• HOME
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • CONTACT

Audrey JoAnn | Content and Copy Writer

Compelling Copy for Female Founders

TOUGH STUFF

September 5, 2016

IMG_5434

I have no new Nashville photos to share and also just found these pictures I had from when I was a LiFeStYlE blogger extraordinaire that I never published. So! Enjoy this super-oversharing blog post with some old, lifestyle-y photos of me. Ooph, if this blog wasn’t already going downhill…

A while ago, shortly after arriving to Nashville in a 14-hour caravan from Dallas, I wrote about how overwhelmingly happy John and I were to be here and be moved in together. We were, and we are, but now several weeks in, the sparkly newness of it has dulled some. What I’m saying is, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies and Music City honky-tonks day in and day out over here. Duh.

There are tough parts about moving with your significant other to a brand new city, going from separate apartments to the same home, and settling into a different version of life from here on out. It is a bizarre experience, one that I am still sorting through and will be, I’m certain, for a while.

Not writing about this sorting-through period would be the easier choice, for sure, but I have been vocal about wanting to share both the highs and lows of this transitional period, and one thing I am not is a liar. There’s not a ton of preparation material out there for this situation, so it’s a lot of learn-as-you-go—my favorite…

Something I have certainly learned, and been smacked over the head with, during this transition is that John and I have different communication styles. Like, way different. You would think I’d have already known that from dating him for two years, which, in hindsight, I sort of did, but there’s a new level of daily interaction we now have by sharing a home.

I grew up super close with my mom and sister, so, as you can imagine, as three close female family members, we did a lot of in-depth talking about important life topics, asked questions, listened intently, and offered kind feedback and advice ever since I was a kid. This sort of intense, honed-in communication is what I’m used to and crave in any and all of my relationships (#needy), where as John is more stoic, thoughtful, and reserved in conversation. (This is what I get for going for the shy, good guy. JK love you, babe.)

IMG_5429

IMG_5424

Before we lived together, we’d see each other a couple days a week and text the rest of the time, which was honestly way, way easier. In texting, I knew I had his full attention since it was a clear back-and-forth, written-out conversation. Now, we obviously see each other every morning and night and often in between, and with all the distractions of technology and busy schedules, sometimes I find myself repeating things more than once. Or, I’ll say something and he’ll have no response for me right away.

His lack of immediate response or support right after I tell him something, I’ve learned, makes me feel as though he’s not listening, which sends me into a tailspin, when, in fact, he’s usually just processing what I said and thinking about his response. See? Ve-ry different channels over here. (Although, sometimes he really is not listening, so, you know, we’re working on that.) Something that I think is a positive, though, is we are both super willing to talk through these sorts of differences; neither of us likes to sit on our feelings and stew.

Plus, I’m obviously no saint and have caught myself not listening well when he’s speaking or not offering very engaging feedback, either, so it definitely ain’t a one-way street.

I think, as far as new obstacles from living together, the communication thing is our biggest, which is hilarious, since I was certain my OCD about cleanliness would be the major fight waiting to happen. I must’ve prepped him enough before the move, though, because this guy is suddenly a pro at putting his dishes away and helping me with the house.

IMG_5430

IMG_5428

Something else I’ve been struggling with, unrelated to my relationship, is not having a solid crew here in Nashville, or any crew for that matter. I live with John and our dog, Piper; I work for an amazingly sweet family watching their six-month-old during the week; I do freelance writing and editing work on a remote basis; and I have one close friend who lives here. My boyfriend, my dog, a baby, some email contacts, and one friend don’t exactly make for a killer happy hour group. I mean, I suppose they could, but that would be quite the motley mix.

It’s weird making friends as a post-grad adult. I still feel young and slightly cool (although writing this in a public space makes me feel less so), yet what’s a homebody, Netflix-loving, new-to-town gal to do to make a friend or two? Friends (who don’t live here) have suggested meetup.com, fitness classes, and friends of friends of friends who they’re “pretty sure live in Nashville,’’ and my mom would like for me to leave a note on every one of my neighbor’s doors inviting them to a game night.

First of all, a game night at our place would leave me with zero friends, and if you’ve ever played Scrabble or Hearts or any other game with John, you understand why. *cough* COMPETITIVE IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. *cough* Secondly, if I wouldn’t look like the creepiest neighbor on the block with that mass-invite and people actually came, then I’d be terrified THEY might be creepy for accepting an invite to game night from a random girl they’d never met. I would probably need to move. I watch too many scary movies for that anxiety. Do you see the dilemma here? I know I’ve lived here hardly a month, but it’s a struggle out there.

I think my next plan will be to simply hijack all of John’s and my one other friend’s friends and make them my own. See, guys? Moving is so fun!

IMG_5437

IMG_5433

IMG_5431

IMG_5423

IMG_5436

IMG_5432

Top: Francesca’s // Jeans: Ann Taylor LOFT // Sandals: Steve Madden // Cross-body bag: Some random boutique last year and it has no brand tag on it. Sorry, y’all. Try Forever 21?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

1 Comment in Life

« NOVEMBER 2
4 THINGS I’VE REALIZED SINCE MOVING TO NASHVILLE »

RELATED POSTS

  • NASHVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO STAY, EAT, PLAY & MORE
  • 7 THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM 7 MONTHS OF MARRIAGE
  • OUR WEDDING STORY, PART 2
  • Hello

Comments

  1. Gramma Bonnie says

    September 6, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Your new plan is a good one, and will/can lead to new friends beyond the immediate! I admire your willingness to share and your openness! Love to you and John!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome! I'm Audrey, and I adore connecting with female founders and telling their stories in a way that matters & lasts for years to come.

Search

Download my free guide! (Click below!)

Let’s keep in touch!

Catch me on social!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

audskelton

The secret to describing your coaching service, pr The secret to describing your coaching service, product, offer, course, etc. online = talking about the amazing end result your thing will provide buyers. That’s it. 

Never ever ever *lead* with:

✖️You get 50 pages of content!
✖️ There’s over 10 hours of video instruction!
✖️ A free workbook comes with!
✖️ You’ll be added to my private FB group!
✖️ 12 modules waiting for you!
✖️ ... or anything regarding the FEATURES of your product/service. 

(And especially don’t list every single feature as the full caption, please for the love of Pete. 🥱) Think of those items as the fine print. Logical buyers maaaay be interested, but most people care way more about what your offer can change or improve for them. What specific result will it give them? What will it make them feel, help them achieve, allow them to excel at??

The logistical details can go at the bottom of your sales page—and honestly, just totally remove them from your social posts and CTAs.

Trust me... *I know how valuable those detail pieces feel and SEEM from your perspective as the creator* because it shows the hard work and effort you put into your offer. But talking about how much content is inside your product doesn’t mean ANYTHING unless people understand what that content can do for them. So always, aaaalways lead with that.

*steps off soapbox* 

Side note, this picture is from forever ago and is making me majorly ready to cut my hair again. 😂 Should I go for the mom chop?! ✂️
The absolute loves of my life. 🤎 Can’t wait t The absolute loves of my life. 🤎 Can’t wait to see what these two peas in a pod get into for years and years to come.
Our little buddy turned 3 months old yesterday and Our little buddy turned 3 months old yesterday and I can hardly believe it. These few months have simultaneously flown by and felt like a year. Wallace has grown so much and even though you always hear parents say stop growing so fast, I feel almost the opposite. I feel such pride with each new roll he develops, the strength his neck is gaining, and his belly that just keeps expanding. Is this weird?! Regardless, it’s been my greatest joy to watch him grow and his personality begin to emerge. The way he smiles and chuckles when we quack or say “WHOA!” The rapid-fire kicks he does when he has room to sprawl out. His love for walks and disdain for car rides. 🥴 It’s all so fun and special and new (for all of us!), and I wouldn’t trade a moment for anything in the world. 🤎
Jesus’s return is the most precious miracle of m Jesus’s return is the most precious miracle of miracles... but the fact that we’re all facing the camera and even (kind of) smiling in this SELF-TIMER pic is a pretty close second. 😆🥲 Happy Easter and sending you so much love and joy! 🤎
Everything is temporary. It’s been my mantra thr Everything is temporary. It’s been my mantra through the hardest and sweetest moments these past few months, and even more so as I ease back into work this week.

It’s all temporary. The good, the bad, the big emotions, the tenderest moments, the hard days, the beautiful days, the teeny socks, the endless emails, the nap strikes, the stacked deadline weeks, the sweet bonding of nursing.

None of it will be around forever, and even though I probably won’t have my schedule figured out for a long, long time, that doesn’t mean these days of just getting by and praying it all works out aren’t important.

They’ll be gritty, cobbled-together, and messy. But they’re mine. I get to craft these days however I want to, with the sweetest babe on my hip and my honey in our back office chasing his own dream, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Vacations hit different with a baby, that is for s Vacations hit different with a baby, that is for sure. 🤪 The days revolve around naps and feedings, and afternoons that we once would have spent taking 4-mile hikes or sitting on a patio at a brewery are now spent reading, playing cards, and listening to Kacey Musgraves and Tom Petty in our Airbnb while Wally snoozes. It’s not worse, but it’s a different pace than I’m used to and that’s okay. In fact, it’s probably more needed than I realize as I wrap up my maternity leave and get back to work in a couple days. Grateful for these slow days and sweet memories with my loves. Now... we just have to make the 4-hour drive home tomorrow with a dog and baby who both hate the car. 🤣 (PS... I’m sharing more thoughts about how I feel heading back to work in this week’s newsletter that goes out Friday—you can sign up to get emails from me with copywriting tips, business anecdotes, and some life updates too in the link in my bio! ☺️) #babysfirstvacation #laketahoe
flannels + chunky sweaters + squishy babies + gorg flannels + chunky sweaters + squishy babies + gorgeous views = my aesthetic forever and ever. 😍
When I was little, I said I wanted 4 kids, just li When I was little, I said I wanted 4 kids, just like my own family. I wanted a girl, boy and girl twins, and a boy. (‘Cause you can totally plan those things. 🥴)

Then, my parents got divorced and in my angsty teenager-ness, I was like, “Nope, nevermind. I’m good with no kids thanks!”

I didn’t want the pressure of raising someone and somehow damaging or disappointing them. And I was skeptical that a couple could stay together and happily raise a family.

When John and I started dating, he was so confident in us and our future. I’d never met a guy who a) pursued me so openly and consistently and b) made me feel valued in every area of my life. Career, relationship, family, health, faith.

When we went on our first camping trip about a year into dating, we were having one of those deep, wine-fueled campfire chats that seem extra important and lovely. I asked him how he knew he first loved me.

He was so good at always complimenting my drive and ambition, or how I looked regardless of whether I was dressed up or grungy after a workout. I figured it would be a combination of those sorts of things, but he surprised me when he said, “Because I know you’ll be a good mom.”

Uhhhh, what? I was like, “... But you know I’m not even sure I want to be a mom. How can you see that?”

He said in the way I so deeply care for others and myself. He had this unwavering belief that we could build a family, and he wanted this girl who spent a lot of years feeling broken to lead it alongside him.

I know this doesn’t sound very “progressive,” but his faith in me being a good mom healed a part of me in so many ways.

I always knew I was driven. I knew I could build a career and life I loved. But I didn’t believe I could build a family that lasted. Or at least, I was scared to think what might happen if I tried.

Wallace is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me. He made me the mom that John believed I could be more than five years ago.

I don’t know if you ever necessarily feel “good” at being a parent, because every day is filled with mistakes & learning curves, but I will say that it’s the most immediately natural I’ve felt in any role I’ve stepped into, ever.
Would it be too much to gallery wall an entire hou Would it be too much to gallery wall an entire house? Asking for a friend.

Newborn family photos by my talented, sweet friend @jilliangoulding. She is too good! 🤍
Load More... Follow @audswan on Instagram
THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.