Flow & Voice: a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey.
Welcome back to Let the Verse Flow and the start of Season 4. For the next 10 episodes, I’ll be sharing some sage advice from my sweet mom. Since her passing last year, I’ve done a lot of thinking about the way she impacted the world, and I’ve decided to share some of her wisdom with all of you through a 10-part series that I’m calling “What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage.”
Over the next 10 episodes, I’ll discuss one piece of wisdom she taught me, weaving together personal stories, reflections on grief, caregiving, creativity, and compassion, and thoughts on how these lessons can help us live more meaningful, connected lives.
Today’s episode explores the practice of saying “I love you”—a simple act that can feel complicated, especially in the context of loss, caregiving, and end-of-life transitions. I hope it offers comfort to listeners navigating grief, caregiving for aging parents, mother–daughter relationships, or the emotional complexity of loving deeply.
As I reflect on my mother’s passing after years of caring for her through Alzheimer’s, I share how expressing love openly became a source of comfort, healing, and open-heartedness—for both of us.
Check out episode #64, and let people know you love them. Season 4 begins today on Let the Verse Flow!
Episode 64: Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1)
🎙️Behind the Mic
Things are about to get real on the audiobook narration front. In the coming months, you'll see me launch a new voiceover website, make changes to my social media branding and content, and hear more about my first foray into some exciting audiobook projects.
I'm working fast and furiously behind the scenes, and I can't wait to unveil some new resources and content about the incredible books I'm reading, lessons from my audiobook coaching (with the phenomenal Sean Pratt), and insights, fears, and reflections as I embark on a new career. I hope you'll cheer me along the way and enjoy the new content.
📖 Worth Exploring (Hand-Picked Resources)
#1 Caregiving as Prayer
NPR asked writer Jason Reynolds the following question: Is there anything in your life that feels like praying? In answering that question, he talked about his role as a caregiver for his 79-year-old mom. He talks about how, in the midst of handling the burdens of caregiving, he also felt like he was praying to the only creator he has physically known. He says more, beautifully (and it brought tears to my eyes). Check it out:
#2 52 Ways to Tell Someone You Love Them
As I discuss in this week's podcast, there are different ways to express your love for someone, whether in person or by writing notes or letters. Here's a list of some expressions that capture your loving feelings when "I love you" isn't quite right, but you want to express a similar sentiment.
Sue Ellson
Enjoy this newsletter? Forward it to a friend or hit reply to share your ideas and thoughts.
Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe today for free.
Let the Verse Flow (and its companion newsletter Flow & Voice) is a creative project created with love by writer, podcast host, and narrator Jill Hodge. If you subscribe today, you'll have full access to the website and newsletter, including articles, podcast episodes, and the Flow & Voice monthly note. Members are vital to building a rich community of diverse voices. Join us by subscribing today; consider a paid subscription to support Jill's work. Thank you!
