Not Alone Series: One Year Anniversary!

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the Not Alone Series!

Today we're doing a reflection on the past year...how things have changed, how we have changed, etc.

The beginning of this community sprouted from a reaction post from last April. I flippantly wrote that we needed a single ladies support group but never expected anything to come of it. Sure, I felt the need for a better formed community, but did anyone else feel that? I had no idea. But the Holy Spirit was working because Jen emailed me and got the ball rolling!

This time last year, Jen and I were frantically emailing back and forth.
We were so excited and so nervous!

"This is going to be so great!!!"
"Ahhh I wonder if anyone will even want to do this with us! Eeek!"
"Welp, if no one links up, at least I don't have a big enough following to feel embarrassed!"

These are nearly direct quotes from our email and chat threads :)

And so here we are.
One year, nearly 50 posts, and tens of thousands of views later.
I still cannot believe what the Not Alone Series has become.

Jen and I had a very specific vision for the Not Alone Series community. We desired a welcoming, loving, understanding community of women who could grow in solidarity with one another. We envisioned a source of comfort; an oasis in the blogging world among hundreds of "mommy bloggers".

Over the past year, I've not only built true friendships with some amazing women, but I can see such growth in my own life. Much of this growth I credit to the influence and support of the Not Alone Series community.

When we first started the NAS, I was just beginning to come around to the idea of "living in the now". I was just beginning to realize that if I expected to ever be able to look back on this time in my life with fondness, I had to live it well while it was happening! In having the NAS to bounce my ideas and struggles and desires off of, I've grown into a more complete version of myself.

In the past year, I have been on minimal dates.
I've been in zero romantic relationships.
And I am more content than I've ever been in my entire life.
Thank you for helping me to grow in this way.

As Jen mentioned, we've struggled personally in the past year, but also with the continuation of the Not Alone Series. We take hosting the NAS very seriously and strive to serve you all to the best of our capabilities. There have been times when we wanted to throw in the towel: when we've received negative responses, or are just too emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted. But again, like Jen pointed out...it's in these moments when God gives us inspiration or feedback from someone who's benefited from the NAS.

Whether it's someone who found hope in the posts and community or someone who discovered us and cannot wait to contribute...you all are the reason we keep this series going. God reminds us time and time again that when we first ventured out on this journey, we entrusted the NAS to Him and His will. It is because of His will that we have all been brought together and it is through His will that the Not Alone Series will continue to be a beacon of light to single people who feel alone.

Our tagline still rings true, and I hope you find comfort in it:

You are not broken.
You are not lost.
You are not left behind.

And you are not alone.

There have been so many great topics this year, it's hard to choose my favorites, but I have to echo Jen (again!) in saying that the very first post is one of my favorites. But I also loved sharing my discernment story, cracking my heart open for all to see, and being shocked that I was in the minority in certain opinions! And definitely being able to announce our trip to Savannah was one of the most exciting posts this year! Come on, July 18th!!!

The Not Alone Series has become more than I could have ever imagined and I believe that the Lord has great things in store for our future! I hope you'll join us as we continue to journey on!

We will be taking a little reprieve from the regular NAS schedule this summer, but have monthly posts planned for July and August which can be found below! Please email us with any topic or general suggestions for the future and let us know how the Not Alone Series has impacted you!

Even if you've never commented, posted, or emailed before, we would LOVE to hear from you! Please!
Shoot me an email or a comment...I want to meet you! And I know Jen feels the same way!

Link up your Not Alone Series: Year in Review post over at Jen's! Happy Anniversary, y'all!

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Summer Schedule

July 15

Summer Reading List

Share your favorite book recommendations! Beach reads, deep novels, anything! Share share share!

August 12

Freebie!

Feel free to catch us up on life, talk about something that's on your heart or have a stream of conscience post! No rules here! :)

September 2
NAS posting resumes!
Topic to be announced :)