The prudent thing would be to take things slowly. Ease into a new idea. Let it marinate.
But instead, I’m sitting outside in my hammock, throwing the ropes off and setting sail. (In other words, writing and publishing this blog post without much advance planning.)
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to keep writing and connecting while also creating a space where I can be paid for the time and love I pour into my words.
This blog isn’t going anywhere. I’ll still be posting, though with slightly less frequency (aiming for 3x/week). But today, I’m opening the doors to something new: a Patreon community I’m calling Lighthouse Keepers.
We all have seasons when we have to leave the comfort of shore, and in those times, we rely on the beams of light coming from other lighthouses. Life doesn’t happen in a vacuum — and I’m hoping this new space will be a cozy spot to share moments of gratitude and deeper conversations about the hard things we all face.
If you’d like to support my writing in this way — and join me for some bonus content — you can find it here: Lighthouse Keepers
No pressure, ever. Reading, commenting, and encouraging me on the blog is already a gift.
If you do join as a Patron, here’s what you can expect:
- Exclusive posts — reflections just for Patrons (aiming for 2x/week)
- Lightkeeper’s Logs — monthly printables with daily gratitude prompts (starting in September)
- The Harbour Huddle — a monthly meet-up for sharing and encouragement (platform TBD)
Today is a soft launch to blog friends. There will be kinks to work out, so I appreciate your patience. And, even more importantly, your feedback will help shape my Patreon space in the weeks and months ahead.
There will also be free content on my Patreon, starting with a brand-new post: How Do You Teach Kids Gratitude When They Have It All?
Thank you, as always, for your support — both off and online. (And I’ll see you back in this space tomorrow for a new Never Have I Ever…)
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I joined!!!!!
Thanks for being such an encouragement and supporter these last few years <3
Woohoo! How exciting! I know that it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there and to start a new project and I am so proud of you! I joined too and will be here for you! Hugs!
It is…shockingly nerve-wracking. What if I under-deliver. What if no one joins. But, I think this is a case of “jump and the net will appear”…or that’s what I’m hoping.
Thanks for being a cheerleader both on and offline <3
You’re such a wonderful writer, I hope this venture gives you satisfaction and another source of income as well. <3
Thanks, Julie!
Whoa, I joined Patreon! For you, Elisabeth, just for you. If over time my inherent cheapness sets in and I stop the subscription, it will not be a measure of my esteem for you, but just me reverting to type.
I’m looking forward to this, and to learning if/how it works for you.
Jana, I know how you feel about monetizing, and I know we are very aligned on the frugality bit so this is HUGE and honestly made me blush.
Your support means a lot and if frugality wins out I will continue to love engaging in this blog space with you <3
Yay Elisabeth I am SO HAPPY you have started this! Well done for betting on you, your writing is excellent and I hope you enjoy the Patreon. It’s so scary to take this kind of leap and I really hope the Patreon is a great success and continues to bring you creative fulfillment. Yay!
Thanks!!!
This such an exciting step! Proud of you!
Thanks! You’ve been with me every step of the way and I really appreciate it <3
My friend! I had a good feeling that you were going to move forward down this avenue, after you mentioned it a while ago.
Sending you all the positive mojo and support! XO
Thanks, Suz! It all came together pretty quickly, but it feels like the right time to take a next step. It’s not like I’m launching an empire, here, just a little Patreon, but there is something nice about forming a little community and, let’s be honest, making some money off writing. I love it, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get paid to do it as well.
And I’m so glad I have this blog space. Patreon isn’t meant to eliminate it, but there are some things that just don’t feel right to blog about, so it’s nice to have a bit more of an intimate space for that.
Congrats on taking this next big step, friend! Sometimes you have to jump in head first!!
Hopefully there are no rocks hiding just under the surface. But, yup, I’ve jumped in 🙂
This sounds like a worthy venture! Best wishes to you as you start it!
Elisabeth, I am so late with my congratulations but please accept the warmest hug and tons and tons of well wishes. You are such a talented writer and should be compensated accordingly. Wishing you lots of luck, but, honestly, you don’t need it. Just keep writing!!
Just keep writing! Words to live by. Thanks, Daria <3
Wow, Elisabeth! Congratulations on your big step! You have a gift for bringing people together, so a Patreon community will be perfect for you!
Thanks, friend <3
Yeahhh for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. All the best to your endeavor.
Congratulations, Elisabeth, for making that leap. That’s exciting.