I couldn’t think of a better way to launch AWAKE into the world than to gather with my people — both dear longtime friends and wonderful new friends — to celebrate. I hosted a little brunch in Nashville (where else?!) and it was just so special. With plenty of shenanigans, too.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Susan Yeagley handed me a gift the minute they walked in — and, of course, THIS is what it was. You will see me in this Shania Twain 90s T-shirt glory, well, I guess a million times from now on.
It was a country music love fest, too, when Martina McBride showed up. The way I love Martina.
One of my favorite things is that we had everyone answer the question, “What Is Awakening I Me…” From Courage, Joy, and Rest to Belonging, Freedom, and more — this was such a special moment.
We also had everyone draw questions from our AWAKE Moment Bowl. Maybe some of these might even resonate with you.
- AWAKE is all about reclaiming what we’ve lost. What part of yourself are you reclaiming right now?
- I write in AWAKE about trusting my own voice. What do you want now that you didn’t let yourself want before?
- AWAKE reminds us it’s never too late to begin again. If you could choose again in one area of your life, what would you choose?
- We don’t awaken alone. Who has walked with you in your most awake moments?
- AWAKE reframes midlife as a comeback, not a crisis. What helps you feel most alive in this season?
- AWAKE is about naming hope for the second half. What’s one hope you carry into yours?
Who Was There
I was just so honored to have so many friends in Nashville and beyond come out for brunch. Every one of them has her own story of resilience, creativity, or awakening:
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Martina McBride: Yes, THE Martina. Country music icon and one of the kindest humans alive. She embodies how women can thrive in multiple seasons of life.
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Kimberly Williams-Paisley: Actress, author, and activist, she brought warmth and wisdom (and paired beautifully with…
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Susan Yeagley, fellow actress and all-around delight, who showed up in a Shania Twain tee that gave us life. (If you know, you know.)
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Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: Comedian, actress, truth-teller. She brought the laughs and the heart.
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Jessica N. Turner: Writer and speaker who champions women living with intention and creativity.
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Amanda Fredrickson: Cookbook author and chef, reminding us that food is love and community.
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Jamie Golden: Podcaster and pop-culture queen, who makes every room brighter.
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Becca Stevens: Founder of Thistle Farms, living proof of what happens when compassion meets action.
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Mary Laura Philpott: Writer of wit and insight, whose words always feel like a knowing nod.
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Allie Trowbridge: Social impact entrepreneur who knows how to turn vision into community.
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Farrell Mason: Spiritual teacher and storyteller who brings depth to every conversation.
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Heather Land: Comedian and author, always the perfect mix of humor and heart.
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Christi Beth Adams: Nashville entrepreneur (hello, Fleet Feet!) and champion of women’s wellness.
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Cassidy Bentley: Writer and advocate, helping women find freedom and faith in midlife.
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Melissa Greene: Singer and leader, a longtime voice of encouragement and justice.
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Anna Mae Groves: Beauty and lifestyle influencer who radiates kindness and authenticity.
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SC Perot, Erin Moon, Tiffany Long, Mary Collins, Micayla Aponte, Heather Monroe, Ann Williams, Lauren Spahn — women who are creators, leaders, makers, storytellers. Each one brought her own spark to the table.
- And, of course, my love Tyler Merritt
COFFEE + CHAMPS, Of COURSE.
Of course, we had some of my favorites in the house, too. Talitha Coffee created a special Texas pecan AWAKE blend that is absolutely dreamy — you can get it yourself here. I love this company because, with every coffee sold, they are helping create new beginnings for survivors of sex trafficking.
Also, One Hope Wine was in the house — another incredible company that helps fund organizations providing clean water, hunger relief, health, and education. Fun fact — you can order customized One Hope Wine sparkling bottles. Check them out here — and their whole collection of wines.
WHAT A GIFT.
We mixed, we mingled, we laughed, we cried, we hugged, I signed a few books, read a few pages from AWAKE… what a gift.
To look around that room was to see the truth of AWAKE: we can’t do this alone. And I’m so grateful for my community — and every single one of you. This brunch wasn’t just a kickoff for a book — it was a reminder that midlife is a beginning. And that together, we’re writing new stories worth celebrating.
AWAKE is my memoir about losing everything I thought defined me, and then finding a whole new beginning in the middle of life. It’s about heartbreak and healing, reinvention and recovery, and discovering that midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s a comeback.
If you’re ready to wake up to your own second half of life — with courage, joy, and hope — AWAKE is for you. You can grab your copy here.
