Hi there! I’m Olwen. (Pronounced All-wen)
And I’m trying something new-ish.
I’ve been writing a version of this newsletter for almost ten years. Mainly because it’s one of my favourite things to do. But I’ve also heard that it’s helped people feel less alone and has introduced them to new concepts and ideas.
There are even some die-hard readers who have been with me since the beginning and have stuck with me through my various evolutions - thank you!. And I still receive messages from people every now and then sharing how something in these notes gave them the courage to make their life better in some way… even years later.
But before now, I’d never given my newsletter a name.
I often use the phrase “a fun mess” when talking about visual journaling. I use it for both the process of creating as well as what I call the final piece I’ve created.
Both can be messy and really fun if you allow yourself to be curious about what you’re experiencing in the moment. It helps me keep an eye out for sweetness. No matter how small it is.
Looking at my visual journaling in this way has also helped me apply this logic to other parts of my life. I’m still a biracial, Black woman living with a chronic autoimmune illness (rheumatoid arthritis) in a world that is often quite happy to ignore me and/or dismiss me. I’m also aware of my privileges and I’m still trying my best to use them to support equality.
I know you know that there’s a lot we’re all dealing with here on this floating rock. And it can be (is) a fucking mess.
What you may not know is that I NEED fun and joy to navigate it all. They are necessities!
Not to bypass or ignore a situation. But to help me survive. Noticing and remembering that there is sweetness helps me keep moving forward.
So now, this newsletter is going to be called A Fun Mess so that we can connect and do this together (in our own ways).
A Fun Mess is full of stories, tips and techniques that may help you see the world in different ways.
Please know that I love connecting with people in this way. These notes can help you walk a little taller, breathe a little deeper, feel all your feels, and consider the people around you. And, fingers crossed, they’ll make you laugh sometimes too.
I’ll send A Fun Mess out a few times a month (or at least once a month) when I’ve got something beneficial to share with you.
You’re welcome to follow me on Instagram if you’re missing me. Because I’ll still be sharing over there too.
"Olwen inspires me to be more present because in life we are so often pulled into the pain of the past or fear for the future. Learning how to be present and in joy is a proud priceless gift." - Staci Jordan Shelton
I mentioned last month that I’ve been diving into more writing and some other cool shit (aka projects) that I’m excited about. And it seems that writing is kinda winning out at the moment, so this is also a space I’ve carved out for myself to explore and experiment with some ideas I have for the near future.
And I want to remind you of some of the general themes or topics you’ll find in my notes.
These are just a few topics you’ll find in A Fun Mess:
Creativity & curiosity
Enjoying the present moment
Practical self & community care
Living with an autoimmune disease
Joy
Process over perfection
Vulnerability
Self-trust
Exploring what’s true for you
I also tend to share what I’m currently watching, reading and listening to in case you’re looking for something new to explore. And you’ll definitely hear about a cat or two at some point.
My goal is to stuff creativity, joy, wisdom and beauty into A Fun Mess.
My hope is that you take something that you read in my notes and use it in ways that work best for you.
Check out the archive or listen to a podcast to see what I mean.
"In a world crowded with so much talking and an industry full of people telling you what to do, Olwen won’t. Olwen isn’t going to say "I have the answers", but honestly, she often does. She supports you finding those answers while walking with you down that path. She is honest, firm, and authoritatively compassionate.
She is measured in what she says and listens fully so that she can give you her absolute attention. She isn’t listening to impress you with her knowledge, she is listening to hear what you have to say, and to respond with the same care she would give her own inquiry. She’s unafraid of mess, but can still laugh and find the humour in the complexity of being a human. She is someone deeply committed to learning, living, and experiencing." - Anna Toonk
If you’re reading this because you’re already a subscriber and are receiving this in your inbox, thank you. I appreciate you continuing to welcome A Fun Mess into your inbox.
If you’re new to A Fun Mess, welcome. And please consider subscribing so you don’t miss anything important.
Currently, this newsletter is free for everyone.
However, you are welcome to support my efforts here by becoming a paid subscriber. I’ll do a happy dance in your honour each time I write something new. And your financial gifts will also help me buy more art supplies, purple shoes, cover the adoption fee of another cat and feed my kid (in no particular order). All of which help me keep sending you these notes full of stories you’ll actually enjoy reading, and useful tips that help you make your life better.
When or if I choose to make a few future posts available only to paying members, I will notify you in advance.
Thanks for being you and for being here.
"Olwen helped me clarify something that seemed SO straightforward to me—and I was SO wrong about it. She’s super helpful and one of my go-to people when I’m in a transition or have a decision to make." - Dyana Valentine
We’re going to have so much fun. Messy fun!
Olwen
PS. While Harder They Fall (Netflix) has some issues, and I was worried that Idris Elba was gonna make me watch (another) crappy movie just because he’s in it, I thoroughly enjoyed watching it! It didn’t hurt that it’s filled with a bunch of other talented and beautiful Black actors who I’ll watch in just about anything. But I found the visuals and the music have stuck with me the most. Both are gorgeous.
PPS. I avoided Succession (HBO) for a very long time. Until I couldn’t stop myself from binging the first two seasons in a couple of days. Now I have a standing Sunday night text date with a friend as we watch the latest episode. I’ve never watched a show where I’ve really disliked so many main characters. And yet, I can’t wait to see what horrible thing one of them will do next.