Finding my voice and a new name...

It's not what you think!

I was playing around on substack and noticed that people had some really cool names for their newsletters. I wanted a cool name too, but couldn’t think of one at the time I started all this about a month ago.

I wanted something that could speak to where I’m at with my life, even though I wasn’t quite sure myself. I also wanted it to be a reflection of the community and space that I wanted to create for readers.

With my counsellor, Neil’s voice in my head, “find your own platform,” I started ruminating on what I wanted to call this platform I was creating. While I started with Kim’s Musings, I knew that was just a placeholder.

It’s been several weeks and several iterations of words bouncing around in my brain. None were hitting the right spot—either too negative, depressing or boring. I wanted something that would conjure up a feeling, which could be different for different people.

A dear friend called me on the weekend and as we were talking she mentioned the word ‘renaissance’ in a completely different context.

‘Oh my gosh! That’s it!’

I explained to her why I got so excited in the middle of her story and she understood instantly.

With the literal meaning of renaissance being ‘re-birth,’ it felt bang on the money. Plus, when I looked it up, the other meanings I saw included “a revival of classical learning and wisdom” (check) and a ‘rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art.’ (cool)

It hit the right note with me on so many levels, that I started working it around in my head and various connotations of what the platform could be.

Where I landed was ‘my renaissance life.’ So welcome to my newsletter (officially) where I will post on various topics regarding past reflections, but better yet, rediscovery and renewal as I go through the next stage of life. I’m excited for where this could go. Where I might go.

I want to build a community of readers where some of the topics not only resonate, but can also be informative, thought provoking and hopefully a bit entertaining and funny. I love when it prompts reflections with others and readers share them with me.

I’ve never shied away from talking about subjects that might be uncomfortable or to ‘go deep’ with my friends. How else are we supposed to learn if we don’t talk about topics like money, sex, relationships, children, work, business, health stuff, (menopause anyone?)

I want to go there. I want to be direct. I want to feel a strong connection with people. I’m not good at doing ‘surface.’ I want to be real and I want people to be real with me. Chit chat drives me bonkers.

I have been told at various times in my life I am: “too direct,” “too pushy,” “too much.” The list goes on, but you get the picture.

I have attempted to temper this in myself, but my inner voice can’t hold itself in anymore. More to the point, I don’t want to hold back. I want to talk about women, men, power, roles, mental health, current events, culture, why things are the way they are, why do they have to stay that way?

I love when I connect with someone right away. Like you feel you just know them and can be comfortable with them. I love the conversations that follow that feel so natural.

I am craving dialogue, debate, and offering my opinion, my musings.

Without fear of being told I have to be quiet because I’m just too much. I’m tired of making myself small so I don’t offend others. I suspect there are many others like me.

I’m finding my voice. Finally. Join me in sharing yours.

This platform is a rebirth. A renaissance.

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Thank-you to those of you that have become subscribers. If you’re just lurking, that’s ok too, but know to subscribe is simple and free. Simply provide your email, click subscribe and you’re done. You’ll get an email weekly (for the most part) which you can read at your leisure (or not!) You can also comment, suggest other ideas or feel free to disagree. (respectfully :)

I would be eternally grateful if you could share this with your friends and on your networks so we can grow this renaissance community together. More people, more opinions, more fun.