I’m Beginning Again
A note about starting over, one small step at a time.
The first time I did this, it took a couple glasses of wine before I had the courage to press “publish."
I wasn't sure what would happen once those first blog posts went live.
Would thousands of people read them? Would I be an overnight sensation?
Turns out, my only readers were my parents, my hubby, my daughter, and a handful of close friends.
Whether or not my parents were proud of what I wrote or a little embarrassed, they showed up with kind words and support as my first commenters:
With the encouragement from that tiny group, I kept pressing "publish" over and over.
That small act of courage took me places I couldn't have imagined back in 2009: thousands of readers, regular TV appearances, a food column, a published book, and a bona fide creative business.
What I also couldn't have predicted was how life would change. Parents would pass. Children would grow up. The family dogs would cross the Rainbow Bridge. I would change.
And many of the things that once filled me up…no longer did.
I found myself at midlife in a suddenly quiet house having checked all the "right" boxes—degree, marriage, kids, business—asking, "Now what?”
Maybe you've asked that too.
And maybe, like me, you have dreams that have been patiently waiting in the wings for years. Even decades.
Dreams that feel both urgent (because time is passing) and impossible (because where do you even start?).
That question…"Now what?"…led me here.
Good. Begin Again. is a weekly newsletter where I share stories about my messy, imperfect journey of going after those long-held goals, complete with my stumbles, small victories, the occasional French pastry, and lots of coffee.
Along the way, I'll share reflections on courage, creativity, everyday vibrancy, and the beauty of starting over at any age. You'll also discover the tools, tips, and resources that help me to keep moving forward because perhaps they'll help you too.
And yes, there will always be touches of food, France, and the creative life I love so much: photography, writing, and the art of building something meaningful.
But at the heart of every story is this truth:
Life isn't about one grand reinvention. It's about having the courage to begin again, over and over, in small and meaningful ways.
You're not too old, too late, or "too anything." Your dreams are still valid. Your next chapter is simply waiting for you to write it.
So if, like me, you're ready to stop wondering "What if?" and start taking gentle steps toward what matters most, come along.
I don't have all the answers but I do know this: sharing stories makes the journey less lonely.
We’ll figure this out together. One step, one story, one Good. Begin Again. at a time.
Thank you for being here. More to come.
Cheers,
Carrie
P.S. And yes, like my granny always did at cocktail hour, I may have enjoyed a classic Old Fashioned before pressing "publish" on this first issue of the Good. Begin Again. newsletter. Cheers to new beginnings!