Women In The Thick Of It: Stephanie Cooley
Unpacking the human experience during mid-life...
If I was asked to describe Stephanie Cooley’s Substack in just three words, I would say unscripted, bullshit-free and fabulous. And while there’s no question that her work feels incredibly raw and authentic—what I particularly love about her newsletter is that she doesn’t hold herself to just write about the same things over and over. From motherhood to creativity, her chronic illness and mental health, each article she shares feels like a truth bomb from deep within her soul.
While I can’t even remember how I first connected with Stephanie’s work (I think she maybe responded to one of my invitations to collaborate for this interview series) I’m nonetheless so grateful that we managed to connect because I truly look forward to seeing her name pop up in my Substack feed each week.
This one’s short and sweet but hopefully it provides a springboard for you to check out some of Stephanie’s work…
Was there a moment or perhaps a transition in your life that made you feel as though you were truly in the thick of life?
In 2020 my nephew moved in with us. His parents grapple with substance abuse and we offered him our place to live. It was a big leap for a 15-year-old. We live two hours away from everyone he knew and he had to make the tough decision to leave his half sister behind. I was in the thick of it at the time, running my own tech PR consultancy and raising two small children during COVID. We knew we jumped into something we didn’t know how to do but made the leap because we knew him living with us was the best shot he had at finally getting to live in a stable home.
Raising my nephew for those three years was so fulfilling but indescribably hard. For anyone who has raised teenagers reading this, you know! It doesn’t matter who your teen is, they are a difficult species because they are special, they are rapidly growing—and they are figuring out who they are in a very confusing fast-paced world. We just tried to foster a home with stability, reasonable boundaries, and guidance. Some of the hardest moments raising him was consciously watching him go through the hard things and trusting he will learn from his experiences and mistakes.
As someone who resonates as a creative, how has your creative practice changed over the years? What life transitions or transformations have made an impact?
I have noticed a shift in me over the last year since quitting my corporate tech world job and I’m open to the possibilities of what I will receive and can offer the world through my creativity, art and storytelling.
I publish a newsletter weekly on my Substack: Unpacking, which explores our human experience, especially for folks in midlife and mothers. Another Substack writer,
wrote this about my newsletter and these are my goals when I write!“I love Stephanie’s refreshing, honest, funny and uplifting approach to wellbeing, motherhood, mid-life and mindful living […] reading Stephanie take a more light-hearted and realistic look at how we can all take care of ourselves better not only makes me feel seen and less alone, but also moves me to take real action!”
I also co-host a podcast on motherhood, called Real Mother Fuckers. It’s another medium to share stories of real moms and their real experiences, no matter how funny or hard or serious. Writing and podcasting have been two ways to share stories and I have an urge to create and share more. How the heck do I find the time though?!
In January, I start a yoga teacher training and I am curious about creativity with movement and spirituality. In my journal, I’ve been playing around drawing. What feelings and stories can I evoke through visual forms? I’m curious about it all.
My final question is more of an opportunity to say thank you, as I’m so grateful to be able to share these conversations with my community. I’m so passionate about helping other women feel more seen, inspired and nourished during this particular season of life—so I’d love to know, are there any women in your own community (or even your virtual community) who you are grateful for or would like to shout out?
I want to do a shoutout to a few writers here on Substack. I follow and subscribe to so many moms so this list can be incredibly long but I put together a mix of moms who cover all sorts of topics that I think many of us can relate to. Enjoy and please subscribe and comment on their work!
Jenna Park writes Everything is Liminal and she inspires me to continue to write, to document our lives, to let go of things that no longer serve you (like a career).
Elin Petronella writes Follow your gut and she has written something any mom can relate to, like the BS of needing to bounce back after baby and letting go of control (and how it relates to writing).
Allison Deraney writes Dare to be Dry and she wrote an incredibly relatable piece (to me and likely for many others) recently about her experience as a drinker. For anyone who is sober curious, or wants to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol, this is a great piece of work to read.
Shelly Mazzanoble writes Middle-Aged Lady Mom and she’s hilarious, just super funny, and a delight to read.
To find out more about Stephanie and subscribe to her Substack, click here.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your Substack, Ashley!!!