Celebrate Someone, and Next Chapter Together!

Building a community of encouragement.

Six months ago today, I hit publish on the very first edition of Next Chapter, Together.

It’s hard to believe six months have passed! I started NCT because I started to remember that I used to write. I used to blog. I used to inspire people through community. A very long time ago. And as my daughter was starting to wrap up high school, I wanted to get back that spark that had been dormant in me for a while. It doesn’t matter why it had gone dark, what mattered was it was time to open up again. And I couldn’t be happier with starting this platform.

Since then, we’ve talked about parenting Juniors and Seniors in high school, how we’re managing the stress and anxiety of letting go, trying to impart last minute wisdom, managing the college application process, and exploring how I can build what comes next so I fly when she flies.

I’ve also learned something about myself.

I don’t just love writing.

I love encouraging people.

Some of my favorite moments haven’t been publishing essays. They’ve been connecting with other Substackers, building community, creating birthday graphics for friends off Substack, designing cards for celebrations, cheering on someone’s new beginning or subscriber milestone, or finding a way to remind someone they’re seen.

So today, instead of simply celebrating six months, I’m launching something I’ve been thinking about for a while.

A Founding Member tier.

Not because I wanted another subscription level.

Because I wanted to build a membership that feels like me.

One of the new benefits is called Celebrate Someone.

Each year, Founding Members can nominate someone they love—a parent, teacher, friend, graduate, neighbor, caregiver, or anyone who deserves a little encouragement.

I’ll create a custom birthday or encouragement graphic/hand written card just for them.

Founding Members will also receive:

• personalized birthday mail from me each year. Every year you'll receive birthday mail from me—and you'll get to help me surprise someone else with a little encouragement, too.

• monthly coffee chats

• early access to everything I create, and, of course,

• all of the benefits included with an annual membership.

The older I get, the more convinced I become that encouragement changes people.

Sometimes all it takes is one person saying,

“I see you.”

That’s the kind of community I want Next Chapter, Together to become. Personal. And eventually, in person.

Thank you for finding NCT. Whether you have been here for months, weeks, or just discovered this channel—I appreciate you. Please introduce yourself in the comments, and don't be shy about encouraging someone else while you're there.💛

Here’s to the next six months of building a bigger, stronger, and more encouraging community,

I can’t wait to see what comes next.

💛 Jen