Latest Updates & Happenings |
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Happy October, Well, I’ve been sitting on my own comma again! I’ve been meaning to write. Really! It’s been on my list. I keep looking at it week after week, month after month. I promised I would write once a quarter. Then, as each “first day” of the 3rd month would approach, I would start to dread the assignment. Often, I would run through my mind all kinds of stories: “I don’t have anything to say.” “No one wants to hear me babble on.” “I don’t want to be another freaking email piling up in everyone’s mailbox.” “This is going to take up a bunch of time and I’m going to be tied to the computer forever!” And many more. What also comes up is this feeling of “having” to do it, but not really being sure “why” I’m doing it. Well, we can unpack all that another day and another way. Meanwhile, I’m giving myself a break. I’ve decided to write… when I write! No more promises and no more broken promises. It feels freeing. To be honest, this is just us talking, right? It’s not like the fate of the world depends on how often I email you. (Of course, if YOU believe that’s true, then please let me know!) So for this “just by chance” October edition, I’m updating you on a few things that are going on in the world of Off the Comma and Paul Briley. I’d love to hear from you and hear your thoughts on what you might like to hear from me. Meanwhile, I hope this message is entertaining, if nothing else. Maybe it brought a chuckle to your day. Tell me. Where are you currently sitting on a comma? In this edition: I’m committing to getting myself focused with what I want to do. My experiment with Substack and my goal of writing more. My year ahead traveling the country as a Nomad, and why I’m doing it. What’s going on with the Podcast. People I want to give a “shout out” to.
~ Paul |
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Getting Myself Focused When it comes to work, purpose, meaning and knowing what to do with myself, I’ve been sitting on a loooooong comma! It’s been several years of experimentation, incubation and just plain taking a break from the hustle culture that this world so fiercely promotes. I could share all kinds of opinions about that, but for now, I’ll keep the focus on my story. I’ve felt lost, disoriented, and directionless since 2019. Yes, I’ve done things. Yes, I’ve started a bunch of new things. Yes, I’ve traveled, skydived, and quit drinking. I’ve been so lucky to have the space to really focus on myself. I’ve also learned a great deal about myself. During this time, while developing, growing and learning, I’ve also created a lot of pressure on myself to “figure out what I want to do”. To be honest, this is the same hustle mentality that I have always had. And this really centers around money, income and long-term security. While I’ve been very clear that I choose to continue my path self-employed, it comes with many compromises and a great deal of self-reliance. Let’s skip ahead… Through the disorientation and confusion, I’ve mostly been keeping myself afloat. And that’s okay. I acknowledge all that I’ve done. I also have every intention of continuing to maintain space for exploration, creation and just plain downtime. I’m also feeling the urge to simplify. This year marks the end of some long-term volunteer commitments. I’m stepping back from doing some other things that are mostly voluntary, as well. As I look at the year ahead of me, I believe I am finally ready to focus on a more simplified plan, more clearly defining my business self, and clarifying the things I want to do for income and to help other people. More will come from this as these actions unfold, so look for updates along the way. In the meantime, I just wanted to let you know that the year ahead will see me bringing more focus, clarity and simplification. I think I’m finally ready to commit to some core offerings and get really specific about what I will and won’t do. Here’s to getting off my comma! |
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My Substack Experiment I’ve been feeling called to do more writing (yes, even though I fight it like I explained earlier). A friend recently told me about her journey with Substack. I had heard of it before and wondered what the heck it was all about. Well, it’s a social media platform that focuses on writing: short form and long form. It’s actually a bit of a throwback to the way we used to do blogs. Everything old is new again, eh? Anyway, I’ve decided to stretch myself into this platform in the hopes that it might inspire me to write more, post more and create a place to capture more substantial thoughts and updates from me. Although I’m on many of the other social platforms, I mostly use them to promote the podcast and/or a few other goings-on. As a general rule, I resist these platforms and talking into the camera. Mostly, I just don’t really know what to talk about that merits all that face time on the camera. I’d much rather watch, listen, learn and feature other peoples’ stories. My plans are to potentially create more spontaneous posts: writing about what’s going on and prompting thoughts and reactions from folks like yourself. I also see Substack as a huge opportunity for me to capture details about my upcoming Nomad journey (see other post in this newsletter). Rather than feel the pressure of capturing moments on video, I can write about them and capture the experience for folks to read. Who knows, maybe it will turn into a book? Either way, I know that I express myself way more comfortably in written form and I’ve always enjoyed writing, once I get myself past the resistance and into the groove. So… come join me on MY Substack. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE. Honestly, I don’t care if you just come to lurk and watch. That’s okay. But please do SUBSCRIBE and help me start to build up my followership. Oh, and P.S… Substack has the option to build and send newsletters, so maybe at some point you’ll get more “real-time” emails from me, as a result of my real-time writing on Substack. Stay tuned. P.S.S. And if I shit the bed, like I described in my opening comments, then you’ll forgive me, right? I’m kind of a rebel and often when I say I’m going to do something (and I really do believe it, at the time), it’s not uncommon that I don’t follow through. I blame it on my Manifesting Generator characteristics. Don’t know what that means? Head to my friend Brigitte Knight’s site to learn about Human Design. |
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My Life Off the Comma: My Nomad Journey Okay I’m going to keep this short, because there is SO much to say. AND… I am going to write about it over on Substack, in more detail. Short version: I’m going “nomad” for a year. I’ve been feeling a deep inner pull to get out and travel more. Those who know me know that’s not a surprise. When my plans for traveling long-term internationally fell through, the universe led me to a different path. Since I have a car that’s paid for and since I know people all over the country, I’m going to drive around the US and stay with friends over the course of a year. I’ll be taking my work on the road with me, since I’m fortunate enough to do mobile work. My plan is to work through the southern states in the winter months, possibly hop over to the UK in the spring, and then work my way through the northern states in the spring and summer months. It’s both a “working remote” experiment and something that will feed my deep need for adventure and exploration. While I have a “plan”, the whole point of this journey is to be flexible, allow things to change, and to see what shows up for me along the way. I will spend time with people I care about, connect with new people, make new friends and see things I haven’t seen before. Either way, this journey incorporates movement in a grand way, which is very important to me. As you can imagine, there are all kinds of details and I’ve been working through those logistics slowly, with a big “todo” list to get wrapped up within the last 30 days before my departure. Oh, that’s in November, by the way! For those of you who have already offered me a place to stay - THANK YOU!!! I will make it worth your while. For the rest of you, keep an eye out. When I’m coming through your area, I’d like to connect, even if it’s lunch or coffee or whatever. I’m thinking about keeping the trip journal on Substack and making that a paid subscription. Is that something you would consider paying a tiny price for to follow throughout the journey? Let me know your thoughts. Meanwhile, what’s something really big that you’ve been fantasizing about doing? |
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Podcast Updates The Off the Comma podcast is going strong!!! We’ve had a really strong year since we started in May of 2023! Aside from my weekly posts about new episodes, I haven’t really done any serious marketing or SEO work to promote the podcast. Without any extra effort, we’re sitting at about 3,500 plays. Small by comparison to big podcasts, but I’m pretty happy with it. Mostly because we are creating something authentic. I also know that what we have here is timeless and when I’m ready to really promote it, all of these episodes and stories will be just a relevant and important as when they were recorded and first aired. We took a little bit of a break in September, but we are back strong with a whole new roster of guests with amazing stories. I was recently approached by a podcasting service that matches guests with podcasts, for the purpose of promoting their stories. You all know how passionate I am about keeping this podcast a safe space for vulnerable storytelling. After much consideration, I decided to give it a try. I had some honest conversations with guest prospects about what this podcast is like. Now, we are bringing you over 30 new stories from people who have experienced being stuck, just like you. Many of these people have turned their commas into arrows and are now using what they’ve learned to help them do powerful new things! In case you’re wondering, the podcast is very much a part of the future that I described in my first post above. Even though the podcast is not income-generating, it is a calling for me and I feel it is very much a part of my overall body of work. It’s a creative expression for me and a way to continue to connect with people in such a meaningful way. Look for more to come! Want to be a guest on the podcast? Email me! paul@offthecomma.com Want to tell your story, but don’t want to be on the mic? Submit it in writing! If you haven’t already listened, here’s where you can find the podcast: YouTube • Apple • Spotify • Website Check out some of our Sponsors and the great things they are doing. And, can I ask a favor...? I’d like to reach more audiences, attract more diverse listeners and help more people be inspired by YOUR stories! I’d also like to attract more people interested in sharing their stories and coming on the podcast, as well. Here’s my ask: Follow the podcast on all channels, if possible Turn on notifications Watch for a new release each Wednesday Listen (even if on faster speed) Like, comment (on the podcast platform), share it (even if it’s to your own email or text) Watch for the social media posts each Wednesday and do the same: like, comment, and share. Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook
Together we can help spread positivity, normalizing feelings about being stuck and help others challenge the system that fuels our self-limiting beliefs! Send potential guests my way via email or text! |
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Give the Gift of Purpose this Year Are you tired of searching for the right gift for your loved ones? This year, do something different for those you care about. Give them the gift of growth, development and discovery. The gift: Two life coaching sessions for $299! Help your loved ones get off their comma and start the new year off with renewed clarity, focus and possibility! Great for someone who’s challenged with: Something is holding them back from a goal Has ambitions they’re afraid to pursue Has been craving change Has relationships they want to improve Is carrying a burden they want to let go of Feels trapped in a cycle of repetition Is questioning their relationship with bad habits, alcohol or other vices Feels impatient, anxious or incomplete Is longing for new ways of doing, being and living in the world
Call me if you'd like to discuss this more. Buy gift sessions here 👈 |
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Okay, no message from me would be complete without some acknowledgments. I want to give the following folks a boost and share with you what they’ve brought to me. Check these folks out and support them. You never know when they might have something valuable to offer you! Brigitte Knight Want to learn more about Human Design? Read, like and follow Brigitte Knight. She’s a multi-passionate person who also focuses on Human Design coaching. I’ve been working with her to help me understand how my human design can help me optimize my natural way of being. What I’ve learned the most is that many of the parts of myself that I used to fight, are actually gifts, tools and resources. I’m learning to work WITH them, rather than AGAINST them. P.S. Brigitte was on episode 31 of the podcast. New Jersey Orators (NJO) and Eloise Samuels I have served as a board member for 6 years and my tenure concludes this December. Please consider volunteering with this organization. They are also looking for more board members, Sponsors, Donors and volunteers to help with their 40th Anniversary Fundraiser in 2025!!! NJO teaches the art of public speaking to school age youth (7 to 18) in black and brown communities throughout New Jersey. As part of their volunteer coaching and chapter model, NJO focuses on literature of the African Diaspora, and these powerful young people learn about history, expression, life skills and the power of humanity through their oratorical lessons. Eloise Samuels, President, is one of the original founders and pours herself passionately into this work every year. She can always use more hands! Erin Lebacqz My friend Erin is a solopreneur like me and runs a business called High Value Writing, which teaches communication skills through how we write. Concise is nice! is one of her slogans and boy, does she know how to break it down for us. She not only teaches for enterprise audiences, she has self-paced online courses, two books (well, one is actually a WORKbook - one of the best I’ve seen!), and a cool YouTube channel! Go check her out and see what she’s up to. I bet you know someone in your life who could use a little help with simplifying their writing and managing all the ways that writing overwhelms us today! Read, like and follow her. P.S. Erin was on episode 11 of the podcast. Avery & Brian Baker I met these guys through a networking event, started up a conversation, and we’ve been talking ever since. This father and son duo formed a business together based on their shared experiences and relationship as a family. They bring a unique and fresh approach to their motivational speaking, as they help organizational audiences unpack their experience with connection, in and out of the workplace. Have a work event that’s looking for keynote speakers? Check them out at the Avery & Brian Experience. They also have a new podcast! Read, like and follow them. P.S. Avery & Brian were on episode 22 of the podcast. |
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The Important Questions: We are fortunate to have many people who are willing to share advice, tips, wisdom, and expertise in our world. I can’t begin to calculate the value of all that I have learned in my life. I also know the value of asking questions. The wisdom is and always was inside each of us. We simply have to tap into it and trust our inner wisdom. So here are a few questions for you as you enter this last quarter of the year: What are you most proud of accomplishing this year? What do you still have time to start or create? What would you like to carry forward and continue in the new year? What are you ready to put down and leave behind? What would you acknowledge and celebrate yourself for? What will you allow yourself to reflect on as the year winds down?
Tell Me Your Stories Do you have an interesting story about sitting on a comma that you’d like to share? Tell me about it! With your consent, I might share some of your inspiring words on social media or other formats where it can help people feel more connected. We won’t use any identifying information about you unless you specifically ask us to! Click here to share Social Media I invite you to connect with me on social media and interact with my content. I especially like it when you share your own experiences and stories. That really lights me up. Find and follow me on the following platforms and you can find ALL of these links on my Linktree. |
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