Don't curse the dark. Light a candle

Hello Beautiful Human

The Hope Dispatch is my way of navigating a transition. I'm watching the world of work shift dramatically, and the opportunities for so-called “creatives” are narrowing. Up until this year, I’ve been able to support my family through illustration. That’s no longer the case.

I needed to change careers. Inspired by this poem by Mary OliverI set a goal for this year:

I believe—deep in my bones—that if I keep moving toward that aspiration, I’ll find a way to serve humanity with my unique skills, in a way that is both meaningful and abundantly sustaining. I wrote about that this week.

I’m not there yet. I’m in what I call the valley of darkness—that place all of us must pass through when we dare to go against the grain and do something bold. It’s the bleak stretch where self-doubt and fear whisper that nothing will materialise, and that hard, compromising choices might be the only way forward.

When I’ve been in places like this before, I’ve often reached for something fun and shiny—a distraction disguised as a project—anything but the thing I really need to face. If I’m honest, I’ve lost years this way, letting myself drift from The Most Important Thing.

But not this time. This time, I’m staying the course.

And I know I’m not alone. So many of my friends are also navigating valleys, searching for paths they can illuminate with their hope.

To practice hope is also to practice honesty—to feel the fear, and keep moving anyway.

So, my hopeful offering to you this week is simply this: my truth.

With love—and with hope for all that is being brought into the world through us,

Megan x

P.S Do you know anyone else who is navigating a hard transition? Feel free to forward them this newsletter in support.

P.P.S Have you been through your own valley of darkness? What kept you afloat?