The Freeing Nature of a New Publication Name

Writings from the Wildwood

Old Elk by Adalyn Cashmere 2021 (HI)

I changed the name of my Substack. My publication. My free flowing place to write and create because it was not free or flowing at all. The “Pursuit of Health & Happiness” did not reflect what I want to offer, how I want to show up in this space. The former evokes a feeling of drive and purpose no matter what the cost - definitely not the spirit of its conception. It also aligned too closely to the troubled state of our country’s huddled masses. Although I do believe in pursuing both those things, I need to remove my creative conjurings from that line in our beloved Declaration of Independence.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. - Thomas Jefferson

My eyes grow misty as I think about how that line is being abused by our current leadership and want to distance my creativity from the feeling.

Instead, I want to share the stories that have helped me pursue my own path to healthy living. The focus placed on experiences and creativity that make my life full, nurturing kindness along the way. Writings from the Wildwood will hold them in a gentle, more open space. I will continue to follow the rhythm of the seasons and the mind, body, spirit connection. But I am not going to ‘pursue’ the algorithm to grow, build, scale to all the new heights. Would I like to grow? You bet. But in a reasonable and joyful way that makes sense for how much time I can commit each week. I hold my WildWood loosely, as a place to share my stories and build connection for all those who want to climb trees, paint birdsong, and share tales around the campfire.

Come my wildlings, let’s brew a cup of tea and settle into the whimsy of where my writings will go. I thank you in advance and am honored you are here.

Soar and be free,
Barb🌀