This post was originally written for subscribers of the daily taryn, a daily-ish newsletter/writing project that is sometimes actually daily (like right now — Taryn is emailing those subs every day for 30 days straight). Now's the perfect time to join, so Taryn will hold while you do so by clicking this. She loves u.
the daily taryn season 3: episode 1
Welcome back to season 3 of the daily taryn.
Hiiiiii. I hope you read that slowly, affectionately, and like it was being said during a very long and sweet little hug, because that’s exactly the kinda hi I was throwing your way. Welcome back to the daily taryn, my friend.
For the original subscribers — hello, my cuties. I’m back and we’re back and I cannot express with words (I say, as I write…) how excited I am to be talking to you all again. The OG subscribers of this newsletter are literally my favorite people on the planet. I’m indebted to you and the encouragement you give me — it keeps me going and gets me back on the writing horse when I’m meant to be, which is now. So, hi. Happy to be with you again. Missed you and hope your 2020 is… fine.
For new subscribers — woah. Hi. There are lots of you, which is beyond exciting. If you have no idea what the daily taryn is, you can read the short of it here. iIt’s basically a daily newsletter about everything and nothing. It’s about life and work and love and stress and thoughts to think about. For the next 30 days, it’ll be like reading my online journal that I’ll email out to this list of people, filled with people I know and people I don’t. I write to understand myself, and sometimes, that helps you understand yourself better too. Thanks so much for coming along for the ride.
Why now?
If I’m having a weird minute in life, I turn to writing. Sometimes I do this privately (on apps like Day One). Sometimes I write little things and put them on Instagram. But sometimes — the times I know I really need to kick myself in the ass — I start a 30 day challenge. I’ve done this twice before (which is why I’m calling this Season3:Episode1) and am happy to be doing it again, although it’s got my head spinning this time around.
I’m not sure why this is where I turn. Why I think, “Okay. Taryn. You’re feeling weird. You’re feeling uninspired and your foundation feels off and your world is just feeling less like it’s yours lately. You know what time it is. It’s time to make a 30 day commitment where you’ll open up to thousands of people consistently every day, sharing things that are some days worth reading and other days, are really just dumb. So. Cool. Have at it, sis.”
Maybe I’m competitive, and giving myself a challenge is fueling. Maybe I like doing something that I know other people like. Maybe I feel confident doing something I know I’m good at. Maybe it’s an awful idea and I’m too tired to see it. Maybe there’s some weird comfort in writing words for people I don’t know, creating a weird little bond made from words in an email. I don’t know, but I’m happy I turn here. It’s fun, and this little corner of the internet feels like coming back to a school reunion. Nostalgic and hard and weird and good.
What to expect for season 3
My entire life is different right now. After 5+ years of work at Patreon, I’m officially unemployed and enjoying a much needed break. After 5+ years living in San Francisco, I’m officially an LA resident. After 5+ years of friendship with a really special person, she’s now my girlfriend, roommate, and co-momma of the puppy we just adopted (plus the pup Cam already had). After 25+ years of crippling health anxiety, I’m surviving a global pandemic with next to no anxiety.
So, for season 3 of TDT, we’re sitting in the changes and the unknowns and exploring what to do when you don’t know what to do. I was talking to my mom today and she said, “aw, bear, you think you’re just feeling out of sorts a bit?” That’s the best way to explain it. I’m out of sorts, which is weird because what the hell does “in sorts” feel like? Regardless, I’m out of ‘em. Fresh out. I feel like I just got off a boat and don’t have my sea legs on. I feel like I’m traveling somewhere I haven’t been, trying to read the signs in a different language. I feel like I just got a new pair of glasses and my eyes feel confused — either the prescription is completely wrong or my eyes just need to adjust. I’m outta sorts, but I’m really, really excited. I can’t thank you enough for coming along for the ride. I hope it’s fun and makes you laugh and helps you think.
And now, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
As always, you’re invited and encouraged to reply to any of my emails — I read every response and try my hardest to reach back out, which feels like a full-time job itself. But lucky for you, this bitch is unemployed ;)
So, respond whenever, but especially to this one. Tell me about yourself. Who do I have the pleasure to be writing to right now? What’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do? What shows/books/movies do you love and need me to love? How did you find this newsletter? What do you want me to talk about?
I love knowing who’s back there, so don’t be shy. Unless you’re shy and want to be shy and like that you’re shy. Then go be shy. But also, say hi.
Cool. Well, welcome back to the daily Taryn. I’m thankful and excited and ready and hungry. So. Tomorrow it is.
Talk tomorrow,
your friend taryn
I can’t thank you enough for reading. If you liked what you read, share it with someone you think would like it too.