Issue #1

Unfiltered stories from life's messy moments

A weekly letter from Noami Grevemberg that cuts through the noise with bold, unfiltered stories, inviting you to explore the depths of life's experiences with authenticity and courage.

Beyond the Dream: Finding Yourself at 40 and Heartbroken 📓 Field Notes Journal Entry: July 15, 2023

You know those moments that are supposed to feel like a win, but they just don't? That's where I am right now.

Perched on the tailgate of my newly built Bronco camper, boots nestled in the earth, while the sun gently warms my neck. Amara, my dog, is snoozing peacefully beside me, embodying a calm I long for.

My book launched last week, I'm supposed to be on top of the world, but instead, I'm here amidst towering Redwoods, where dreams should feel tangible, yet... they seem just out of reach, like trying to catch smoke with your hands. It's like everyone else is celebrating for me, but I'm just... numb.

“Have you ever felt like you're supposed to be happy, but you're not?” Like, there's this pressure to be grateful and “on”, but all you want is to hit pause and just breathe? I think we all have those moments where we're expected to be one way, but inside, it's a whole different story.

Right now, everything feels heavy. The kind of tired that doesn't go away with sleep. I'm still dealing with a breakup, the stress of a book launch, and expectations I didn't sign up for. It's like I owe everyone a smile just because my book is out. Saying this out loud feels vulnerable, but it's real.

“Maybe the real strength is in acknowledging these feelings rather than pushing them away.” I'm trying to be honest with myself about how okay I'm supposed to be. And honestly? I keep hoping tomorrow will feel better, but the fog isn't lifting. Ever had one of those milestone moments where all you want to do is disappear and hide under the covers? Yeah, me too. What if we allowed ourselves to just be, without the pressure of how we 'should' feel?

Maybe these feelings are less about being lost and more about being on the brink of something new. It's like standing at the edge of a forest, unsure of the trail, but knowing that the trees are filled with stories yet to be discovered. Perhaps this is where resilience begins, not in moving forward blindly, but in pausing to listen to the whispers of what's possible. What if the real journey begins when we lean into the unknown, feeling the thrill of possibility in every step, knowing it's guiding us to something extraordinary?

🔊 Disrupt the Noise We've been sold the lie that strength is silence. That resilience means gritting our teeth and carrying on without complaint. But what if true courage is in saying, "Screw this, enough is enough"?

Society nudges us to smile through the pain, to be palatable and pleasant. But what if our real power is in acknowledging the shit we carry and refusing to diminish ourselves?

Have you ever felt like you're too much? Like you're a problem to be fixed? What if instead of conforming, we embraced being 'too much', on purpose? Imagine the liberation in owning every messy, loud, unapologetic part of yourself.

I chose a path less traveled, deciding not to have children and embracing the richness of single life in my 40s. These aren't just decisions; they're declarations. They're about living the full spectrum of who I am, finding joy and fulfillment in places society often overlooks.

This isn't venting frustration; it's finding hope in authenticity. Realizing that strength isn't in concealing our truths but in living them boldly. By doing so, we open doors to growth, connection, and a deeper understanding of who we are.

The world is hungry for the real you. It doesn’t need another mask, another muted version of your brilliance. So, what if you stopped living in the shadows of expectations? What if you stepped into the light, fully and fiercely yourself?

🔧 What I’m Working On 🌀 Dropped a free guide: I’m Not Who I Used to Be. Now What? For those moments when you're staring in the mirror, wondering who the hell you are now. Get into it. → Grab it Here

🌐 New site’s live: Check out noamigrevemberg.com for some exciting updates and fresh resources. New things are on the horizon—don't miss out!

📜 Why This Newsletter? I started this because I was done squeezing truth into tiny captions. Here, it’s all about real talk.

If this strikes a chord, share it with someone who should be right here with you. Let them know they’re part of something bigger.

🔗 Stay Connected: Join me on Instagram @noamigrevemberg. It's where I share the moments that don't make it into the newsletter, and thoughts that complement our journey here.

🧡 From the Community Recently, I had an eye-opening conversation with @dominiquedrakeford, a true leader in cultural sustainability and social impact. We dug deep on her podcast, Compost, Cotton & Cornrows, which highlights Black and Afro-Indigenous pioneers reshaping sustainability and legacy.

Our episode, titled "What If You Gave the American Dream the Finger?", is exactly what it sounds like. We discussed opting for a slower, nomadic lifestyle instead of succumbing to grind culture. Crafting a life on your terms, and how choosing radical joy has driven everything I'm building today.

→ Listen here → Share this with someone who needs to hear: You don’t have to prove your worth through nonstop hustle.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going If this letter spoke to you, share it with someone who needs it.

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Stay Bold, Stay True, Noami