069: Maple Suggests a graceful exit

Moving on and more

Hello, my sweets. First things first: I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times — I’m so grateful to everyone who read this newsletter. That said… this is the end of Maple Suggests. Here’s what’s been going on that led me to this decision:

1. I’m busy! It’s been four months since I’ve written to you guys. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been working as a creative director at an ad agency. I’m rapidly building a small militia of a team, and I’ve never been more booked — or happier — in my life. My time outside of work has always been valuable, but it feels even more precious now. I can’t commit to this relationship like I could last year.

2. Suggestions are everywhere now and this format is, imo, kinda passé. :) But may I recommend the OG suggestions newsletter Perfectly Imperfect for continued recommendations from friends and strangers.

3. This thing was a bit of a trauma response. As you know, I severed a nine-year relationship in the early summer of 2022 and sought validation for simply being, and this newsletter gave that to me tenfold. But I don’t need that kind of validation anymore — and that is wonderful.

4. Nothing lasts forever, and I love a good ending.

For a while, I wondered about — and even teased — changing the format of this newsletter to be something perhaps more affiliated with the work I do and love, something that could be another revenue stream, even. But I’m focusing on building something incredible at my new job. I want to take dance lessons and have time to volunteer. Simply — it is time.

And so, thank you again for being a part of this chapter. I love you all.

xo,

Mapes