Tag: writing

The Middle Is Where It Happens

Here’s what I’ve learned after writing 12 books, navigating countless pivots and watching life unfold in unanticipated ways:

The middle is where the transformation actually happens.

Not the beginning—that’s just the spark. Not the ending—that’s just the reveal.

The middle? That’s where you:

  • Question everything you thought you knew
  • Discover strengths you didn’t know you had
  • Learn to trust yourself even when you can’t see the path
  • Become someone you weren’t when you started

The middle is uncomfortable, uncertain and sometimes scary.

And let’s consider something radical: What if your messy middle season is what’s required to grow you into a person who can navigate the best chapters ahead with wisdom, poise and resilience? What if you need to go through “this” to be prepared to honor and elevate “that?”

What if the timing of your life is exactly right—even when it doesn’t match your plan?

I’ve learned in my toughest seasons to breathe through it, pray through it, lean on the tenets of my faith and rest in the hope that my resilience and hope will see me through.

Doing this has given me permission to stay in the present, to be in the middle of my story and to intentionally nurture myself. I’ve found the courage to not have it all figured out – to change my mind, alter my path and rewrite the plan.

I’ve surrendered to being in progress, without perfection; to trust that where I am is exactly where I need to be as my life actively unfolds.

And that’s not something to apologize for – that’s something to honor.

As the year winds down and a new one approaches, let’s ask ourselves:

“What wants to unfold in me next?”

Not: What do I need to force or fix or figure out?

What’s already trying to emerge if I just give it space?

Not: Where should I be by now?

Where am I being invited to go next??

I believe in you – in us!

So write your vision, speak life into it and embrace the positives in your present on the way to your next chapter.

“Sunrise — Oregon Mountain Pass” by Beyond the Trail (Gary Robertson) is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

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.

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.

Take the Cake

In this life, many of us have been gifted the freedom to choose our paths and how we will navigate them.

While we may be headed in a singular direction, it’s easy to be lured by opportunities or requests along the way that intrigue or excite us. Yet, we must be intentional about prioritizing our purpose or life’s calling, rather than choosing good over great – or in other words, choosing the icing rather than the cake itself.

On some days, the icing may be all we crave. However, the icing isn’t the substance; it’s usually a finishing touch. Given a choice, I’d say “take the cake.” 

The cake is the lead, while the icing is a supporting actor. When you choose the cake, you can add as much or as little icing as you want or need. 

So whatever decisions you face this week – personal or professional; individual or group-driven; significant or simple – pause and do your personal icing/cake analysis. Consider whether you’re asking the right questions to make the best and wisest decision, and whether you are willing to choose substance over style.

Some choices may land you both substance and style – cake WITH icing. But for enduring blessings and relevance, always start with the cake!

Persist in Love

Leaning into love is the hardest thing ever, especially when it’s not reciprocated.

Yet, I stand by my Monday declaration of intending to lead with love – including self-love, and even when it seems impossible.

In choosing love, I am choosing to see clearly, yet not give bitterness a foothold.

For hate causes rot,

and from a rotten vessel,

meaningful words, actions and impact cannot flow.

My aim is to keep my purpose and the people counting on me – especially the youngest ones looking up to me – top of mind.

Our children and young adults need help seeing and valuing a personal and communal north star. Our grandchildren or unborn children’s children need “north star opportunities” to still exist when it’s their turn to dream, do and be.

So even in a divided land,

the way forward includes

a surrender to love.

If you’ve ever tried it, you know that sometimes surrendering to what may seem to be “the soft way” actually requires the utmost strength.

I have stood before at a crossroads of hurt, heartbreak and unsure footing that led to a fork in the road.

My choices were a bitter path of ugly discord that some would have deemed understandable

or

a path that would require patient persistence in honoring my values, holding a vision for my desired future and telling the truth (with love) even when uncomfortable, in order to keep growing.

I chose the latter route,

and even then,

amid tears, prayers, sometimes anger and a shifted worldview,

I stood firm in the worth of my own humanity,

and I sought to honor the love guiding me and

still being poured into me,

so that I could rise another day,

nurture those around me a little more,

and remember that my life,

my right to live with hope and joy,

and my very being

are not a fluke.

We were made for love and to love.

Today, I encourage you to look in the mirror and tell the face staring back at you, “It’s okay. I love you.”

Close your eyes so you can feel it, and tell yourself, “I am better than hate.”

Inhale and exhale, and declare, “I am worthy of all good things, and even when I must speak up, set new boundaries or say no to harmful things, I will remain rooted in love.”

From this determined stance, set a course of self-care and thoughtful giving, and nurture the relationships that honor the best of you, so that years from now, you’ll gratefully experience the fruits of your investment.

“Lost Love?” by Carol (vanhookc) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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.

How My Other Passion Reinforces the Power of One

One of my intentions this year is to bring my whole self to every role I embody, because all of Stacy shows up as the fiction writer, the nonfiction inspirational writer, the strategic communications professional, the mom, sister, auntie, friend and community volunteer.

With that in mind, while I will primarily continue to post in this space about my inspirational musings, my novel-in-progress and other author-related news, I’ll also be sharing occasionally about another endeavor that’s close to my heart: an opportunity to advocate for children and foster communications for a greater good.

I’m excited to share that I have joined the global nonprofit organization Children International (aka CI) as the Global Director of External Communications.

(To those who’ve inquired, yes – I’ll still be based in and involved in the Richmond, Virginia community, and I will continue my creative writing and occasional writer coaching.)

Here’s to those of us who are multi-passionate! Writing remains my foundation, and I’m grateful for this and other opportunities to evolve, grow and experience where it leads.

Traveling to Colombia with Colleagues

My most recent adventure led me to Colombia. It is one of 10 countries (including the U.S.), where Children International is serving youths and young adults who exist in dire poverty and need hope to believe their lives can get better, along with tangible help to make it so. Eight colleagues and I traveled there from the U.S. in mid-February, to meet with some of those we serve and with our Colombian counterparts who are leading operations.

Since words won’t suffice, I hope the few images I’ve shared here (plus more you can find on my Facebook page), convey in some small way, the mutual joy felt by all of us to connect as members of the CI family.

These young people repeatedly offered thanks for consistent educational support, access to health care, life skills exposure, and positive role models who pour into them, when the lure of gangs, giving up on life, and other ills threaten to pull them off track.

They expressed how much it has meant to exchange letters with people who have sponsored them with monthly contributions since ages 3, 4 or 5.

They described how the opportunity to receive Children International scholarships that fund job training has allowed them to dream.

Before we departed, one of the teenagers thanked us for our work by declaring: “You are a grain of sand that helps us have better lives.”

I left their presence knowing they are more than their circumstances. They are eager to learn, grow and be the first generation to help their families thrive.

On one of our final nights dining together as a team, a Colombian CI colleague took us to La Cueva, a restaurant famous for serving as home base for the city of Barranquilla’s renowned journalists, authors and artists. Unbeknownst to her, one of the waiters for the night — a 20-something aspiring writer — had once been a sponsored child through Children International. When he saw the organization’s name on our group reservation, he proudly introduced himself as an alum.

Seeing him working in an esteemed establishment while continuing school and nurturing his creative goals made our collective day. It was a welcome reminder that our choices to go the distance with others can give them breathing space to find their way.

I left Colombia all the more convinced that it takes just one person to impact a life. By changing the narrative for one, we are rewriting the story for many.

To learn more about Children International, visit children.org.

Inspired by this Life Untapped blog post? Please subscribe to receive more of Stacy’s occasional musings – and share the link to this post with others in your circle.

Be good to yourself

I’ve been on a staycation this week and just a few days in, I feel like a new woman.

I’ve cleaned my fridge, and filled bags of clothes and other stuff to take to Goodwill and to a local church’s clothes closet.

I’ve hooked up a new computer (on my own), although my son chatted with me during the process, in case I needed tech support. Lol

I’ve fielded calls from my daughter, the bride-to-be, who is on the countdown to April.

I’ve chatted with a few friends daily and lunched with two.

I’ve turned down a brief road trip and a complimentary flight. Why?? To simply rest.

Which leads me to what has been the most meaningful part of this week so far:  allowing myself to sleep until my heart’s content and move at a “whenever I get to it” pace. (Today is my busy day for the week. I’ve scheduled a few appointments and virtual meetings, and if I owe you an email, it’s coming!)

My fellow author Saundra Dalton Smith, who penned the bestselling book Sacred Rest, would be proud.

Because rest is indeed sacred, and it opens up our well and our energy for creativity, deeper engagement with others, better appreciation for our blessed surroundings, and greater willingness to see and serve ourselves. (When our wells are full; we can healthily pour into others.) 

I haven’t paused this week because I’m ill(I feel great!); I’ve intentionally paused to ensure that my pace for 2024 remains measured and meaningful. 

I’ve paused to ensure that I center myself in being fully present and focused on enjoying the days, weeks and months to come.

This “rule of rest” for the week felt uncomfortable at first (those waiting-but-not-urgent emails and chapters to write taunted me), but as I’ve leaned into the leisure, I’m certain it’s preparing me to dive more joyfully and energetically into my storytelling projects and other professional endeavors, my volunteer activities, family milestone moments, looming travel, and much more. 

I’ve shared this, in part, as an invitation to join me. If your January was busier than expected, consider making time in February for your own sacred pause.

You may not be able to devote a week, but gift yourself a day (or a few) to lean into sleep – as much as your body craves – and enjoy some good food, laughter, and pampering yourself in simple ways that matter to you.

You are worth it. And so are the dreams, goals, work, relationships and legacy you are nurturing. Trust the timing of your life, and in the process, your preparation and strategic rest, will align. 

Inspired by this Life Untapped blog post? Please subscribe to receive more of Stacy’s occasional musings – and share the link to this post with others in your circle.

How Creating creates Joy

I’ve been exercising my creative juices for the past month on a small, but special project that I’m excited to share with you soon.

What I’ve loved as much as the process of refining the words and getting the aesthetics just right (with a gifted artistic partner) are the friends and fam who have offered feedback and edits, burned the midnight oil with me to ensure that I create in excellence, and reminded me that as “Ms. #LifeUntapped” not only CAN I think and move outside the creative box of titles and genres, I betta!

This is what rising together takes.

Iron sharpens iron.

Vision multiplies vision.

Shoulders lower so you can climb aboard.

What matters most is the art itself.

There’s a tired-but-happy place feeling that centers you as you’re producing it, and eventually the joy that comes with hearing readers express renewed hope or joy or value after experiencing your words. 🙏🏾

More to come on this project in early October. In the meantime, thank you to my tribe! When it’s your turn, the rising, sharpening, encouragement and lowered-shoulder moments will come full circle.

Pursuits of Passion

A message I watched on YouTube this week reminded me that just because we’re pursuing our passion doesn’t mean we’ll coast. In fact, living out our passion often requires sacrifice, late nights, elbow grease, and fits and starts. But because we love it, it’s worth it, right? 

The story I’m writing these days is kinda like that – it requires digging deep, sitting in silence, answering the hard questions and embracing the authentic answers. 

Yep, I’m talking about the novel I’m penning, but real life, too. For isn’t this how it’s supposed to work? Fiction is a reflection of life that’s meant to help you better understand yourself, and others. I’m excited to be in this “creating magic” phase. 

Write Your Way Whole….These Scribes Are

I spent Saturday morning at one of my favorite places in Richmond – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – leading a talented group of writers through the process of refining their novel, memoir, blog and short story ideas, with the goal of helping them captivate readers.

Writing @ The Garden with Stacy
Stacy Hawkins Adams and her Writing @ The Garden workshop participants.

As soon as the workshop ended, I headed to the Meadowdale Library to attend the book launch celebration for my writing mentee DaNika Neblett Robinson, Ed.D., who I’ve watched blossom into authorhood over the past three years while simultaneously completing a doctoral program in leadership at VCU. (Can you say “wow” with me??)  IMG_2221Her novella is a fictional story about three pregnant teens seeking hope amid their difficult choices, and it’s a path that DaNika knows well, having herself journeyed from teen mom to Ph.D standing. You’ll find her book – A Metamorphic Journey – on Amazon.

I’m so proud of all of them and grateful to share my expertise and passion for storytelling in this way. When their works shine, my heart smiles.