Wrapping up Summer & the Fundraiser!

I found pockets of joy.

"The tie die is a lie."

I've been writing a lot lately, and now I have a stockpile of unpublished drafts to show for it. In many ways, that mirrors where I'm at—full of ideas but running low on stamina. Chronic illness has a way of slowing down even the best of intentions.

But I’m happy to share some great news: I’m okay financially, at least for now. This summer, I met my fundraiser goal, and my rent is paid. For those of you who contributed or shared, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's a huge relief to know that I can stay in my home for the time being.

When I was panicking about the possibility of losing my home, a friend gave me some wise advice: stay where you can as long as you can. Don’t move out of fear; move because a more stable option comes along. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to stay.

The “might lose my home” panic was motivating for my decluttering project.

I made big strides, and with help, I got a lot of things posted online for sale. But here's where I'm stuck: people message me wanting to buy something, and I just don’t have the energy to coordinate a pickup. The spoons just aren’t there.

I’m a little bummed that I’ll probably end up donating or tossing things instead of selling, but I think that might be a grief I’ll move through quickly. When the piles are gone, I’ll have more space to breathe—and it’s so close to done.

I’m incredibly thankful to Lindsay, Lindley, and everyone else who helped keep me organized over the summer.

The Vision Now

Right now, the vision is to make it work on disability benefits to cover half of my expenses, while working part-time as a parent coach. It’s a delicate balance, but I’m working with multiple organizations to make it happen and I'm hopeful.

In the midst of everything, I became an aunt for the first time!

My brother Jeremy and his wife Viveka welcomed their baby boy, Thomas. He’s finishing up growing his lungs in the NICU, but he’s already captured our hearts. I can’t wait to see him get stronger and be part of his life as he grows.

For now, though, I’m crashing. I’m forcing my front brain to cooperate long enough to write this because, unfortunately, I’m still in a funk. But I’m practicing self-compassion around it—it makes sense to collapse after a big climb.

At this point I intend to maintain this website. Please use it to check on me. As practiced as I'm getting at asking for help, it's hard to act as a volunteer manager when I'm not feeling well. I still need you lots and appreciate it more than you know when you initiate aid or connection.

Night night, Sarah