24 Comments
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Ann Williams's avatar

You do not need to apologize.

We wear ourselves out worrying about what others think about our decisions and life choices. If you stop. I’ll stop.

You are absolutely and truly loved. Always remember that!

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you, Ann! Your encouragement (in whatever I do) means so much.

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Erica's avatar

This is why I follow you. For your transparency, for your honesty. I feel like we are kindred spirits - I absolutely try to do all the things (not for my own business but my personal life) and I often beat myself up over how often I get into something to decide I don't like it - or it's not for me. It's refreshing to meet other people - even if I only read your posts - but it's important to me to KNOW there are other people out there with the same MANY interests. I'm cheering you on! I do love your content.

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

YES!! We think our capacity is much more than it is, so we keep adding to our plate until we feel more stressed than ever before and realize we've taken on too much. FOMO is a real struggle for people like us. In a way, I think it's good to stretch ourselves to try new things, but I wish I had saved the "I'm jumping on Substack" announcement until I'd been posting regularly for at least a month. 😅 Your comment means the world to me this morning. Thank you so much for sticking around.

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Kendra Heffelfinger's avatar

I have to admit, I was sad to read this. You are so good at writing and I wish I could organize my thoughts like you do.

But on the other hand, I get it 100%. I too am struggling with an online business and if I really have the heart for it like I did years ago.

When you shared the YouTube video last post about where to put your focus that stung you a bit, it stung me too. So step by step, I will get there.

Hang in there, enjoy your journey and praise the Lord that you are able to recognize the struggle.

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

You are too kind, Kendra! The online world has changed SO MUCH over the last decade. It's hard to know how to pivot or what platform to use. I think Substack is such a great opportunity for authors and writers who don't yet have a website. Or those who want to explore a different niche than the one they are currently in. I hope I come back to Substack one day when I'm truly ready!

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Kelly Murphy's avatar

Thank you for your honesty and not trying to spreading yourself out too much! I will follow and support you wherever you go. Keep up the strong work ethic and enjoy your Alaskan adventure.

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

It's a daily struggle! Thank you for your support—it means a lot to me!

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D Flynn's avatar

One of the reasons I enjoy following you is to see the things you try and that you have been able to pivot when it isn't working for you. It is great to see you continue to run an online business and stay self employed. Keep going forward! And take your time while you enjoy all the wonderful scenery in Alaska.

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you for your continued encouragement!

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Shireen's avatar

Oh gosh Kalyn. What a agonising decision for you. I agree with Erica when she says why she follows you: for your transparency. It’s great that you’re pivoting. Yay! I’ll be here xx (and on your email list, and following you and Open Roading on Instagram) 😘

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

I wanted to hide so badly after realizing I had bitten off more than I could chew. Thank you for your grace and understanding. I appreciate you following all the things!! 😄

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Lauren Lanker's avatar

Continually proud to call you my friend. And continually encouraged by your transparency… about your brave decision to take a step back when you’ve realized things aren’t working. I know that good new fruit will come from this decision in time… and you can trust I’ll be cheering you on in the gestation period. Love you!

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you, Lauren! I'm so inspired by how you've dedicated time to your healing process, and I know that's what I need to focus on as well. So grateful for you!

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Amy Warntz's avatar

I completely understand. I enjoy reading on Substack, but I really don’t understand all the hype. I don’t have an online business but watching from afar I feel like having your email list and your own website is the “gold standard.” I do miss your more personal account on IG, as I’m not into RVing and I struggle to wrap my mind around Notion (I’m an Evernote girl).

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Substack does seem to have blown up over the past year! I do think it's good for authors and writers who don't have an online platform yet to be discovered. But I did feel like maybe it wasn't the right fit since I already have a website and email list—I'm just not using them to their full potential.

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Tracy Maher's avatar

You are an inspiration in your successes but in your failures you shine. My belief is you can’t grow without failures so whatever you decide to do I’ll be here (or there). In the meantime I look forward to seeing you on YouTube and Instagram.

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you, Tracy! Failures sure have a way of showing you all the lessons you still have to learn. :)

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Holly Hull's avatar

Well, you know, I am a fan and it certainly has something to do with your honest and vulnerable posts. I do think one of your superpowers is being able to break down things in ways that make sense. I have had the pleasure of working with you one on one and could not recommend you and your work enough!

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you so much, Holly! I enjoyed working with you too!

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Vicki Albers's avatar

Ditto all the support and encouragement from everyone else!

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

Thank you, Vicki!

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Michelle Hickey's avatar

What an example you’re setting for us to see you step away with grace. I’m so happy you’re honoring your feelings and making space to help you discover your next path. I’ve loved everything you’ve written during your time on Substack and can’t wait to see what comes next for you. ❤️

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Kalyn Brooke's avatar

I so appreciate your encouragement and friendship, Michelle. I will continue to thoroughly devour everything you write on Substack!

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