Welcome to the first edition of Change. This is a free newsletter for anyone who is grappling with the messy and frightening experience of upheaval in their lives. It’s also for those who are trying to make sense of a past change or are anxious about a future one. So yeah…most of us, right? :)
Maya, I am so glad you've decided to write on Substack! I first found you on Brené Brown's Podcast, Dare to Lead, in November 2021. I had just turned fifteen, and everything was changing crazily. Hearing you talk about finding courage amidst change was exactly what I needed!
I started listening to A Slight Change of Plans right after that and tuned into pretty much every episode! But there's one I'll remember for the rest of my life. It was late June 2022. I was out for a morning walk, and I tuned into your podcast episode, Losing Dixie. In it, you talked with Quinn Lewis about losing her 19-year-old sister. It shook me to the core, and I remember writing about it in my journal that night.
A month later...I lost my dad. To say that my world fell apart would be an understatement. I didn't know how to process grief. I was just fifteen after all, I didn't know this feeling. But having listened to that episode helped me more than anything else in that tough time. The lessons I'd gathered from your conversation with Quinn came back as flashes in the dead of night and gave me hope to carry on.
I'll always remember that episode, your calming voice, and how beautifully you explained the progression of grief. I listened to it again a fortnight after my father's passing, and it was exactly what I needed.
Thank you for starting A Slight Change of Plans and now this newsletter! As a writer and speaker, reading newsletters is one of my favorite activities, and I can't wait to read your next post.
And that's the ONE GOOD THING that happened recently—finding out about your newsletter.
Coming to my WHYs, I've always believed in empowering people and helping them find their potential. That's the purpose I wrote my first book, Explore The New YOU, with in 2020. Everything I do is a step towards creating empowerment and helping people make their big dreams their reality—with lessons I learn from my journey. That's what my Substack Newsletter, Intentions and Actions, is about too!
Once again, thank you so much for everything you've done! You're a hero!
Prabhsimrat, I'm so so sorry to hear about the painful loss of your father, and it feels me with such relief that Quinn's episode gave you some comfort during those challenging moments. I will be sure to let Quinn know the impact her story had on you. I'm inspired by your mission statement to help people unlock their potential and am wishing you the best on this journey of yours. I'm honored to have you as a listener of the show (and now reader of the newsletter). thank you so much! Warmly, Maya
One good thing that happened to me this week was that one of my favourite podcast hosts started a newsletter on Substack. It's so good to have you here. I'm looking forward to connecting and engaging with you here.
Well isnt *that* the sweetest good thing I've heard in a while! :*) Thank you so much and i can't wait to share more posts with you - keep me posted on how you're liking it! -M
My "one good thing" that happened recently is I was able to share my experience as both a caregiver and survivor of brain injury at a conference. I was nervous and wanted to be sure what I said would be valuable. Based on the feedback, it was helpful to others. My "whys" are to help other people and bring human connection opportunities for others. I have always wanted to be a social worker, and I think this is my way of achieving that goal.
Your story and your podcast warm mine, so we're even. :-) I'm not positive, but I think my husband and I may have listened to your very first appearance on From the Top and then you kept popping up there, so I followed your story. And then I think I must've first heard about your podcast from one of the many others I listen to, so it was great to "reconnect" the parasocial relationship. LOL
Ahh yes, totally feeling your excitement Cassie. Maya’s story really hit home for me too. That whole reflection about anchoring our identity in the why instead of the what was so powerful. It made me pause and think about my own “whys” in a deeper way. And I love the idea of building a ‘change survival kit’—what a comforting and empowering concept. Can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Here’s to more insights, more stories, and yes… more woot woot and yahoo moments! 🎉💫. How long have you been using this Substack app, if you don’t mind? Cassie. And how long have you been a follower?
You are so inspiring- your podcast has had a tremendous impact on me and so many others. I loved this first newsletter ! it’s such a nice alternative to listening if time is limited and it’s also a great supplement to an episode- offering notes /take home points that I can return to - thank you
You are so welcome, Elisa! and I'm so thrilled that you are going to find this useful. I hope you enjoy the next one too, I'm working on it right now :) xo, M
This is such a natural progression in your progression of keeping us all grounded. Thank you for doing what you do, for being who you are Maya, and for continuing to bring a source of hope, light and affirmation in these tumultuous times. As always, my very best wishes remain with you,
Welcome to Substack Maya! ❤️ I am so looking forward to your writings and sharings, as your podcast has been enlightening and I myself am more of a writer first and foremost than a podcaster, so I love to see things in writing too! I was listening to A Slight Change of Plans at lunch today about the teen brain, as I've been reading the Self Driven Child recently and wanted to hear other perspectives too.
One good thing: One of our previous podcast guests is coming out with a memoir in May, in time for AAPI Heritage month. And today we were chatting because I wanted to recommend her book to our local library and she told me she listed our podcast (Healing the Tigress) as a mental health resource in the back of her book and sent me a picture! I could not be more honored to see it in print! And this ties into the next prompt...
Why I have a podcast or write a newsletter or anything else I do to advocate for maternal mental health... I will say deep down, it also continues to heal me to hear and share stories--so that's the selfish reason. I wonder if this helps you with your podcast too. But truly, I never want anyone else to have to go through the kind of darkness I experienced in new motherhood and I'd love to do anything possible to help others through depression, anxiety, insomnia or any other PMHD. Whether it is by sharing my own story or sharing others' stories, I think mental health stigmas die when we feel less alone in it and can allow ourselves to be helped because we believe in hope. I also don't think there's enough representation in our AAPI communities of people going through this so I try to be a voice for those who need it, the voice I couldn't find when I was going through it.
Anyway, so looking forward to your writings :) Cheers!
Jasmine, thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections with me! I love your podcast idea and I've actually just subscribed myself :) It is such an important topic that you're shining a light on and I can't imagine how many people you've helped to feel less alone -- especially given all of the stigma that exists around mental health in the AAPI space. I will definitely listen to your podcast and report back on my thoughts :) xoxo, M
I cannot tell you how incredibly honored I am that you would listen! We are amateurs and it's not our job or income at all, but we're really passionate about what we do :*) I also really loved listening to your episode talking about your own story of surrogacy; it was so raw, moving, and positively hopeful. We've had a few episodes on IVF, surrogacy, or adoption too! Thanks so much for listening, Maya, and can't wait to read your newsletters! =)
Thank you so much for listening! I truly cannot convey how much it means to me. 🙏🏼 Nima Bhakta's episodes are our most listened to (on maternal suicide) Episode 2 is with her sister, and Episode 24 is with her husband. We want to continue to break the stigma of mental health in our AAPI communities!
Joined Substack when I saw that you would be on this platform! I recently pivoted from my career as a Technology Industry Analyst to opening my own yoga studio! Very unsettling to say the least, but super exciting. The intersection of yoga, neuroscience and fascial systems in the body is most exciting for me. AI engineering to human body engineering! Congratulations on your new launch and I can’t wait to hear from you each week.
Really excited for your newsletter! I am more of a reader than a listener (I do love the podcast though!) so I'm looking forward to seeing your writing in my inbox.
To answer your prompts:
One good thing - I caught an amazing sunset on my phone last night. And it wasn't bone-chillingly cold either.
My why: I am driven to help others going through tough times. I was diagnosed with a rare disease at age 21 and it upended my life. It took several years to figure out how to navigate the changes that happened to me. When I'm able to help others avoid the missteps I made, that's when I feel most alive and purposeful. (With a bit of humor along the way.)
Hi Chris! I'm so happy this is such a good fit for you :) And thanks for listening to the pod despite being more of a listener.
I *loved* your answers, especially your 'why' being "helping others avoid the same mistakes you've made." what a beautiful and humble mission statement in life -- and something you'll always be able to offer others, even when circumstances change. and i appreciate that you're doing it a healthy dose of humor. that's needed more than ever these days. thank you so much again for sharing! - M
Hi Maya, like others I jumped at the chance to get your newsletter after having enjoyed your podcast. Good luck with it and I’m going to look forward to it all the time 😊
I have a lot of good fortune in my life and my family and friends are the gift that keeps on giving but one particularly good thing that happened recently was seeing the beauty of some spring flowers and being able to take some photos of them 🌷
My why is something I looked at some time ago and is very connected to my values of care, community and connection. I’m very focused on finding ways to help other people and reading your and other people’s newsletters on Substack has inspired me to want to start my own in the very near future.
Hi Peter, rooting you on to start your own newsletter! I love that your own good thing is such a small moment, because it reminds me that every day is filled with so many beautiful things and it's just a matter of taking a moment to take them in. I'm making a commitment to myself that on my walk to work tomorrow Im going to take a moment to stop and smell the roses (or jasmine flowers...) :) Thanks for the inspo! And goes without saying, I really appreciate having you as a fan of the pod and now the newsletter.
Maya, I am so glad you've decided to write on Substack! I first found you on Brené Brown's Podcast, Dare to Lead, in November 2021. I had just turned fifteen, and everything was changing crazily. Hearing you talk about finding courage amidst change was exactly what I needed!
I started listening to A Slight Change of Plans right after that and tuned into pretty much every episode! But there's one I'll remember for the rest of my life. It was late June 2022. I was out for a morning walk, and I tuned into your podcast episode, Losing Dixie. In it, you talked with Quinn Lewis about losing her 19-year-old sister. It shook me to the core, and I remember writing about it in my journal that night.
A month later...I lost my dad. To say that my world fell apart would be an understatement. I didn't know how to process grief. I was just fifteen after all, I didn't know this feeling. But having listened to that episode helped me more than anything else in that tough time. The lessons I'd gathered from your conversation with Quinn came back as flashes in the dead of night and gave me hope to carry on.
I'll always remember that episode, your calming voice, and how beautifully you explained the progression of grief. I listened to it again a fortnight after my father's passing, and it was exactly what I needed.
Thank you for starting A Slight Change of Plans and now this newsletter! As a writer and speaker, reading newsletters is one of my favorite activities, and I can't wait to read your next post.
And that's the ONE GOOD THING that happened recently—finding out about your newsletter.
Coming to my WHYs, I've always believed in empowering people and helping them find their potential. That's the purpose I wrote my first book, Explore The New YOU, with in 2020. Everything I do is a step towards creating empowerment and helping people make their big dreams their reality—with lessons I learn from my journey. That's what my Substack Newsletter, Intentions and Actions, is about too!
Once again, thank you so much for everything you've done! You're a hero!
Prabhsimrat, I'm so so sorry to hear about the painful loss of your father, and it feels me with such relief that Quinn's episode gave you some comfort during those challenging moments. I will be sure to let Quinn know the impact her story had on you. I'm inspired by your mission statement to help people unlock their potential and am wishing you the best on this journey of yours. I'm honored to have you as a listener of the show (and now reader of the newsletter). thank you so much! Warmly, Maya
Thank you so much, Maya! This means a lot!
I’m super excited!! Congrats Maya!
aw yay! me too :) :)
Happy to find you on Substack. I wasn’t aware of your podcast and can’t wait to dive in as I’ve been writing about change for several years.
Welcome to Substack, Maya!
One good thing that happened to me this week was that one of my favourite podcast hosts started a newsletter on Substack. It's so good to have you here. I'm looking forward to connecting and engaging with you here.
Well isnt *that* the sweetest good thing I've heard in a while! :*) Thank you so much and i can't wait to share more posts with you - keep me posted on how you're liking it! -M
My "one good thing" that happened recently is I was able to share my experience as both a caregiver and survivor of brain injury at a conference. I was nervous and wanted to be sure what I said would be valuable. Based on the feedback, it was helpful to others. My "whys" are to help other people and bring human connection opportunities for others. I have always wanted to be a social worker, and I think this is my way of achieving that goal.
I'm so proud of you for speaking at the conference, Kelly! Keep up the amazing work on such an important topic. 🔥
One good thing: three students in one week told me how much something I had said to them mattered.
And I guess that's part of my why...never knowing when something I might teach or say will make a huge difference to someone.
This absolutely warmed my heart Katie! 😍
Your story and your podcast warm mine, so we're even. :-) I'm not positive, but I think my husband and I may have listened to your very first appearance on From the Top and then you kept popping up there, so I followed your story. And then I think I must've first heard about your podcast from one of the many others I listen to, so it was great to "reconnect" the parasocial relationship. LOL
Hahaha it is an honor to be in a parasocial relationship with you, my friend! 😁
So excited for you Maya! Looking forward to all the future newsletters. Woot woot and yahoo!
Thanks Cassie. You've always been the biggest fan of Slight Change (and of me :*)). So grateful for you. xo
Ahh yes, totally feeling your excitement Cassie. Maya’s story really hit home for me too. That whole reflection about anchoring our identity in the why instead of the what was so powerful. It made me pause and think about my own “whys” in a deeper way. And I love the idea of building a ‘change survival kit’—what a comforting and empowering concept. Can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Here’s to more insights, more stories, and yes… more woot woot and yahoo moments! 🎉💫. How long have you been using this Substack app, if you don’t mind? Cassie. And how long have you been a follower?
You are so inspiring- your podcast has had a tremendous impact on me and so many others. I loved this first newsletter ! it’s such a nice alternative to listening if time is limited and it’s also a great supplement to an episode- offering notes /take home points that I can return to - thank you
You are so welcome, Elisa! and I'm so thrilled that you are going to find this useful. I hope you enjoy the next one too, I'm working on it right now :) xo, M
This is such a natural progression in your progression of keeping us all grounded. Thank you for doing what you do, for being who you are Maya, and for continuing to bring a source of hope, light and affirmation in these tumultuous times. As always, my very best wishes remain with you,
Kunal
Thank you Kunal :) I appreciate your being a fan of the show for so long!
Love to have my favorite podcast in a more personal newsletter form!
Aw thank you Mai, I'm very excited too :)
Welcome to Substack Maya! ❤️ I am so looking forward to your writings and sharings, as your podcast has been enlightening and I myself am more of a writer first and foremost than a podcaster, so I love to see things in writing too! I was listening to A Slight Change of Plans at lunch today about the teen brain, as I've been reading the Self Driven Child recently and wanted to hear other perspectives too.
One good thing: One of our previous podcast guests is coming out with a memoir in May, in time for AAPI Heritage month. And today we were chatting because I wanted to recommend her book to our local library and she told me she listed our podcast (Healing the Tigress) as a mental health resource in the back of her book and sent me a picture! I could not be more honored to see it in print! And this ties into the next prompt...
Why I have a podcast or write a newsletter or anything else I do to advocate for maternal mental health... I will say deep down, it also continues to heal me to hear and share stories--so that's the selfish reason. I wonder if this helps you with your podcast too. But truly, I never want anyone else to have to go through the kind of darkness I experienced in new motherhood and I'd love to do anything possible to help others through depression, anxiety, insomnia or any other PMHD. Whether it is by sharing my own story or sharing others' stories, I think mental health stigmas die when we feel less alone in it and can allow ourselves to be helped because we believe in hope. I also don't think there's enough representation in our AAPI communities of people going through this so I try to be a voice for those who need it, the voice I couldn't find when I was going through it.
Anyway, so looking forward to your writings :) Cheers!
Jasmine, thank you for sharing these beautiful reflections with me! I love your podcast idea and I've actually just subscribed myself :) It is such an important topic that you're shining a light on and I can't imagine how many people you've helped to feel less alone -- especially given all of the stigma that exists around mental health in the AAPI space. I will definitely listen to your podcast and report back on my thoughts :) xoxo, M
I cannot tell you how incredibly honored I am that you would listen! We are amateurs and it's not our job or income at all, but we're really passionate about what we do :*) I also really loved listening to your episode talking about your own story of surrogacy; it was so raw, moving, and positively hopeful. We've had a few episodes on IVF, surrogacy, or adoption too! Thanks so much for listening, Maya, and can't wait to read your newsletters! =)
I heard your first episode last night! It is such a tear jerker. So proud of you for sharing your story. More soon, M
Thank you so much for listening! I truly cannot convey how much it means to me. 🙏🏼 Nima Bhakta's episodes are our most listened to (on maternal suicide) Episode 2 is with her sister, and Episode 24 is with her husband. We want to continue to break the stigma of mental health in our AAPI communities!
Joined Substack when I saw that you would be on this platform! I recently pivoted from my career as a Technology Industry Analyst to opening my own yoga studio! Very unsettling to say the least, but super exciting. The intersection of yoga, neuroscience and fascial systems in the body is most exciting for me. AI engineering to human body engineering! Congratulations on your new launch and I can’t wait to hear from you each week.
what an exciting pivot!!! very brave of you to do :)
Really excited for your newsletter! I am more of a reader than a listener (I do love the podcast though!) so I'm looking forward to seeing your writing in my inbox.
To answer your prompts:
One good thing - I caught an amazing sunset on my phone last night. And it wasn't bone-chillingly cold either.
My why: I am driven to help others going through tough times. I was diagnosed with a rare disease at age 21 and it upended my life. It took several years to figure out how to navigate the changes that happened to me. When I'm able to help others avoid the missteps I made, that's when I feel most alive and purposeful. (With a bit of humor along the way.)
Hi Chris! I'm so happy this is such a good fit for you :) And thanks for listening to the pod despite being more of a listener.
I *loved* your answers, especially your 'why' being "helping others avoid the same mistakes you've made." what a beautiful and humble mission statement in life -- and something you'll always be able to offer others, even when circumstances change. and i appreciate that you're doing it a healthy dose of humor. that's needed more than ever these days. thank you so much again for sharing! - M
Thank you! 🙏
Hi Maya, like others I jumped at the chance to get your newsletter after having enjoyed your podcast. Good luck with it and I’m going to look forward to it all the time 😊
I have a lot of good fortune in my life and my family and friends are the gift that keeps on giving but one particularly good thing that happened recently was seeing the beauty of some spring flowers and being able to take some photos of them 🌷
My why is something I looked at some time ago and is very connected to my values of care, community and connection. I’m very focused on finding ways to help other people and reading your and other people’s newsletters on Substack has inspired me to want to start my own in the very near future.
Hi Peter, rooting you on to start your own newsletter! I love that your own good thing is such a small moment, because it reminds me that every day is filled with so many beautiful things and it's just a matter of taking a moment to take them in. I'm making a commitment to myself that on my walk to work tomorrow Im going to take a moment to stop and smell the roses (or jasmine flowers...) :) Thanks for the inspo! And goes without saying, I really appreciate having you as a fan of the pod and now the newsletter.