Category: Her Story

Your Story Is Still Unfolding (And So Is Mine)

Why this Life Untapped blog is becoming Still Unfolding—and what it means for you

Twenty years.

That’s how long I’ve been showing up as “Life Untapped.”

Twenty years of writing, speaking, sharing stories, and encouraging you to discover the relevance in your own narrative. Twenty years of believing that potential exists in all of us—waiting to be discovered, activated, lived.

And it’s been beautiful.

“Life Untapped” has been the perfect metaphor to highlight how within each of us lies something powerful—an abundant life just waiting to be accessed, unlocked, released.

And while that remains true, what’s also factual is that our efforts to thrive through life’s ups and downs, and our still-present hopes and dreams, are worth honoring at every age and stage.

As I’ve grown—through writing 12 books, navigating my own pivots, listening to your stories, and deepening my understanding of transformation—I’ve realized something:

Our quest isn’t just about discovering potential that we’ve left dormant or untapped (although this IS part of it); it can also be about summoning the courage to keep going and to keep saying “yes” to ourselves.

What speaks to your heart? What tugs at you? What will you regret not doing because of what society or those around you declared you “should” be doing instead?

Over the years, as I’ve connected with others who’ve navigated career changes, relationship shifts, grief journeys, health challenges and more (and gone through shifts myself) —I’ve recognized a recurring reality:

Our stories aren’t static potential waiting to be tapped.

Life is an ongoing process of becoming.

You (we) are unfolding—slowly, imperfectly, beautifully—into versions of ourselves that we may not even realize are possible.

Unfolding never stops.

Not at 30. Not at 50. Not at 70.

Still Unfolding is about giving ourselves permission to be in process—forever.

It means:

  • Growth is lifelong. There’s no finish line where you finally have it all figured out.
  • You’re not behind. The timeline you imagined for your life isn’t the only valid one. Your unfolding is happening exactly as it should.
  • Pivots aren’t failures. They’re part of the process. Every turn, every detour, every unexpected chapter is shaping you.
  • Your best experiences may still be ahead. Age doesn’t diminish possibility. Some of the most transformative chapters come later than we expected.
  • You’re allowed to evolve. The person you were five years ago — even a year ago — doesn’t have to be the person you are now. Change isn’t betrayal—it’s honoring the present with the gift of all you’ve become thus far.

What’s Changing

As of today, Life Untapped is becoming Still Unfolding.

Here’s what that means practically:

✨ Still Unfolding is how you’ll see me reference my work instead of Life Untapped on a regular basis. However, my focus will still be transformation, inspiration, life transitions and encouraging you to keep becoming.

✨ Life Untapped will still be used occasionally, because it still reflects part of our unfolding journey – so you’ll still occasionally see my hashtag, and one of the categories of this blog will be Life Untapped Living.

This Blog:

🌐 The URL is changing: LifeUntapped.com → StillUnfolding.com

📝 ALL content remains: Every blog post, every category, every resource you’ve relied on stays exactly where it is. Nothing is being deleted. The archive is intact.

Here’s what also stays the same:

✅ My commitment to you. This has always been about authentic connection, and that remains unchanged.

✅ My belief that your story and your journey matter.

✅ Content designed to inspire, inform and uplift you.

If you’ve been here for years, thank you for reading my blog posts and other social media content, and thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey.

If you’re new here, welcome! You’ve arrived at exactly the right time.

Together, let’s step into our unfolding and have a blast. Let’s remind each other: We’re all still unfolding.

P.S. If you’re not already on my author email list (which is different from this blog post subscription), now’s a great time to join me in both places! In addition to my occasional blog posts here, on every Monday I send a brief message of encouragement straight to your email inbox—and you’ll be the first to know about my TV appearances, events and everything Still Unfolding. Subscribe here.

I Almost Turned Back

While traveling to Guatemala City for a work-related trip about six weeks ago, I almost turned back. 

An expected five-hour layover in my connecting airport on my travel day in early July turned into an additional 11-hour flight delay. This meant I spent 16 hours roaming the airport (before the airline eventually cancelled the flight altogether, just after midnight).

Amid the waiting to see when the flight would leave came news that a fairly significant earthquake had rumbled through the country 24 hours earlier. 

While my colleagues who are based in Guatemala were moving forward with business as usual (small earthquakes are the norm; this bigger 5.7 magnitude one didn’t rattle them), I was wondering whether the delays and the shaking earth were signs to reschedule the trip.

Just as I had that thought, a team member who was traveling separately to meet us there let me know she had boarded her flight. When I asked her if the doors had closed and her “yes” meant she couldn’t quickly deplane, I took that as a sign that we were all meant to trust our faith (so grateful for the prayers that were surrounding us!) and our Guatemalan colleagues’ assurances that all would be fine. 

I decided on a Plan B for a quick departure if necessary, and we moved forward. 

Within an hour of landing the next day and meeting our calm-natured colleague “A,” and being escorted to our hotel in the heart of Guatemala City, I knew we’d be okay. 

A few days later, when we reached the beautiful city of Antigua and were greeted with gorgeous views of the mountains and a “behaving” live volcano, and warm-hearted people that included other wonderful colleagues, my U.S.-based team and I nodded at each other: Pushing through the delays, the uncomfortable unknowns of what awaited us, and keeping our storytelling mission top of mind had paid off.

The gift of these views and the meaningful connections made, even before our formal work began, had stretched us. 

We grew individually, bonded as a team, and grounded ourselves in the mantra our organization’s leader often utters: We can do hard things well.

The overarching reminder for me as a person of faith? God really does have His hand on us at every turn, and even in stressful times, His presence is evident, if we’ll look for and recognize the signs.  

The overarching lesson/reminder for my team and me?

When you persist through whatever challenges you may encounter, there are often rewards beyond measure on the other side of your yes.

We’ll never forget the beauty of the people, nor the place, nor the power that comes from the PUSH (Persisting Until Something Happens). I believe each of us is better because of it. 

Stacy Hawkins Adams in Antigua, Guatemala

My Timeless Reads

As summertime reading season kicks in, I’m excited to share that under the wonderful Carol Hill-Mackey’s leadership, Recorded Books has developed 4 of my 9 novels into audiobooks.

And just in time for the release of these audiobooks is the paperback reprinting of two of these novels – 

Speak To My Heart,  my first nationally published novel which centers on two women friends (and a teen) making life-changing decisions that could make them or break them, 

and its sequel, 

Nothing But the Right Thing, a book that explores the emotional and physical toll domestic violence takes on victims and those who seek to support them, and how the things we sometimes long for most can arrive in unexpected ways.

The third book in that series, Watercolored Pearls, has been in 2nd printing for a while (with a brown cover) and remains a reader favorite (thank you, my reading friends!). However, this novel, too, is now available wherever audiobooks are sold (with the original blue cover).

The fourth book now in an audible format? My novel Finding Home, which tells the story of an ambitious woman named Jessica, whose life careens out of control until she realizes she must find a home within herself or risk chasing illusions forever. 

Please check them out – in print or audio! Listening samples are available on most audiobook platforms (and thank you to audiobook voice artists Susan Spain and Janina Edwards for doing a great job with each title).

As a dear friend recently declared: A book with compelling characters that explores still-relevant issues doesn’t have an expiration date. As you consider reading or re-reading my novels, or listening in the coming days and weeks, I hope you’ll find that to be true in these storylines.

(Side Note: Coming Home, one of my HarperCollins’ novels that preceded Finding Home, has been in print and audiobook form for years.)

While you’re reading or listening to these “Stacy classics,” I’ll be plugging away on my new manuscripts. My creative and inspirational endeavors flow in several lanes, yet completing my next few novels remains chief among my priorities.

Happy reading and “book listening” this summer! 📚✨

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A Lesson in Joy and Possibility

I attended a cookout over the weekend with great people, good food and lots of line dancing.

We enjoyed ourselves, with fans in hands, boots on the ground, and joyful laughter as we moved to the music. 

And then, before the evening ended, a beautiful little girl I did not know, perhaps 6 or 7 years old, joined the adults who had carved out space for themselves in front of the DJ.

She danced like no one was watching (although dozens of us were). 

She twisted and swayed, put a hand on her hip and even fit in a few squats and dips, all under the watchful eyes of her parents, while surrounded by a group fellow dancers – “aunties” who cheered her on with smiles and claps, over several songs. 

Even the DJ felt inspired by her freedom of spirit and movement.

“Dance doll baby!” he finally declared, then deadpanned to all of us watching: “She’s gonna fall asleep the minute she gets in the car for the ride home!”

We chuckled at the likelihood of that truth, but what struck me even more was the truth of possibilities her impromptu performance inspired. 

To witness this little brown princess own her right to be herself, enjoy herself and embrace the support that surrounded her was a beautiful gift on the day known as Independence Day.

Who knows what she’ll grow up to do or who she’ll become, but if she holds onto the confidence and love that is clearly already instilled within her, and if a community of support continues to surround her (loved ones and strangers alike), her heart’s dreams can transition into her lived purpose.

She was a dancing, smiling, twinkle-eyed representation of who we all can be – regardless of age or stage – with just the right elements feeding our souls and with our willingness to give the best of ourselves to others.

Perhaps we can be more intentional these days about filling our inner wells in this way – and becoming that gift to others?? 

It’s Your Story to Live and Enjoy

What pages will you write in your life story this month, and in the months to come? 

Be sure to reserve some time on your calendar for the things that = self-care.

For me, this includes moments that induce laughter, hugs that linger, great conversations, a good book paired with a cup of tea, some writing and journaling time, learning a new line dance or two, and enjoying TV shows or movies that feature themes or plots that help me see the world more broadly or entertain me in ways that help me grow.

That’s my list; now it’s your turn.

Amid your “must dos” create space for what you “can do” that will make your heart smile and leave you feeling renewed.

Gratitude at Every Age & Stage

It’s Capricorn season, and last week, I celebrated another birthday!

I am continuing my quest to grow and thrive at every age & stage,

and I am truly grateful for another year

– always, in all ways.

Whatever milestones January holds for you, perhaps you can use those

touchstones to set your course for the year ahead.

I’m grateful to celebrate another birthday and all good things to come!
– Stacy Hawkins Adams

Photo Sources: Coach Rumaisa (top right); The Storyteller Co (lower right)

‘Tis the Season to be an Intentional Joy Seeker

December 1st. Whew!

We have reached the final month of 2024, and while I expect and pray for some amazing moments and memories to unfold over the next four weeks,

I can’t help but humbly pause today and thank God for bringing me through this roller coaster of a year – filled with some tremendous blessings amid deep loss.

God has shored me up through some of His earthly angels,

and kept me holding on and pushing through –

to hope and a healing heart,

to exciting opportunities and dreams unfolding,

to deeper trust in Him, which has deepened my inner knowing and my inner joy.

This month in particular requires intentional self-grace as I sit with treasured memories of loved ones gone –

on the December birthday of my late mother, who “graduated” to Heaven 19 years ago;

on the early December homegoing date of my sister Pat, 9 years ago;

on the late December homegoing date of my brother Henry 2 years ago.

And this year as the first Christmas that my eldest sister, Barb, will spend in Heaven.

I’m certain to have moments of melancholy, and that’s okay. Grief, in all of its forms, is part of our human experience. I may be quieter on those days, but I’ll be good.

And when you see me smile, be assured that my peace and contentment are authentic, because I know that each of my departed loved ones would want me to live to the fullest.

In doing so, I’m perpetually honoring them and all they poured into me.

I’m sending hugs and encouragement to all who need a little extra push – and TLC – this time of year. Keep going and embrace your joyful moments as they come.

She Survived Breast Cancer 3 Times

In early 2024, I recorded a series of interviews with some amazing friends for an occasional YouTube series called Let Me Tell You.

Then, life happened. Mother-of-the-bride duties for my daughter’s April wedding, and the sudden passing of my eldest sister soon after, led me to pause work on the series and practice self-care.

However, as the cliché asserts, a delay is not a denial. Today, I’m honored and excited to share the interview – an inspiring conversation with my college classmate and friend, the extraordinary Sheila Taylor-Clark.

Sheila shares in our conversation how she has battled breast cancer three times (with style, grace and humor!) and continues to thrive as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, public servant and sister-friend to many.

Grab your favorite beverage and tune in at YouTube.com/StacyInspires to be enlightened, empowered and inspired.

Celebrating The Pivot

A year ago in October, I independently published the tiniest book ever, in hopes that it would make a huge impact on its readers.

I purposely sized this single-poem chapbook (The Pivot) approximately 4×3 so it would fit in purses and pockets, to be carried along and read as needed in moments that call for encouragement.

I picked a specialty paper for printing, so that its readers would experience the book itself as a gift, featuring words of resolve they would be personally invited to live.

So Happy 1st anniversary to my first-ever published poem, The Pivot!

And thank you to readers across the nation who have shared how this poem has breathed life into you during challenging days and dared you to dream bigger on courageous ones.

Thanks to the event organizers who have purchased copies for your speaker and audience gifts and to the women who have ordered books for your sister circle retreats or as group-themed birthday presents.

Thanks to the owners of REDDJobb, an independent bookstore in Charlotte’s Carolina Place Mall for asking to keep copies on hand for your patrons and to the organizations that have invited me to deliver presentations on its themes.

To readers everywhere who have endorsed the book, thank you for sharing with me how the poem has personally impacted you. Sometimes when our own words escape us, those penned by others can carry the message our hearts long to convey.

Because of its specialty design, The Pivot is only available through my website (rather than the usual online retailers) at StacyHawkinsAdams.com.

This may keep me from making faster sales; however, for now, it feels right to personalize the experience as a self-care gift as much as possible. If Hallmark or another publishing entity wants to help strategically scale it, call me! 😉

For now, I simply say thank you!! I am grateful to be the muse and the steward for this beacon of hope, in book form.

Stacy Hawkins Adams’ poem, The Pivot
These readers of The Pivot received it as a gift!
One reader of The Pivot includes it in her morning devotions.
NYT bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby endorsed The Pivot.

Stay on Your Path

Five years ago today, I posted the photo and the sentiments below about the start of September and the looming end of this year. All these years later, this digital journal entry of sorts still resonates and feels worth sharing.

As you launch into September 2024, may my reflections on walking my life’s path encourage you to more fully appreciate your own:

I entered the first day of September (2019) with a morning trek along a path that was brand new to me. It was beautiful, breezy and serene. 

I talked to God, and then I stilled myself to listen, even as my feet kept moving. 

Then I saw it – a juncture in the road where the paved path yielded to gravel – leading to uncultured, unknown territory, and to a bend around which I could not see.

I advanced a few feet, then retreated, deciding to explore more fully on another day.

For in that moment, I had all I needed – fresh air, a lush green setting and a visual reminder that at every turn, I am loved, worthy and deserving of joy. That was the response that filled my listening heart.

That walk reminded me that even when we’re on the right path, we’ll encounter some pebbles, stones, rough patches and dirt. We won’t always know the end before we begin or even when we’re mid-journey. Yet, that’s why it’s so important to enjoy each step of the journey itself and to find value in each phase. 

In the right season, at the appointed time, we will discover the beauty around those bends, and perhaps appreciate the extra effort (courage?) required to get there. 

Wherever we are on our path today, we can lean into the truths of how God has already blessed us. Think back over your life for a few minutes and count the ways. 

Then, set your intentions, determine what you’ll do next (or how you’ll surrender), and say “thank you” in advance for the good that lies ahead – on paved roads, gravelly paths, wood trails and all.