To begin, begin.

While I’ve been writing on Substack for a while, mostly as just me, Chelsie, this space is something new. It’s where I’ll share reflections on the unfolding journey of The Selah Collective, not just as a support space, but as a future community-based practice rooted in care, connection, and healing for those who serve and care for others.

That might sound a little bold, maybe even political. And to be honest, it is. Because the wellbeing of caregivers is not just a personal issue; it’s a systemic one.

There are many days I doubt whether this is possible. Days I question if I can show up consistently enough to bring this vision to life. And days I try to do too much, only to end up realizing I was on a hamster wheel the whole time. Multitasking has never been a great friend of mine.

But what I’m learning is this: the path is the practice. The vision isn’t some far-off goal, it’s already happening now, in small moments of presence, in texts that say “I’m not doing well,” in choosing to rest for 20 minutes instead of powering through. In allowing tears to move through me, not as pity, but as release.

Right now, my life is full. I’m in my final year of grad school, interning as a therapist, co-parenting my children, and working as an educational leader, all while navigating what it means to be human in this current moment. So I come back to the core of what The Selah Collective is all about, not something to strive for, but something to return to:

Embodied & Humble Presence: We honor the deep wisdom of our bodies, showing up with compassion, curiosity, and care.

Restorative Grounding: We extend our timeline and make space for what’s tender: grief, joy, rest, and the sacred pause.

Culturally Rooted Wisdom: We root everything in the stories and brilliance of our lived experience and those we serve, practicing cultural humility every step of the way.

Healing in Relationship: We heal in connection, not isolation.

This is just the beginning. My plan is to post here quarterly, sharing reflections on my journey through the lens of these stances. Each post will be shaped by questions adapted from a professor's teaching, ones I find I am returning to.

What wakes me up in the morning? What keeps me up at night?

Thank you for being here.

Chelsie