Nothing Is Ordinary
… is a thoughtful newsletter that delves into the sacredness of everyday life, with a focus on personal development. It explores themes such as nature as a healer, mindfulness, presence, and practical spirituality.
Here, you’ll find a unique perspective on life through the lens of awe and wonder. I share short and long essays and poetry to deepen your connection with the world, embrace simplicity, and inspire a sense of magic in everyday moments.
Through these reflections, I aim to support you in leading an authentic, intentional life filled with spiritual depth, creative expression, and a profound appreciation for the small wonders of daily existence.
Why Now?
If you’re like me, you’re done with social media's anonymity and the loneliness it generates as “likes” and emojis increase.
There is a lack of genuine connection and committed community that feels empty when what is truly needed is honest conversation and companionship.
Consider this space a touchpoint in your day when you’re overwhelmed, doubt yourself, or feel lost or alone. Think of this space as a pause followed by a few deep breaths.
For Free Subscribers, you’ll receive:
Weekly posts (Saturday) - Stories that shift how you feel or navigate your world, stories that make you laugh, slow living practices to keep you centered even if your life is busy, literary essays that evoke memories and feelings, and poetry that speaks to awe and wonder in life.
The ability to comment to create authentic connection and life-supporting companionship from me and others in the community.
Bonus: I’ll also wow you with photos of the beautiful Algarve!
I want you to come away from your first year experiencing less loneliness, more companionship, greater presence, and ways to be present no matter how busy you are—a kind of slow living in the fast lane.
Patrons (Paid) receive all of the above and:
Pre-publication previews of books, essays, and poetry. (I am considering publishing audio versions of my books here soon).
This is a more intimate insider’s look into a writer’s life* (at least this writer’s life) that I don’t care to share more publicly. As a paid subscriber, I trust that you genuinely value my work and care about me as a writer and person, and because of this, I’m willing to share more openly.
I’m not offering bells and whistles for your paid subscription. I hope my writing is enough to help you create a better life for yourself, slowing the pace and finding more joy and less stress.
Occasional posts for creatives include mindfulness practices, ways of moving beyond writer’s block, exercises to prompt your muse, and writing exercises that have worked for me and others.
You’ll receive my twice-a-month (two-minute) Podcast to spark a new perspective, shift your mindset, and amplify your positive attitude.
You’ll also be able to chat with each other and me by downloading the Substack app.
If you decide to become an AWEsome fan:
You receive all of the above and discounts on my retreats in Portugal.
Here’s how I hope your life will shift after a year in the Nothing Is Ordinary community. You will:
Have more compassion for yourself (and, therefore, others)
Learn to attune to your energy, honor your needs, and value rest and reflection
Be more present to and in your life
Understand that you are not alone, having found a collective of like-minded companions
Connect to your spiritual life through nature and movement
Embrace all emotions without judgment
Know how to harmonize the elements that make up your life with ease and grace
Adopt mindfulness practices that support your health and wellbeing
Realize that you are enough and have always been enough
Stop apologizing for shining as bright as possible.
Regardless of how we connect, I am grateful for your support and belief in my work.
A Little Bit About Me
I live a relatively quiet but full life in a small fishing village in the Algarve of Portugal. Years ago, when I ran in my heels with a phone attached to my ear, that would’ve sounded boring, but now I relish my quiet walks with Sophie, my dog, on the towering cliffs over the ocean. I can breathe here. Mister Kludde, the cat that adopted us, stays closer to home.
I’ve been writing since I was ten. It’s always been my contemplative practice. After years of business writing, I return to my heart-centered writing. I hope to publish more essays and poetry.
I have two published books: Everyday Epiphanies and Manage Your Life Before Life Manages You. On September 10, 2024, I published my memoir, The Shaman's Wife: A Mystical Journey of Surrender and Self-Discovery. The memoir recounts my transformative eight-year journey with an Ecuadorian shaman.
Interested in ordering The Shaman’s Wife? Here are the links where you can order the book!
Here is the link to USA Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Jj36ew
Here is the link to Amazon Spain: https://amzn.to/3vP4fYn
Here is the link to Amazon Germany: https://amzn.to/3W4jA1S
Here is the link to Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2mmDg7a
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shamans-wife-alicia-m-rodriguez/1145414482
If you like having my words nudge your imagination and witness your heart-centered life in the quiet spaces of the internet, I hope you’ll subscribe and support a fellow creative explorer.
Please let me know if there is anything you’d like me to write about!
I’m forever grateful for your support!
Big love…💖
