22 Comments
User's avatar
Veronica Llorca-Smith's avatar

I’m so glad you are here!

I share the struggle and in January I deleted social media from my phone to be more focused.

My conclusion is that the digital world is necessary but we can decide the terms and set our boundaries.

Lovely warm piece šŸ«¶šŸ¼

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

I need to establish my firm boundaries and block out time to have meaningful conversations on Substack.

Expand full comment
Thaissa Lara's avatar

This was a beautiful post, Karen. You touched on experiences shared by many. Life is indeed unpredictable and glorious at the same time. Thank you for mentioning me. āœØļø

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Thank you. I do feel this resonates with most stackers. Your welcome. I appreciate the supportšŸ’œ

Expand full comment
Susan Kuenzi's avatar

I appreciated this article, Karen. It relates to a little project I'm doing this summer called Writing As Breathing: How Writing Changes Me. I'd like to restack this post in a link related to this project if you don't mind. Also, please feel free to get involved. I have posted some reflection questions on a Thread and will be recognizing articles like this after the end of August. https://susankuenzi.substack.com/publish/posts/detail/146352570?referrer=%2Fpublish%2Fposts

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

Yes please restack and yes I am intrigued by your project. I will check out your link.

Expand full comment
Sue's avatar

Thanks, Karen for opening up about your goals. I’m with you on discovering the best balance, and the whole social media aspect of it all for myself. I look forward to reading your work!

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

I do appreciate your continued support. I’m being a total slacker on Facebook, especially when it comes to scrolling. Keep up the good workšŸ™šŸ¼

Expand full comment
Sue's avatar

I appreciate you, too!😊

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Grace Martinez's avatar

I have been surprised by how good it feels to read others' writing and interact on Substack. i love the community here so far.

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

I agree. It’s so nice to be surrounded by others who lift me up with their words.

Expand full comment
Caroline's avatar

I love how you ended this piece…I struggle most with balance of consistency and flexibility. But I’m getting better. šŸ¤

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

From an outside observer you appear to be doing very well!

Expand full comment
Georgia Clare's avatar

Love the balance that you talk about here. I’m trying to achieve that too. Deciding what to focus on, how much time to dedicate to each project is a challenge.

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

And you my friends have a very full plate. I admire your determination and hard work!

Expand full comment
Georgia Clare's avatar

Thank you Karen. šŸ’•

Expand full comment
May Morris-Kawel's avatar

Thanks Karen for this heartfellt piece.

it's always important to remind ourselves of what our original goal was.

That's how we stay grounded.

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

You are quite welcome. It’s certainly helps to be grounded in a firm message.

Expand full comment
Melanie J Wilson's avatar

Thank you, Karen! Do you use the other platforms to share your writing? I haven't yet. This is a thoughtfulful piece from your heart ā™„ļø I love it. Enjoy your family, we will be here 🌻

Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

I write a weekly blog post (#100 is due this week) and share it to social media. My daughters left so I am finally catching up. Sometimes I feel my writing is too rehearsed and coming from my mind, not my ā™„ļø

Expand full comment
Melanie J Wilson's avatar

That feeling of "too rehearsed" is that what is also known as "imposter syndrome"?

You are doing great 🌻

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Sep 2
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Karen Esbenshade's avatar

An introverted extrovert is the best thing ever. Finding peace within ourselves while engaging with others. I loved seeing your recent pic with you and your kiddos🩷

Expand full comment