the One who still works miracles.

That night of healing marked a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about being physically well again—it was about learning firsthand that God is faithful to His promises. Ever since then, I’ve carried that memory with me, especially when I face struggles or pray for others. It strengthened my trust that God really does hear us, and that He still moves in ways we can’t explain. Today, when I pray for people who are sick or hurting, I do it with a quiet confidence, remembering what He did for me. That moment taught me that healing is more than just a miracle—it’s a reminder of His love, His presence, and His power at work in our everyday lives.

Scripture says, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up” (James 5:15). I’ve seen that truth alive in my own life. Today, when I pray for people who are sick or hurting, I do it with a quiet confidence, remembering what He did for me. That moment taught me that healing is more than just a miracle—it’s a reminder of His love, His presence, and His power at work in our everyday lives.

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“Where the Salmon Still Run”

Notes from Alex: Streams of Salmon and Stories of Generations

“A timeless cycle that connects streams, people, and history.”

“There’s something timeless about standing at the mouth of a stream and watching salmon return, as if witnessing history swim right before your eyes.”

The other day, I drove down to two different streams. One held a strong pink salmon run, just beginning to gather momentum, while the other was alive with chum and coho pushing upstream. At the mouths of the streams, schools of salmon shimmered and surged together, filling the water with life. I sat there for a moment, just watching, and found myself pondering the deeper story unfolding before me.

These runs have been happening for centuries—long before I was here, long before any of us. And to see it still going on today, against the odds, feels poetically beautiful. Nature’s persistence has a way of humbling us. The salmon return, generation after generation, as if carrying the heartbeat of this place.

Of course, things have changed. The salmon fisheries for commercial harvest are not what they once were. I can remember stories of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, when the runs were stronger, the harvests larger, and the docks busier. Will it ever return to those days? Probably not—or at least, I don’t know. What I do know is this: a handful of commercial boats, both gillnetters and seiners, still work these waters today. Their efforts provide jobs, income, and a thread of economic impact for the community.

This is a salmon-run community, through and through. Generations of fishermen and women have made their living on these runs, and that tradition continues, even if the scale looks different now. The sight of those salmon pressing upstream reminded me that while times change, the core of this place—its connection to the salmon—remains the same.

It’s more than just a run of fish. It’s history, tradition, and survival, all swimming together in the current.

For me, standing by those streams was more than just an afternoon stop. It was a reminder that I too am part of this cycle, part of this tradition. Even if I’m not on a boat, even if I’m not casting a net, I carry the stories, the memories, and the gratitude for what the salmon represent. Observing their return ties me back to my roots, to the community I belong to, and to the generations before me who lived by these same waters. In that way, the salmon’s journey upstream mirrors my own journey—returning, remembering, and carrying forward what truly matters.

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Bitten by the Aviation Bug

How a Seaplane Spark Ignited My Aviation Journey

Some passions sneak up on you quietly. Mine roared in on the whine of propellers and the smell of saltwater spray. In a place where seaplanes are lifelines and the skies are our highways, I didn’t just see airplanes — I saw freedom, adventure, and a world waiting to be explored from above.

At a very early age, I was bitten by the aviation bug. In Southeast Alaska, the only way to get from town to town — and for the most part, this still holds true today — was either by boat or by plane. And around here, seaplanes aren’t just handy, they’re essential.

When I was a kid, my dad worked part-time at the local airport. Sometimes he’d take me along, and that’s where I first laid eyes on the Ellis Airway Grumman Goose. I was amazed by those birds — their graceful lines, their ability to land on both water and land. Back then, our small airport also saw Pan Am, TWA, and the U.S. Coast Guard come through. For a young boy already fascinated by flight, it was pure magic.

I knew, even then, that one day I would become a commercial pilot.

Years passed, but that dream never faded. Then in January 1987, I made it happen. I traveled to a flight school in Northern California with one mission: earn my Private Pilot’s License. I did that — and more. In just seven months, I had also earned my Commercial License, my Instrument Rating, and my Seaplane Rating.

During those months, I literally ate, slept, and breathed aviation. Every day was a deep dive into the world I loved, and each hour in the air only deepened my passion.

My very first flight was in a Cessna 172, and I can still remember the thrill of that moment — the hum of the engine, the lift as the wheels left the ground, the world shrinking below. That flight wasn’t just a beginning; it was the start of a lifelong career in aviation.

And so, the boy who once stood at the edge of a runway watching Grumman Gooses take off, became a pilot himself. The journey had begun.

Decades later, I still feel the same rush every time I step into a cockpit. The boy who once pressed his face against the airport fence, mesmerized by a Grumman Goose, has flown countless hours over some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Aviation didn’t just give me a career — it gave me a way of life. And every time I take off, I’m reminded of that first spark, and the dream it carried me into the sky.

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A Powerful Founders Day in Metlakatla, Alaska

“The Power, Pride, and Healing of Founders Day”

There are days that simply pass by, and then there are days that etch themselves into your soul. Yesterday was one of those days here in Metlakatla, Alaska—a celebration of our roots, our people, and the heartbeat of our culture. Founders Day wasn’t just an event; it was a living reminder of where we come from, and a powerful glimpse of who we are.

Yesterday was Founders Day here in my hometown of Metlakatla, Alaska, and the history behind it all is truly amazing. This annual celebration honors our beginnings, and yesterday’s events were nothing short of honorable, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Last evening, the Git Leeksa AKS – People of the Rising Tide – hosted an event at the Town Hall, where the 4th Generation Dancers also performed. The songs sung and the dances shared carried a weight of tradition and pride that could be felt deep in the soul.

When the People of the Rising Tide began their final series of songs, the drumbeats and voices shook the very walls of the building—and they shook me just as deeply. I could do nothing but smile, even as tears streamed down my face. The power of that moment, the connection to culture and history, was overwhelming in the best way.

Mr. David Boxley spoke from his heart, delivering words filled with wisdom, truth, and healing. It was all good medicine—something our spirits needed.

Last night was the perfect ending to August 7th, a day of remembrance, celebration, and community in this incredible place I am proud to call home: Metlakatla, Alaska.

As the last drumbeats faded into the night, I walked away carrying more than just memories—I carried a renewed sense of pride, connection, and gratitude for this place and its people. Founders Day is not only about honoring the past; it’s about keeping our culture alive in the present and passing its heartbeat on to the future. In Metlakatla, that heartbeat is strong, and last night, it was felt by every soul in the room.

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“Founders Day in Metlakatla: A Celebration of Heritage and Home”

By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

Founders Day in Metlakatla: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present

Every August 7th, the heartbeat of our home—Metlakatla—beats a little louder, a little stronger. Founders Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a living story. A powerful reminder of who we are, where we came from, and the enduring spirit that carries us forward.

In 1887, nearly 800 Tsimshian people made an extraordinary journey. Guided by missionary William Duncan, they left Old Metlakatla in British Columbia, crossing treacherous waters to settle on Annette Island, Alaska. They sought a new beginning—one shaped by faith, self-governance, and unity. That bold migration gave birth to New Metlakatla, and with it, the only federally recognized Native reservation in Alaska.

A Day of Meaning and Memory

Founders Day isn’t just for remembering—it’s for reconnecting. Families come home. Friends reunite. The streets fill with laughter, stories, and the smell of fry bread and smoked salmon. There’s a certain kind of joy you can only feel when you’re surrounded by your people, your land, your culture.

We begin with a parade—a vibrant display of pride and creativity. Children wave from floats. Elders smile as they remember past celebrations. The rhythm of the drums and the beauty of regalia remind us that our traditions are not just preserved—they are thriving.

Field games follow: tug-of-war, races, relays. Booths line the streets with handmade crafts, traditional foods, and smiling faces. And when evening comes, the community gathers for a feast—a long table of abundance, laughter, and gratitude.

Reviving Our Roots

For many years, Tsimshian language, dances, and customs were silenced. But today, Founders Day stands as a vibrant testimony to our cultural revival. We are speaking the language of our ancestors again. We are dancing the dances passed down through generations. And we are doing it proudly, publicly, and together.

These expressions of culture are not just performance—they are acts of remembrance and resistance. They are our gift to the next generation.

More Than a Celebration—A Statement

Founders Day also reminds us of our unique place in Alaska and the nation. The Metlakatla Indian Community continues to govern itself with authority over its resources, maintaining a separate and sovereign identity. This autonomy—this legacy—is not just inherited; it is actively protected and lived.

As our community grows and visitors come to witness the beauty of our traditions, we open our arms in welcome—but we also stand firm in our identity. Tourism rises, but it is rooted in respect. People come to see our dances, our art, our land—but they also leave with a deeper understanding of our story.

A Day We Carry All Year

As we celebrate this year’s Founders Day, let’s remember: we are the descendants of resilience. We are the living continuation of that brave journey in 1887. This day belongs to all of us—past, present, and future.

So whether you’re standing in the parade, sharing a meal at the feast, or simply watching the sunset over Annette Bay, take a moment to honor what it means to be from Metlakatla.

Because on August 7th, and every day after, we are still here—strong, proud, and together.

“From the shorelines of Annette Island to the hearts of those who return—Founders Day reminds us: our roots run deep, and our spirit runs deeper.”

#MetlakatlaStrong #FoundersDay #NotesFromAlex #TsimshianPride

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What to Expect When Beginning a New Journey as a Private Jet Charter Salesperson (and Working Dispatch in a Small Operation)

Notes from the Flight Deck

By Alex Atkinson, Jr.

Stepping into the world of private aviation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming—especially when you’re wearing two hats: charter sales and dispatch. In a small operation, these roles often overlap, demanding a unique combination of people skills, aviation knowledge, logistical savvy, and quick thinking. If you’re just beginning your journey in this niche, welcome aboard. Here’s what to expect—and how to prepare for takeoff.

1. Understand That Every Day Will Look Different

Unlike the rigid structure of scheduled commercial aviation, private jet charter is fluid and ever-changing. One day you’re planning a simple out-and-back mission for a local client; the next, you’re troubleshooting international permits and weather delays.

Key Tip: Flexibility is your best friend. Be ready to pivot and prioritize based on client needs, aircraft availability, weather, and operational limitations.

2. Sales Is Relationship-Based, Not Just Transactional

In private jet charter, you’re not just selling a flight—you’re building trust. Clients want to feel safe, seen, and taken care of. You’re dealing with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and sometimes celebrities, all of whom expect discretion, precision, and ease.

Key Tip: Be honest, responsive, and attentive. Learn your client’s preferences. Do they prefer a Gulfstream or a Challenger? Champagne or coffee? Window seat or aisle? Remember and personalize.

3. Learn the Basics of Aircraft Performance and Trip Feasibility

Even in sales, you need to understand the capabilities and limits of different aircraft. Can the jet land at that short airstrip in Telluride? How long is the flight from Aspen to Teterboro in a mid-size jet with winds aloft? Being able to answer these quickly sets you apart.

Key Tip: Create a quick reference guide of your fleet: aircraft range, runway requirements, passenger capacity, and baggage capacity. This helps you quote trips faster and with more confidence.

4. Time Management Is Crucial in Dispatch

If you’re also dispatching, you’re the bridge between the sales team, pilots, maintenance, and the client. You’ll be monitoring trip status, weather, NOTAMs, and coordinating ground transportation, catering, and FBO preferences.

Key Tip: Build a rhythm:

  • Check upcoming flights first thing in the morning
  • Confirm crew availability
  • Verify fuel orders and FBO reservations
  • Double-check permits and weather
  • Communicate clearly and early if anything changes

5. Expect to Be On-Call and On-Your-Toes

In a smaller operation, you’re likely part of a lean team. That means you might be working weekends, late nights, or holidays—especially when high season hits (hello, Super Bowl and Christmas in Aspen).

Key Tip: Set boundaries where you can, but embrace the lifestyle. It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and you’re never bored.

6. Tools You’ll Use Daily

  • Flight Planning Software (like ForeFlight, JetPlanner, or FOS)
  • CRM Systems for managing leads and repeat clients
  • Scheduling Tools like Avinode or Schedaero
  • Text, Email, and Phone – the personal touch still matters
  • Weather and NOTAM Briefing Sites

Key Tip: Get fast at toggling between systems. Speed and accuracy matter when quoting or updating a trip.

7. Keep a Log – Learn from Every Trip

Every trip has something to teach you: a missed catering order, a last-minute runway closure, a crew duty-time restriction. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes—log them, debrief, and learn.

Key Tip: Keep a personal “Lessons Learned” notebook or file. It’ll become one of your best resources.

Final Thoughts from the Flight Deck

This industry isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who love aviation, logistics, and people—it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can take. When you help a client get from A to B safely, smoothly, and with a smile on their face, it makes the long hours worth it.

So whether you’re in the dispatch room at 5 a.m. or closing a transatlantic charter deal at 10 p.m., remember—you’re now part of the engine that keeps private aviation moving.

Welcome to the team. Keep learning, keep flying.

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Fall in Love With Writing Again

“Reigniting the Creative Fire, One Word at a Time”
By Alex Atkinson

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of writers and content creators—some who’ve published books, others still dreaming, planning, or pushing through. What I’ve discovered is a community I didn’t even know I needed. A tribe of like-minded souls who love words as much as I do.

We understand the power behind both the written and spoken word. We know what it’s like to be moved by a sentence, to be wrecked by a paragraph, to find healing in a single phrase. And we also know what it’s like to hit that wall—to wrestle with writer’s block, or sit on ideas for months, maybe years, without taking action.

But something is shifting.

Now is the time to fall in love with writing again.
Not because the world is demanding it.
Not because it’s perfect or polished.
But because you are called to create.

Dust off the notebook. Reopen that manuscript. Type the first word of the blog you’ve been thinking about for far too long. Reignite the creative spark that once lit up your heart—and still can.

Love every word.
Even the messy ones.
Even the words that feel clumsy at first.
They’re yours, and they matter.

This is your sign.
Write the blog.
Start the book.
Let the creativity flow again.

There’s a community cheering you on—and I’m one of them.

Let’s do this.

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