I ONLY WANT YOU TO READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS: Moving to Substack

And why I am starting this before I know how (to do it perfectly) . . .

Hello friends.

The past decade of my life, I have developed a compulsion to write.

I HAVE TO write.

I often do not know what I think or how I feel until I write. I do not sit down for long periods of time to flesh-out my thoughts like I once did in grad school. For me, my writing comes like a gust of wind—a short retreat into my “notes app” while Ms. Rachel babysits my child for 5 minutes. Okay, fine—30 minutes.

Perhaps it is the reflective “12 Step Program Girlie” in me that “has to” write.

Perhaps writing is part of my sobriety, or truth-telling, or prayer life, or all of the above. I am not sure the reason. However this past year, writing long form posts on social media has felt a little more . . . weird?

Maybe it is because I wonder if that one group from high school really wants to learn about the inner life or Ericka (Engen) Graham two decades later. Maybe it feels weird because so many people befriended me as an “NFL Wife” and Texans fan, and now they are getting served-up life revelations about theology and my own growth and sobriety on the reg. All that to say, this might not be what “they” signed up for—and I wanted to create a space where people did just that.

Signed-up for it!

I want to create a space where I can be *more honest without worrying if that one person that still has not blocked me is going to troll this post because he or she did not want me on their feed to begin with.

The truth is, I waited years to start this thing. I was going to wait until I had more time. I was going to wait until I could make this first post perfect. I was going to wait until I had a brand, and graphics, and well fleshed-out ideas. Instead, I’m joining you here today, on this ordinary Monday afternoon.

With no fancy links and nothing profound to say or announce besides . . . hello!

I am so glad you are here.

I hope that this might be a place for us to share life, be honest, and perhaps feel a little less lonely too. So hit subscribe—and only if you want to.