A personal note and re-introduction

Welcome new and old friends!

There are several new friends here. Welcome. It’s incredibly encouraging to have you here. Feels like the perfect time to do a bit of a re-introduction.

Hello. I am Brad. I’m a real human who sends out an email called The Enthusiast.

I encourage children and adults through joyful, creative storytelling that celebrates the intrinsic value of every person.

I’m married to the incredible Kristi. We have two kids (ages 11 and 9). We live and work in Tennessee.

Last week, Jon Acuff shared this:

I’d forgotten I said that. Did I say that? I hope I said that! It’s not bad.

I needed the little reminder. It’s at the heart of why I write these emails. This is a weekly exercise in trying to operate from a place of love.

It was just over a year ago when I sent out the first edition of The Enthusiast. The format has taken some different shapes throughout as I played around and experimented. I’m grateful so many of you have embraced the variety. Some weeks I’m better at it than others, but I do hope the spirit of what I’m trying to do can always shine through.

Being an enthusiast is a way of life.

“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it, and above all become passionate about it.” - Roald Dahl

Kids are natural enthusiasts. They are masters at this ‘going-at-it-full-speed-ahead’ thing. I guess that’s partly what I mean when I say we need to become more childlike (and not childish).

I try to approach everything with a childlikeness. This is not to eliminate complexity, ignore nuance, or idolize infantilization in any way. No. This is about authenticity - audacious authenticity. It can be uncomfortable to lean into sometimes, but the inner child has wisdom to share if you’re brave enough to listen. Sometimes the grownup me is too loud.

It invites you to ask better questions.

What do I want to go at full speed? What do I want to embrace with both arms? To hug? To love?

I want a world where compassion and creativity reign. I’m an enthusiast of that. You’ve helped me discover I’m not alone in this wish. There are many of you living this out, seeking this out, and even building this out. May there be more. You are bringers of joy.

I’ve been learning just how important sharing joy can be.

Joy is serious.

For some, joy is a matter of health. Research increasingly points towards what joy can mean for our quality of life and also longevity. That’s great news. For some, joy is a matter of productivity. Corporate cultures are recognizing the need for play and human connection in the workplace. That’s encouraging.

Joy, though, is more than any of this. Joy is sacred. Stephen Colbert apparently has this quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin attached with tape to his desk:

"Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God."

Sacred, yet silly. Joy is rebellious that way.

I’ve written before about how joy is generative. I’ve written about being a joy rebel and a hopepunk. I’ve written about joy before and I will write about joy again.

In the past, I’ve felt self-conscious about my enthusiasms. Less embarrassed now. Mary Oliver’s encouraging words have helped me:

“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.”

I love how she concludes her thoughts:

“Joy is not made to be a crumb.”

I’m so glad you’re here. Truly. I’m thrilled to continue these adventures with each of you. We need more enthusiasts. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Thank you for seeing, sharing, and spreading it.

This is no crumb.

Three requests:

1. Please introduce yourself. What are you an enthusiast of? Add your comment to this post or hit reply to the email.

2. Spread the joy by sharing this newsletter with anyone who would also cherish being part of our compassionate and creative community. Let’s grow our circle.

3. If this work resonates with you you can support by becoming a paid subscriber, purchasing from the online store, hiring me to speak, or sharing one of my books.