2024 has been a year for me! Not in the way of online writing—don’t know the last time I wrote a blog post—but a growth year for sure.
And not just growth as in expansion, but transformation more so.
I accepted the fact that as an introvert in this post-pandemic era, if I’m going to be drained by connecting with people, it will have to be in person. Connection is easier and richer in person, which makes the recovery time afterwards worth it.
That’s meant way less time on social media because jockeying for attention in a rigged system that constantly moves the goal post is not for me. It’s exhausting.
So is trying to convey myself, my message, as authentically as possible to people who are quick to speak and slow to listen.
WHAT DID THAT MAKE POSSIBLE?
The year started with mentoring at a maternity home for homeless women in my area.
I can’t describe the joy when several facets of your life converge to empower some of the most vulnerable among us. And talk about a captive audience!
Yes, I introduced some to Jesus and helped others grow in their walk with Him. But I also heard their stories of abandonment and abuse so I could not only empathize, but show them through my story that they too can overcome.
And for those living in the home with their new babies, I could weave in parenting education as I mentored them through their healing from their own childhood traumas.
The first half of 2024 was glorious.
And when that opportunity ended this summer, I missed it. I missed being in the same room, looking a woman in the eyes as she shared, I listened, and the light bulbs went off in her mind when I’d respond.
The Lord gave me the right words at the right time so many times. Words that empowered these women to make better choices for them and their baby.
WHAT NOW?
And He’s continued to give me the words but in a different format. I currently work on speaking, specifically the ability to speak for longer periods of time on motherhood matters (longer than I did in my podcast episodes), but without the outlining/scripting.
It’s speaking when there’s a flow. When a topic I’m passionate about bubbles up, I open my mouth informed by my education, experience, and, of course, my faith.
So in September of this year, I started practicing in public on a separate YouTube channel than the prayer channel.
Other than the moms subscribed to my newsletter, I haven’t shared the channel link publically and I still won’t yet.
I’m developing mastery.
My focus is seeing how deep I can dive on the fly and then leave it accessible to whoever the Lord leads to my net. It’s still real talk about the challenges moms face with wisdom that’s especially helpful for the unmothered and what I call “undermothered” moms out there.
Speaking for long periods stretches me, but I’m having fun, and the videos are so good. So far the longest one I’ve recorded is 45 minutes!
If you’ve followed this blog for a long time, you’ve seen the twists and turns the Lord has taken me on my journey. This is yet another leg of the journey.
These days I do my writing offline. I’m developing programs for moms and future moms battling the effects of childhood trauma so they can approach motherhood with intention. It gives me all the feels!
I hope that whatever season you’re in, you’re discovering the growth it makes possible. And enjoying it!
I’m rooting for you!
Vanessa A. Harris 