Everything Old is New Again
Celebrating two years of writing this newsletter and a community I'm deeply grateful for.
Hello beautiful you.
Two years ago, when I started this newsletter, I named it My Renaissance Life1. At the time, it felt full of possibility—a fitting name for what I hoped to write about—rediscovery and renewal. Problem was, I had no idea what I was about to discover. I was on the edge of a precipice and in a place of deep pain and distress. Nowhere near ready to jump into whatever was “next” for me.
I just knew I needed to write.
Soon after starting this newsletter, I found myself doing a different kind of work—unlearning. I needed to strip away old habits, ingrained beliefs, and lifelong stories I had been telling myself in order to make space for what came next. How could I figure out what that was with the old patterns and habits running through my head?
That’s why I renamed it Life (un)Learned—because that was the work I needed most.
Now, two years later, I find myself in a new place. The deep work of unlearning has given way to something different: renewal, reinvention, and exploration. While I’m grateful for the old name and all it represented, it no longer suits where I’m going or what I’d like to explore—with myself and with you.
So, I’m returning to the name I chose in the beginning: My Renaissance Life. This time, with more clarity about what it means. No niche, no boxes, no need to define myself as just one thing. Just a space to explore, reflect, and embrace the possibilities of a life continually unfolding. If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place!
With this return comes a new visual identity that reflects both my personal journey and the essence of My Renaissance Life.
The new brand design2 is deeply connected to my love for the ocean and my daily cold water dips, while also evoking the image of a flower in bloom—symbols of renewal and transformation. At its centre is a stylized "K," grounding the design in self—reminding us that who we are at our core is what truly matters; everything else is just window dressing.
The colours carry meaning, too.3 The deep aubergine is grounding and direct, while the playful orange adds a vibrant pop of energy and fun—reflecting the two sides of who I am and the balance we all navigate between depth and lightness. The circular flow of the design suggests movement, growth, and the cycles of renewal that define a life well-lived.
I LOVE branding—the whole creative process. Especially when it’s done well. The creative brains that can take the words and essence of a person, place or thing and make it into memorable visual is a gift. During my career, I was fortunate to work with so many great creative agencies and people—it was one of the favourite parts of my job. Shout out to
who helped me bring this one to life!
Something Good…
I wasn’t just smiling, but laughing with joy when I saw this performance by Cher. Watching a woman in command of her entire being was inspiring. Watching the audience lose their marbles as they jumped to their feet in awe, was just as fun. I was one of them. And Lord knows, we need something good these days to make us smile, distract us and give us hope. Enjoy!
To those of you who are new subscribers, thank-you. And for those that have been around for awhile, you’ve gotten me through some big life moments. I appreciate every one of you.
As we move into year three, let’s see where this renaissance takes us.
What say you? I’d love to hear from you.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do or learn, but haven’t had the chance yet?
What do you see yourself doing in your next chapter?
What about Cher? She’s 78 and is still rocking it!4
If you’re new here and want to join in the conversation, it’s easy as a click of the subscribe button. Hit the ❤️ button and share this with your friends and on your networks so we can grow this renaissance community together. It helps ensure the posts are seen in the sea of others when it comes to the algorithm Gods. And, you’ll have my undying gratitude and appreciation.
Original post announcing my newsletter’s name from two years ago. Looking back, I was shocked to see how my vision mirrored what I wanted to do and write about now. Even in my darkest time, I still had the idea that fit my personality, but at the time, I lacked the confidence in myself to trust my own judgement. It was fun to rediscover this old post.
Thanks to
from Style Your Stack for helping me tweak and refine my brand design. If you’re thinking about a brand re-fresh, need a sounding board and brainstorming partner as you look to brand or set up your newsletter, she’s fantastic. And fun. And funny. She’ll tell you what she thinks, no BS. I love that.These were also the brand colours of my company, Acumen Communications Group, so it’s a nod to my former life and the company I created where I had some of the best working years of my life.
I listened to Cher’s audiobook and it took me back to my childhood. Sitting on the carpet in front of the TV watching the Sonny & Cher show. Singing “I Got You Babe” during the finale when they brought out Chastity (now Chaz) was my favourite part of the week. I was in love with Cher—her long shiny hair, gorgeous outfits and humour. What a survivor. An icon.
1) What’s something you’ve always wanted to do or learn, but haven’t had the chance yet?
2) What do you see yourself doing in your next chapter?
3) What about Cher? She’s 78 and is still rocking it!
Congrats on two years--Huzzah to you! I am so very behind on emails and reading, but let me think... I've always wanted to write a musical. I see myself building Empress Editions with a lot of help, lol. I adore Cher, but mostly for her acting and her personhood... she seems to have so much resilience and mental strength.