Ch-ch-ch-changes are a-comin!
When I started The Mddl in October here on Substack, I thought it was going to be a little side thing I did to make myself happy. A place to share my writings and maybe at some point I would be able to make a little money from it.
Then, my entire life changed.
I am so thankful for that Lacey, and what she set into motion. You see, without The Mddl and the start that I already had, I don’t think I would be anywhere near as mentally healthy as I am today. My body may be a hot mess, but my mental and emotional health is better than it’s been in a long time. The ability to create has truly been therapy for me and given me so much purpose.
I want to make The Mddl even bigger and better.
With this new direction, I need more flexibility, more chances to connect, and more avenues to create! Because of that – this will be the last Substack Newsletter of The Mddl – starting next week The Mddl will be hosted from The Mddl website, and you’ll get a weekly Newsletter that features all aspects of The Mddl. You’ll also have the opportunity to support me in many ways, depending on your interest and ability.
Let’s dive into what is to come!
The New TheMddl.com and Weekly Newsletter
If you’re worried you have to do anything – you don’t! I’ll move your email over, and you can go on, never really even knowing a difference. You’ll get one newsletter every Thursday that will include an essay from The Mddl, some info on that week’s podcast, and some of the things that I am loving for the week.
The Mddl website will be BEAUTIFUL! It’s so close to being done, and I truly cannot wait for you to see it. All of my essays will be posted there for you to read, like, comment, and share.
I will be able to post easily, more often, and so many ways. The world (well, the internet) is my oyster, and I will take advantage of it!
Sharing The Mddl Podcast
Launches December 28th!
What better time to launch a podcast about the messy middles of life than the messiest middle week of the year?!?!
There will be 2 types of episodes for you to enjoy! Every other week you will listen to me talking to a remarkable individual about their middle moments of life, and the other weeks will feature just me reading essays, giving advice from the middle, and sharing things that make me happy.
I’ve been working on getting it all set up, and I’m already so proud of the episodes.
Ways to Support
Making this move allows me to have lots of creativity when it comes to The Mddl and potential for me to rebuild my income. Talking about money is hard and weird for me, but I know it’s the right move.
I want to build an authentic brand that I can be my whole self in – that means being transparent about my goals and motivations! Part of that authenticity is also following my own ethical compass. I have things of value to share, and I want anyone to have access along with the ability to support. That means I’ve come up with multiple ways for this to happen!
The Mddl Patreon
If you love my content, I have some great news, with your support I can create more! Patreon is a subscription service that will be integrated directly into my website and podcast that allows subscribers access to exclusive content! Depending on your subscription tier, you will have access to additional writings, audio recordings of my writings, Q&As, and more!
I’m still building it out but you can go over and take a look.
Lacey Loves
I am going to have a page dedicated to different things I am loving. This will be a mix of affiliate links (so I get a small commission if you buy something from it) or sponsored content (meaning a brand gave it to me for me to share with you, and they’re paying me up front).
Because of my strong moral and ethical compass, I am asking you to please buy – if it’s something that you actually want and can afford. Bonus points for both of us if it’s something you already use, and you use my link to buy it (thank you, Amazon, for your super easy affiliate program). I promise to always be real about my thoughts, opinions, and only share things I actually try.
I realize that’s probably way more than you ever wanted to know, I just… need to be able to sleep at night. I’ve started building a similar one on my learning design website if you want a preview!
Tip Jar
Real simple, if you feel so inclined, you can leave me a tip. It’s a happy medium of supporting my work, without having to be locked into a monthly subscription. And because I’ve given you a preview of everything else, here is the Tip Jar.
For Real, Thank You
Whether you choose to support monetarily (which, please, do not feel obligated to), share The Mddl with others, or just read one essay. I just want to thank you. I never even dreamed this would be something possible for me. You just reading this, is an accomplishment for me.
I have always had it in the back of my mind how much I would love to be a writer and creator. My body may have forced me toward this path, but my heart and mind are so grateful. I truly think this will be something special that will make a difference, and you are a massive part of that.
Thank you, so much.