Throwback: a collection of Jessica’s posts

As I re-read previous posts that Jessica has shared on The Unexpected Ever Afters, I was struck by the wide variety of topics and full range of emotions that she has written about. Her ability to articulate experiences and perspectives with clarity, authenticity, and insight has provided tremendous help and comfort in my own journey. …

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A Journey of Friendship

As we mark our third blogiversary of The Unexpected Ever Afters, I’m reminded of our goal and mission for this blog: to establish connections, to share stories of everyday life, to support and encourage one another, to remind that we are not alone in our thoughts, anxieties, hopes, and dream; that together, we can tear down isolating boundaries and build connections. In a way, our mission really is about friendship.

Continuing the Journey – Jessica’s Experience (Part 2)

As we approach our blogiversary, we discuss whether or not to continue our blog.  Although the conclusion has always ended with a “yes of course we are going to continue,” the decision is never simple.  We are two self-identified over-thinkers, and we never let a decision pass by unanalyzed. So, together, we contemplate the goal of the blog followed by a version of a cost-benefit analysis.  We question if we still have stories to tell or if we have exhausted all of our topics.  We consider if writing still brings us joy and if we feel like what we share still matters.

Reflecting on the Journey – Jessica’s Experience (Part 1)

We understood that genuine connection with others through shared vulnerability can make a huge difference in combating both comparison and isolation.  After thoughtful deliberation, we determined we were ready to dive into a shared blog as an attempt to both share that feeling of connection with others as well as provide an outlet for our interest in writing.  Despite my “stage fright” of others reading my writing, I felt a surge of confidence knowing that I was not entering into the journey alone. 

Messy Everyday Life

Exciting new, The Unexpected Ever Afters, now has a pinterest page! You can find us at https://www.pinterest.com/theunexpectedeverafters/.  We are excited to have another way to reach readers and to share our stories and experiences! As Wendi and I were putting together our Pinterest page, we added a brief description of our blog: “The vision behind …

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