Category: Personal

My Experiences with the Unknown

On By Alice StrathernIn Beginnings, Personal

The unknown is always present. In every moment. In every aspect of life.

There comes a time when you have to take chances and see what happens. You have to proceed without certainty and be willing to accept the discomfort that comes with it.

In my personal and creative life, the unknown has led me to discover more of myself. Without a structured plan. Without knowing all the answers. Only by trusting that the next steps will be revealed as I keep moving forward.

Here are three of my most important experiences with the unknown.

Unknown Experience #1: Moving to a Different Country

I came to Canada in 2015 as a student. I got into a journalism program. I knew I wanted to experience it for the full two years it lasted, but I had no idea what would happen next. Would I like it? Would I be able to adapt to a completely different environment? How badly would I struggle with culture shock?

When I finished the program, a job opportunity came up. I took it. I wanted to know what it was like to work in a different country. How different would the work dynamics be? What kind of tasks would challenge me? How could I use my journalistic skills and all the other skills I had developed in my professional life?

At the same time, I still didn’t know how much my life was going to change in the long run. It turns out I got engaged a year after I started working. Then, after being married for two years, we welcomed our baby, which led me to my next experience with the unknown. Parenthood is a whole new world.

Unknown Experience #2: Becoming a Mom

It’s true what they say: babies don’t come with manuals. Every moment is new. Every single day is a new experience. It’s tough to predict how a day is going to unfold, especially in the first weeks of the baby’s life. It’s a major change.

What I did know was that I wanted to be the best mom I could be. And I wasn’t sure I was doing it right. Soon I learned that there was no point in comparing myself to my own mom or to other new moms sharing their experiences online. I also learned that being fully engaged in the experience, with its ups and downs, would help me develop a stronger intuition.

I now know that I won’t always have all the answers. However, doing my best is always enough.

Unknown Experience #3: Becoming a self-published author

I promised myself that I would finish writing a book before my baby was born. I did it. I had it professionally edited and was ready to go. Small detail: I didn’t know when I would be able to self-publish it. I had just become a mom and taken on new responsibilities.

At first, I wanted to figure out how to juggle everything at once. That felt reasonable. Later on, I realized that the healthiest thing to do was to take one step at a time. First of all, I needed to adjust to my new life. Afterwards, I’d learn all the necessary steps to self-publish a book.

I didn’t need the perfect system to balance life as a mom and life as a self-published author. Instead, I needed to prioritize responsibilities and give myself grace when things on the writing side took longer than expected.

The path revealed itself as experiences unfolded. Having everything mapped out is just not always possible. And that’s important to accept. Walking into the unknown means being open to rhythms and actions that you had not considered. And they can work too.

The unknown can actually be a safe place to meet yourself more freely. I think that’s a perspective worth considering.

 

What do you think?

Exploring the Other Side of the Unknown

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Personal

What’s on the other side of the unknown?

I don’t know why, but this question popped up in my head the other day.

If we think about it, the unknown is present in every aspect of our lives. Every day. And the other side of it doesn’t have to be scary. From a more curious perspective, the unknown can be defined as something waiting to be explored.

As I kept pondering the question, I thought of the time when all I ever wanted to read was existentialist books. It all started in my late teens. I was intrigued by Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Franz Kafka. I was happy to discover that there was a literary world different from feel-good books, romance, and anything that ended with “and they lived happily ever after”.

Back then, I wasn’t a fan of any of those themes. I loved that those authors offered stories that reflected “the other side” of life. Something that was ‘dark and mysterious’ and not painted with pastels. Something that would leave a mark when putting the book away.

Time passed. The pandemic, a new unknown, came along and confinement changed my interests. Existentialism no longer felt like the topic I wanted to keep digging deeper, especially in a challenging phase. All I had ever known in literature, circled around those authors. I began to ask myself: “What’s something new I could explore?”

That was the opportunity to expand my horizons after years of the same type of books. I explored some classics like Dracula by Bram Stoker, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, as well as a variety of authors such as José Saramago, Isabel Allende, and Clarice Lispector.

Later on I began a further exploration when coming across fragments of books by Mary Oliver, Anaïs Nin, Octavia Butler, Zadie Smith, and Sylvia Plath. These days, any book that sparks a sense of curiosity in me is my next step towards the other side of the unknown.

It’s fascinating how a little nudge can stay in your mind long enough to grab your attention. It’s like allowing life to ask “what else is there?”, and at the same asking it to surprise you in delightful ways. Once the seed of curiosity sprouts, it goes on and on. Then again, it doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. There’s only more aspects of yourself to discover.

What’s on the other side of your unknown?

The Importance of Being a Fan

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Mindset, Personal

Being a fan of something or someone is inevitable. It’s an ageless practice. It’s also a cornerstone of the creative world. We all start by imitating our idols, just like children imitate their parents as they learn about the world.

Later on, as we grow as creatives, I believe our sense of curiosity expands, too. It goes beyond imitation and starts inviting introspection.

Ever since I saw this 99u talk by Nishat Akhtar, I’ve been more intentional about asking myself how I discovered or refined my own tastes in anything. It all sparked from the question: “Why do I like what I like?”

At first glance, that question sounds simple. However, it opens intriguing doors. When I look closely at the artists and creators I admire, I spot patterns. They tell me what moves me and what inspires me to create something of my own.

Here are a few examples of how I inspect my own fandoms.

Continue reading “The Importance of Being a Fan” →

Back to Basics: Analogue Experiences

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Personal

I recently posted on Threads the picture above along with a series of thoughts on having a discman. This was a Christmas present.

The last time I played a CD on this type of device was in my university days. I clearly remember listening to Reanimation by Linkin Park. Back then, I didn’t know my ‘analogue’ days were numbered. I would eventually transition to the iPod experience even though I was doing everything in my power to resist.

It happened, and I never looked back. I don’t even know what happened to my old discman.

However, as years went by, I felt the need to go back to what I used to love. I still have a collection of great CD albums. At the same time, I thought this would help me stop doomscrolling on the phone. That it’d be more enriching to read the booklet of my selected album instead.

I must say, it’s uncomfortable. I feel like I could have the music playing in the background while still browsing something on my phone. The pain is real. But I’m intentional about taking a break from the endless noise of the digital world. I want to reconnect with the music and the feelings it evokes in me.

I want to engage with the story each song is telling. Or the story my own feelings create as I immerse it. In my teen years, I used to put on my headphones, push play, and imagine the official music video for the song. I liked pretending I directed it and that I was seeing the final result in my mind.

I want to be able to do that again.

This is the beauty of analogue experiences. It’s you and your imagination plus all the sensations you want to include. All of it guiding you to interpret the melody you’re perceiving.

It’s like creating a time capsule of your feelings, thoughts or things you’re going through in this moment of your life. Isn’t it wonderful to appreciate music this way?

Yes. I could be listening from an iPod with the Wifi turned off. It’s just not the same, though. There’s something about the analogue experience that makes it more meaningful. More intentional. Or at least that’s me.

I keep hearing a strong call to return to the analogue. I keep coming across ideas for hobbies and crafts that involve staying away from the screen. Now I’m starting to answer that call.

Since this specific device is bringing so much satisfaction to my moments of unwind, I’d like to keep collecting CDs. So I’m motivated to visit local stores that sale this kind of format. After all, there’s a lot of us that want to bask in the magic of the analogue.

How about you? What kind of analogue experience are you willing to explore?

 

 

20 Things that Made My 2025

On By Alice StrathernIn Personal

It’s time to wrap up the year. Some great experiences made 2025 really special. It’s going to be a tough one to say good-bye to. Luckily, I got to make beautiful memories with the people I love, and this entry is a testament to everything that left a mark.

Here’s my 20 things:

  1. The miracle that it is to see my son grow. This year he started pre-school!
  2. Seeing my husband accomplish great things in many ways.
  3. Hello Meteor. This musician composes ethereal songs. You may close your eyes while listening and find yourself in another dimension. Here’s a playlist I made in case you’re curious.
  4. Finally putting all the links of the content I create on linktree. Something that stood out this particular year: I’ve talked more openly about my book on TikTok.
  5. Reading Leviathan by Paul Auster. I can’t believe I had not read this author before.
  6. Janet Jackson’s music. Simply. Mindblowing. Also, realizing that I’ve loved Fleetwood Mac’s music all my life. The album “Rumours” is one of my favourites now.
  7. Travelling to Victoria, BC for the first time with my family.
  8. Tasting the best poutine ever at Garrick’s Head Pub, in downtown Victoria, BC.
  9. Celebrating five years of running my e-newsletter.
  10. Going out more often. I got to meet a wonderful author, Samara Knight.
  11. Songs I didn’t know I was going to like: Out of my Body by Brain Tan. Pink + White by Frank Ocean. Hysteria by Def Leppard.
  12. Travelling to Seattle, Washington
  13. Going to Lumen Field to support the Seattle Seahawks.
  14. Being delighted with coffee and pastries at Storyville and Freya Bakery & Cafe in Seattle.
  15. Visiting Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle.
  16. Visiting the Funko store in Everett, Washington.
  17. Reading more of Isabel Allende’s work.
  18. Staying in contact with my best friends throughout the year.
  19. Coming across Bon Chic on YouTube.
  20. Learning that, according to the yearly Spotify wrap-up, I’m 53 years old. I’m currently 37.

 

Wrap-up: 20 things that made my 2024

On By Alice StrathernIn Miscellany, Personal

Every year is unique, and that’s such a beautiful thing. You never know what will come your way. Isn’t it great that you discover new interests out of “randomness”? Isn’t it wonderful that you also get to celebrate milestones? All events, no matter how big or small, are worth noting.

Every discovery, every win, reveals a piece of our journey in life.

Here’s my traditional list of 20 things that made my year.

  1. Celebrating my son’s milestones as a toddler
  2. Completing 200 pages of my new book
  3. Visiting Spokane for the first time
  4. Visiting Barnes & Noble for the first time
  5. Switching to Threads
  6. Reading “A Radical Awakening” by Dr. Shefali
  7. Reading “The Power of Now” by Ekhart Tolle
  8. Reading “Aura” by Carlos Fuentes
  9. Discovering binaural beats
  10. Enjoying a great meal at Major Tom
  11. Trying a baked Alaska for the first time
  12. Bashar
  13. Discovering bandcamp and getting into vaporwave music
  14. FM Skyline
  15. Jared Pike’s dream pools
  16. Music inspired by dream pools
  17. Liminal spaces
  18. The pleasure of reading Long Reads
  19. Rick Rubin’s podcast
  20. Having meaningful conversations with Meta AI assistant on Instagram

Creative Fears: What if People Criticize Me?

On By Alice StrathernIn Mindset, Personal

One of my creative fears as a writer was being criticized.

I used to doubt my storytelling skills. I thought that, as soon as I hit the “publish” button, I would receive comments at how “meh” my plot and characters were. As I was getting ready to release Kaleidoscope Eyes, my first novella, I feared I’d only get one-star reviews.

Truth is, this is my current rating:

In the age of rates and reviews, I’ve learned that remaining true to my calling is what matters the most. I’m writing, I’m sharing, and I’m constantly improving. Even while experiencing all kinds of fears, I decided to put my novella out there. I was aware that some people would like it, and others not so much.

So how do you deal with that fear of criticism? In my experience, there’s no step-by-step formula. However, if I could mention one thing that has been useful for me, that would be a mindset shift: let reviewers tell what they want to say, either positive or negative. Let them be. Having a piece of work in the public eye involves getting all sorts of comments. That’s inevitable.

Ask yourself is their feedback is useful to you in any way. If so, then implement them in your next pieces of work.

External opinions are out of your control. All you can do is staying committed to deliver your best work possible every time you share/publish online or in any other format.

Dare to be disliked. Your work is not for everyone, and that’s okay.

Herb Alpert al Son del Mariachi

On By Alicia StrathernIn En Español, Personal

Hace unos días descubrí esta joya musical y quedé impactada.

Es increíble cómo diferentes géneros hablan entre sí.

No sé qué tenga la música de Herb Alpert. Noto que en los últimos meses me ha hablado directo al alma. Gustosa, he respondido al llamado y me dejo llevar por las notas que me transportan a lugares y sensaciones que debía recordar.

Por cierto, “Route 101” es mi canción favorita.

The Power of Documenting Your Experiences

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Miscellany, Personal

This illustration caught my eye while browsing Instagram.

It reminded me of a place I visit frequently in my mind when I need to think. When I was younger, I tried to draw it many times. As an adult, I stopped and didn’t attempt to do it again. However, Iulia Bochis’ illustration made me remember it.

I was so intrigued and impressed with her work that I visited her website. I found out that her art journey began as she was travelling in Asia. She kept a journal to document her inner experiences, and later on, she started sharing her work on Instagram.

It made me think of the importance of documenting experiences in any form. At first, it’s a personal exercise; for your eyes only. Then, one day, you decide to take some parts of it (or maybe all of it) and share it with the world. Without realizing it, you’re touching someone else’s life because it connected with them.

So next time you feel you’re called to share a thought, a photograph, a journal entry, a drawing, a painting, a playlist, a collage…think that it will reach the right people.

Genuine work finds a genuine place. This is the power of documenting experiences.

Things that made my year – 2022 edition

On By Alice StrathernIn Miscellany, Personal

We’re getting closer and closer to the end of 2022. Where did the time go? Funny how time flies when you’re having fun.

Here’s a list of things that made my year:

  1. Celebrating my son’s first birthday.
  2. Having my mom around for two months and celebrating my son’s birthday with her.
  3. Publishing my debut novella Kaleidoscope Eyes.
  4. This interview about my novella.
  5. Realizing that, as independent author, learning takes place every day, and it’s scary and fun at the same time.
  6. That it’s important to focus on the step in front of me, not the entire staircase.
  7. Learning about Amazon Ads for authors.
  8. Writing #LetrasDesnudas.
  9. Joining Té de Querer for some great writing workshops and making new friends.
  10. Publishing three articles on Excélsior (Mexican newspaper, all available in Spanish): Carta para la niña que se convertirá en mujer, Promesas de hoy para un mañana seguro, and Urge modelo de salud con perspectiva de género.
  11. Discovering the Curious Fox podcast.
  12. Rediscovering The Chase Jarvis Live Show.
  13. A great podcast in Spanish, Hablemos Escritoras.
  14. Joining Good Reads as an author.
  15. Learning that Depeche Mode is releasing an album next year.
  16. Finding joy in writing my newsletter.
  17. Listening to some great artists: Neo Soul, Toni Braxton, Sade, Tom Jobim, The Human League, Spice Girls, and Alicia Keys.
  18. Castella tarts.
  19. Tuna and salmon poke bowls.
  20. Janet Jackson’s album “Control”.
  21. Learning the meaning of surrender.
  22. Tara Brach’s talks and meditations.
  23. Waiting Game by Junior Boys.
  24. Toda Tercafeira by Soul Quality Quartet.
  25. Deciding that my new NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks.

 

Grateful for all the lessons learned. Grateful for the wonderful people who walked with me every step of the way. Grateful for all discoveries. Looking forward to 2023!