the stories we tell, the stories we hear

Good morning, you.

It's been a "Friday Newsletter" kind of week. It's not necessarily good or bad, just there. This Friday Newsletter week currently sees me headed to Hood Canal, WA about to celebrate my husband's grandmother's 90th birthday. Ninety and still living on her own. She has stories.

These days, I spend a lot of time answering questions about myself and what path led me to open The Assembly. Depending on who I'm talking to, I'll give the long answer, the short answer, the sassy answer, the very long answer, or the relentlessly self-promotional answer. Someday I hope to write the very long and very true version down — and I'll be lucky to do that.

Having the chance to share that narrative in my own way is a gift and a privilege. The fact that I get to tell my own story and that so many people can't tell theirs isn't lost on me. Women who will never be able to, like Nia Wilson, who's life was taken from her and from her family. Women around the world and our communities who don't feel like they can or they they should and who won't get justice for so much. Who do we allow to tell their stories? Who do we listen to?

Here's the thing: most of our paths don't feel like they're worth talking about a lot of the time. They're sticky and weird and boring and full of little detours that shape who we are. Here's the other thing: if you want to tell it, it's worth telling.

Right now, I'm going to start by listening to Joan over a glass of her favorite champagne. Have a great weekend, you all.

xo,
Molly