Finding purpose and joy amid mental health challenges

Live the life all want and deserve

Welcome friends, to my newsletter A Little Crazy, the precursor to my forthcoming new memoir by the same name. (More details on the book below).

We are embarking on this collective journey newsletter journey together, guided by a shared purpose and destiny. And I am so thankful you are here.

Our mission is to foster joy and community, not just for us and our loved ones, but for all. Here, we’ll discuss and dispense the keys to the life all want and deserve.

We hold a steadfast belief that the future can be brighter, and we are committed to playing our part, no matter how small, in creating stronger, more resilient individuals and families. We understand that even the smallest contributions we make in a day in our lives, or someone else’s can collectively transform a challenging world into a better one.

It starts with us—it starts from within, with the vulnerability, honesty, and faith required to flourish. When we find it, our light shines, and so begins the greatest gift we’ll ever experience on this earth—sharing the light with others.

Here’s some of what you’ll get in this newsletter, published two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays):

—vulnerable and inspiring life essays (from me and guest writers).

—insights and tips about mental health management and recovery and wellbeing for the entire family.

—Faith, because I was once lost and lost it all, and that was no good. But Faith saved me, and the research is clear that we humans are more joyful when engaged with a higher power.

—life as someone a little crazy and the management of that, which directly speaks to more than 20 percent of the country who battle so-called mild mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Add in all who get to live and work with us, then, well, this is for everyone, everywhere.

—the craft of creating and writing because I’m a journalist and storyteller and it’s time to better connect with my roots, my greatest strength.

The free newsletter goes against the movement these days, because everyone wants to charge for everything, but I’d rather sell you a life-changing book from this platform and give you and anyone else you share this newsletter with 52 weeks of rich, seed-planting content without a fee. Translation: this newsletter is free. Keep your money.

(And put it toward books).

Yes, here’s what you can do for me (and the wellbeing movement):

My new memoir A Little Crazy: A Memoir of Finding Purpose and Joy Amid the Madness publishes on September 17. It’s a sequel to Dear William and, if you believe in love, faith, the power of resilience and that our departed loved ones can become our angels, then, this book is for you. Already, by signing up for this newsletter, you will receive a free excerpt which publishes here on August 13. And -- Share this newsletter with friends and family so they too can get the free excerpt.

In the meantime, help! We need to get copies of the book sold through pre-orders to show booksellers that A Little Crazy matters. (Yes, that’s how book publishing works).

Here’s how (pick your best ordering option):

--Order a signed copy from Square Books, the greatest indie store in all the land and my hometown bookstore. I’m launching the book there on September 17, by the way, please come.

--Order through amazon here.

--Order through Barnes and Noble here.

--Want more options? Find links here through Penguin Random House.

I’ll admit I’m bit scared approaching the release of this book.

No, I’m terrified, writerly speaking.

The vulnerability is hard, but necessary. So, I'm holding my breath and praying as A Little Crazy nears releasing to the world but also, I can’t wait for you to read it because it speaks to learning to manage mild mental health issues to win, the resilience and patience required in love, finding and overcoming fear to pursue purpose, and the power of faith. And, yes, dear William makes a return, because our departed loved ones can still impact that way.

As for this A Little Crazy newsletter, we have arrived here together for a reason. We’re meant to do this journey, me and you. Already, starting from our work at Ole Miss and continuing into schools and communities throughout the country, we have reached tens of thousands with positive impact.

It's a movement of understanding and empathy that’s bringing down the walls of shame and stigma, helping individuals and families heal from mental health issues hidden for too long, a movement rooted in storytelling because storytelling is the foundation of hope, healing, faith and family.

It all began with a viral newspaper column I wrote in 2016 to Ole Miss freshman, which led to the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness education at Ole Miss, named after our late son. It continued with the publication of Dear William in 2021, which helped ignite the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing, putting me before some 50,000 students, parents and community members nationally and counting to break mental health stigma and inspire counseling and recovery.

We’re gaining momentum each step of the way. But the work so far is only the beginning.

Together, we have the power to illuminate the path ahead, to make a difference that resonates far and wide, that leads to deep and lasting change.

It’s A Little Crazy, sure. But it’s a calling, and a purpose. And it’s making impact, with more to come.  

I’m thankful for you—that you are here and believe. And I’m thankful that we get to do this together.