Love you to the moon and back

The pull of the Pink Moon

Kuhio Beach, Golden Hour. | Photo Cred: Me.

Today’s Pink Moon feels as good as any day to Begin.

Beginnings are often the hardest part; saying hello to a stranger, a writer sitting down to a blank page, an apology.

Today, the moon is full—a Pink Moon, to be precise. My favourite colour, as it so happens. It’s also exactly one week until my birthday, which brings with it a whole wave of emotion of its own. And so, as I sit down to write my very first Substack piece, a Substack that I’ve been planning for four months, working on for nearly four weeks learning and planning and dreaming about… But actually publishing it? Now, wouldn’t that be something.

My content calendars and sparks of inspiration stuffed behind this desktop window. A collection of everything that’s come before, ready to be plucked like one of the wild moss blooms that give today’s Pink Moon its name.

The title comes from the blooming of wild moss phlox, a vibrant pink flower native to North America that typically bursts into bloom in April. Like the blossoms it’s named after, the Pink Moon symbolizes growth, new beginnings, and renewal. And while its light is undeniably magical, it can also throw our bodies off balance. -Martin Seeley, Hello!

I have Big Plans for this Substack, you see. Bits of travel inspiration and stories that have shaped my life, that I’m brimming to share with friends so they too can experience the beauty of wanderlust. I’ve come to realize over the years they might offer more than a passing anecdote to friends. I’m hopeful they inspire you, too.

A peek inside my jewellery box, and the stories behind each piece, so lovingly created by talented artisans from around the world. It’s an artful collection, full of memories. Full of inspiration. I cannot wait to introduce you to the creators behind it all! I hope their beauty brings you a small joy.

But back to today’s moon. That beautiful moon creating an ebb and flow on the tides—both oceanic and in our lives, whether we are conscious of it or not. The moon is steadfast, always there, always giving us the opportunity to start over again, to begin anew, to let go.

My Littlest used to wish me good night with, “I love you to the moon and back, to all the stars and galaxies and black holes…” it would go on for a good minute. A beautiful little poem to end the day.

My touchpoint for today’s beginning.

Wouldn’t it be something to simply hit “Publish” when I’m finished? Not wait. Not plan every detail until I deem it perfected. Not run by an editor, requested by a publication, deemed “worthy” by someone else. Do I believe my own words are worthy to share?

What if I just posted. Published. Wouldn’t that be something?

Wouldn’t that be brave to simply begin. To let go of the outcome with the moon’s outward tide and simply begin for the joy of it.

And then keep going.