I've followed you for a long time Peta, and each and every time your depth in what you share always lands something for me in a positive way. Thank you for this post x
I got halfway through reading this before I hit the sack last night, and felt so connected to your genuine sharing. Felt like I'd just sat down and had a really freaking great heart to heart with an old friend. So then I dreamt that we were big mates and hanging out. LOL.
Check you in heaven one day. 😂
Sending lots of appreciation from this internet stranger.
Happiest birthday! I love this look for you. It’s been so interesting for me, as a writer, to listen to the truth that it’s not my time to be online. I published a book, I was growing a following etc, and then I became a mom. There are other things for me to do, at home and in our community that I (thank the Lord) do not need to be online to be good at. I think one day, but not now. And I am still so happy to be able to read others like you who know what’s true for you. Until I was sure, it made me jealous - like why can “she” (pick one) have such a strong message and following and not me? I’m 37 this year too. Maybe that helps 😅❤️
I hear you Rachel!! I have had seasons in motherhood where I've not been online at all, 3 months, 9 months-- varied periods of time. I find so much joy in expression, but also love that there are seasons to be online, and seasons for quiet, for listening.
When I saw your shopping video I thought "Good on her for letting herself be lighthearted" And then I smiled because my mind was filled with memories of shopping dates with my late husband. I took him shopping for his wedding suit. He took me shopping for pretty dresses. Sometimes bargain hunting sometimes fancy didn't matter. He supported and cheered on my beauty. And I felt such joy finding clothes that made me feel my sparkle and then beaming that fun flirty energy toward him. He loved it. I loved it. That is what I saw you and your husband doing. A beautiful experience the two of you shared. CARRY ON DARLINGS!!! Life is short.
Hey Peta, I enjoyed reading your words. I can relate so well to all of it. Cheers to creative freedom! Your words are encouragement for me.
PS-We've actually met before! In Italy. At the pizza chef's house in the middle of the forest. Do you remember the $10 pizzas and wine a few years ago? We were at Summer camp in VFS.
Hi Lauren!! Thank you! And yes! I do !! I remember that night-- I also rememberI was a little preoccupied ensuring my kids and i werent getting 5843954 mozzie bites . Hope you're so well!
I am a bit stuck on you losing 3000 followers over your bday shopping reel. How could that turn anyone off you, when you share so much of who you are. You seem very authentic to me, and very down to earth.
I have seen a couple of Christian women post similarly about cattiness this last week…I haven’t seen it…but it’s really disappointing.
I think social media has become SUCH an echo chamber…I am really struggling with it lately. Finding the real authentic voices, is going to get even harder with the introduction of AI. I am really not sure if I want to be here either.
The sad thing is, it feels like some of the really valuable voices, are the ones who will leave. Maybe I just need to seek more of these people out in real life. Feeling very restless with it all.
In any case….i love reading your work, and i appreciate that you always leave me pondering after I have finished reading. Thanks for always keeping it real.
Oh I don't know! I think people just expect a certain version and I also think some unfollow for more innocent reasons. It's not always a super triggered thing. Substack is much better for the real and deep stuff for sure, I agree with you. It's affecting how people think, not just behave online. XX
I loved discovering you here in Substack land. I knew who you were from another time & what joy to read of your faith journey & passion to live authentically (as always) & speak boldly EVEN when it doesn’t suit the leftist agenda that is so rife today.
Keep writing, keep educating & well yes maybe keep talking too - podcast talking that is!!😉
I think you’re lovely. I started reading you because of your posts about your faith.
I don’t have a social media presence, but all the hate and division was getting to me so much it frightened me. I finally found the help I needed through prayer.
I realized that the only way to peace is through Christ.
God tells us that we must have faith in him and love him wholly and fully…..but we must love others as he loves us. This is so hard when people are cruel, but it’s the only answer. When I’m able to do this fully, with no doubts, I can be at peace.
Thank you! I'm not going through much really other than a nice refinement. maybe my passion suggests otherwise :) But i appreciate the comment and you're so right about Christ's peace! XX
I recently found you over on IG in the midst of reviving my own creative endeavours after baby #2. I truly believe there was a God-woven thread that lead me discovering you and your writing. It has been a balm to my soul and a scalpel at times.
This post in particular rang true for me in so many ways. I am one of those people who have yo-yo’ed on the internet feeling a burden to share my creative gifts and the lens in which I view the world—and I was doing a lot of that in my 20s.
Now that I’m 33, I’ve been asking myself if it’s wisdom or timidity that has caused me to shrink back. Obviously seasons of pregnancy and postpartum aside—you can feel it in your gut when you know your compass is off.
And you know what? It is ALWAYS that one person who knows you that niggles in the back of your mind. The person or voice or past experience dictating how you show up and serve the people. What you should or shouldn’t say. Is that too much?
Your post was liberating to say the least. I feel the Spirit nudging me strongly through it.
Can I just say how wonderful your audience is here PK. Sometimes I come to the comments section of writers I love, simply to read what everyone says. Sure some won't agree, either way there's just something about the wholeheartedness of people on here. As Jamie and Donna Winship would say (can thoroughly recommend his book Living Fearless by the way), we're either living through a 'separate' or a 'connected' worldview, and for the most part it feels like humans really want to feel more connected, yet a lot of social media perpetrates separateness. Or maybe it's designed that way.
PK, from one woman to another, I can’t express how powerful your journey has been for me. I first encountered you in Hawaii 14 years ago—a young, divine, and unapologetically intelligent woman , then inspiring thousands from the stage. I’ll never forget you standing barefoot, speaking with such rawness and passion, leading from a deep, soulful place. Even then, I felt a connection, though I didn’t fully understand it—there was a divine power in your presence, and that energy stuck with me.
Fast forward to a few years ago, I stumbled across one of your posts during a period of deep soul searching. I wasn’t seeking it, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment. You spoke directly to my soul—the simplicity in your words cut through the clutter, the overwhelm, and the confusion I had been carrying for so long. Each message from you has helped me with God in a deeper way, not just spiritually but God and for that, I am truly grateful.
Your words have done more than just inspire—they’ve helped me to simplify my own journey with faith and purpose.
You've taught me the importance of trusting the process, letting go of judgment, and embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of life.
You are a living testament to what it means to live in purpose, not because of external success, but because of the continual work, faith, and growth within.
It’s not about what you have it’s about who you are, and what you give from that place.
I loved your post —“there will always be another thing, but purpose is LIFE.” That hit so deep. It’s such a powerful reminder that we’re not meant to get lost in the responsibilities and endless to-dos. I have a tendency to forget to find my fun with all the parenting, researching, and juggling life. But I’ve realized that purpose isn’t just about getting through the grind. It’s about living. Finding joy in the small moments, like dancing in the backyard with my husband and my 10-year-old son. That’s fun, but more importantly, it’s remembering the simplicity of life and God’s purpose in all of it.
Thank you for helping me rediscover that balance, for showing us how to live purposefully without getting bogged down by everything else. You’ve reminded me of the importance of finding joy in the now, in the little things, and in trusting that there’s wisdom in the simplicity.
Happy Birthday, PK! 🎉if you can’t have some fun on your birthday when can you . Enjoy those gorgeous Zimmerman outfits—you deserve all the beauty and joy life has to offer. Keep being you, and thank you for everything. 💕"
Peta Kelly, you are a beautiful breath of fresh air (both here and on the gram), and i always love hearing from you - be it a thought provoking post or heartfelt share or some lightness and fun - it always leaves me feeling more enriched. And that in itself is a beautiful gift. So thank you, for not performing, and instead, simply being you. x
Thank you for this. So much worth long discussions. I appreciate your courage to be more and more honest, and seeing that some will leave is also acceptable cost for that honesty. I want to believe this since i've lacked the courage of putting my voice out there as you have for many years. Joining Substack in recent weeks is my effort to find courage to say what I've long needed to but only ever block myself from doing it. Too many hardrives and notebooks long buried for fear of righteous critics and mobs. Matt 25 always stings right about there. I've been in recovery for a bit, and often reminded honesty and its sibling humility are not optional, nor is the trust needed to start and keep doing what im supposed to doing whatever it's impact. Thanks!
Hey Rik! I agree. Sometimes we need to shift our audience and remember that it's for God above all, and he will direct it to his people. Easier said than done though in our tender humannaness! Expression is an important part of vitality though I believe-- we don't need to share everything but some things, we simply must. XX
I've followed you for a long time Peta, and each and every time your depth in what you share always lands something for me in a positive way. Thank you for this post x
I got halfway through reading this before I hit the sack last night, and felt so connected to your genuine sharing. Felt like I'd just sat down and had a really freaking great heart to heart with an old friend. So then I dreamt that we were big mates and hanging out. LOL.
Check you in heaven one day. 😂
Sending lots of appreciation from this internet stranger.
hehe love visiting people in their dreams!!
Fuck yeahhhhh girl 🫶🏻
love you xx
Happiest birthday! I love this look for you. It’s been so interesting for me, as a writer, to listen to the truth that it’s not my time to be online. I published a book, I was growing a following etc, and then I became a mom. There are other things for me to do, at home and in our community that I (thank the Lord) do not need to be online to be good at. I think one day, but not now. And I am still so happy to be able to read others like you who know what’s true for you. Until I was sure, it made me jealous - like why can “she” (pick one) have such a strong message and following and not me? I’m 37 this year too. Maybe that helps 😅❤️
I hear you Rachel!! I have had seasons in motherhood where I've not been online at all, 3 months, 9 months-- varied periods of time. I find so much joy in expression, but also love that there are seasons to be online, and seasons for quiet, for listening.
Thank you Peta, absolutely beautiful words from the heart.
When I saw your shopping video I thought "Good on her for letting herself be lighthearted" And then I smiled because my mind was filled with memories of shopping dates with my late husband. I took him shopping for his wedding suit. He took me shopping for pretty dresses. Sometimes bargain hunting sometimes fancy didn't matter. He supported and cheered on my beauty. And I felt such joy finding clothes that made me feel my sparkle and then beaming that fun flirty energy toward him. He loved it. I loved it. That is what I saw you and your husband doing. A beautiful experience the two of you shared. CARRY ON DARLINGS!!! Life is short.
Thank you Robin!!
Hey Peta, I enjoyed reading your words. I can relate so well to all of it. Cheers to creative freedom! Your words are encouragement for me.
PS-We've actually met before! In Italy. At the pizza chef's house in the middle of the forest. Do you remember the $10 pizzas and wine a few years ago? We were at Summer camp in VFS.
Hi Lauren!! Thank you! And yes! I do !! I remember that night-- I also rememberI was a little preoccupied ensuring my kids and i werent getting 5843954 mozzie bites . Hope you're so well!
I am a bit stuck on you losing 3000 followers over your bday shopping reel. How could that turn anyone off you, when you share so much of who you are. You seem very authentic to me, and very down to earth.
I have seen a couple of Christian women post similarly about cattiness this last week…I haven’t seen it…but it’s really disappointing.
I think social media has become SUCH an echo chamber…I am really struggling with it lately. Finding the real authentic voices, is going to get even harder with the introduction of AI. I am really not sure if I want to be here either.
The sad thing is, it feels like some of the really valuable voices, are the ones who will leave. Maybe I just need to seek more of these people out in real life. Feeling very restless with it all.
In any case….i love reading your work, and i appreciate that you always leave me pondering after I have finished reading. Thanks for always keeping it real.
Oh I don't know! I think people just expect a certain version and I also think some unfollow for more innocent reasons. It's not always a super triggered thing. Substack is much better for the real and deep stuff for sure, I agree with you. It's affecting how people think, not just behave online. XX
I loved discovering you here in Substack land. I knew who you were from another time & what joy to read of your faith journey & passion to live authentically (as always) & speak boldly EVEN when it doesn’t suit the leftist agenda that is so rife today.
Keep writing, keep educating & well yes maybe keep talking too - podcast talking that is!!😉
Wow. I’m so sorry for what you are going through.
I think you’re lovely. I started reading you because of your posts about your faith.
I don’t have a social media presence, but all the hate and division was getting to me so much it frightened me. I finally found the help I needed through prayer.
I realized that the only way to peace is through Christ.
God tells us that we must have faith in him and love him wholly and fully…..but we must love others as he loves us. This is so hard when people are cruel, but it’s the only answer. When I’m able to do this fully, with no doubts, I can be at peace.
Peace be with you and your family.
Thank you! I'm not going through much really other than a nice refinement. maybe my passion suggests otherwise :) But i appreciate the comment and you're so right about Christ's peace! XX
I so agree!
I recently found you over on IG in the midst of reviving my own creative endeavours after baby #2. I truly believe there was a God-woven thread that lead me discovering you and your writing. It has been a balm to my soul and a scalpel at times.
This post in particular rang true for me in so many ways. I am one of those people who have yo-yo’ed on the internet feeling a burden to share my creative gifts and the lens in which I view the world—and I was doing a lot of that in my 20s.
Now that I’m 33, I’ve been asking myself if it’s wisdom or timidity that has caused me to shrink back. Obviously seasons of pregnancy and postpartum aside—you can feel it in your gut when you know your compass is off.
And you know what? It is ALWAYS that one person who knows you that niggles in the back of your mind. The person or voice or past experience dictating how you show up and serve the people. What you should or shouldn’t say. Is that too much?
Your post was liberating to say the least. I feel the Spirit nudging me strongly through it.
And I loved the Zimmermann content. 😉
Thank you Chloe and i'm so glad you're here-- I also love finding those voices online that pierce and put all into perspective. XX
Can I just say how wonderful your audience is here PK. Sometimes I come to the comments section of writers I love, simply to read what everyone says. Sure some won't agree, either way there's just something about the wholeheartedness of people on here. As Jamie and Donna Winship would say (can thoroughly recommend his book Living Fearless by the way), we're either living through a 'separate' or a 'connected' worldview, and for the most part it feels like humans really want to feel more connected, yet a lot of social media perpetrates separateness. Or maybe it's designed that way.
I have that book! About half way through, cos I bounce between books way too much, ha! XXX
PK, from one woman to another, I can’t express how powerful your journey has been for me. I first encountered you in Hawaii 14 years ago—a young, divine, and unapologetically intelligent woman , then inspiring thousands from the stage. I’ll never forget you standing barefoot, speaking with such rawness and passion, leading from a deep, soulful place. Even then, I felt a connection, though I didn’t fully understand it—there was a divine power in your presence, and that energy stuck with me.
Fast forward to a few years ago, I stumbled across one of your posts during a period of deep soul searching. I wasn’t seeking it, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment. You spoke directly to my soul—the simplicity in your words cut through the clutter, the overwhelm, and the confusion I had been carrying for so long. Each message from you has helped me with God in a deeper way, not just spiritually but God and for that, I am truly grateful.
Your words have done more than just inspire—they’ve helped me to simplify my own journey with faith and purpose.
You've taught me the importance of trusting the process, letting go of judgment, and embracing the messy, imperfect beauty of life.
You are a living testament to what it means to live in purpose, not because of external success, but because of the continual work, faith, and growth within.
It’s not about what you have it’s about who you are, and what you give from that place.
I loved your post —“there will always be another thing, but purpose is LIFE.” That hit so deep. It’s such a powerful reminder that we’re not meant to get lost in the responsibilities and endless to-dos. I have a tendency to forget to find my fun with all the parenting, researching, and juggling life. But I’ve realized that purpose isn’t just about getting through the grind. It’s about living. Finding joy in the small moments, like dancing in the backyard with my husband and my 10-year-old son. That’s fun, but more importantly, it’s remembering the simplicity of life and God’s purpose in all of it.
Thank you for helping me rediscover that balance, for showing us how to live purposefully without getting bogged down by everything else. You’ve reminded me of the importance of finding joy in the now, in the little things, and in trusting that there’s wisdom in the simplicity.
Happy Birthday, PK! 🎉if you can’t have some fun on your birthday when can you . Enjoy those gorgeous Zimmerman outfits—you deserve all the beauty and joy life has to offer. Keep being you, and thank you for everything. 💕"
Jen this was such a beautiful and generous birthday message-- thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to write it. I am so touched XX
Peta Kelly, you are a beautiful breath of fresh air (both here and on the gram), and i always love hearing from you - be it a thought provoking post or heartfelt share or some lightness and fun - it always leaves me feeling more enriched. And that in itself is a beautiful gift. So thank you, for not performing, and instead, simply being you. x
Aw thank you Georgia!! Thanks for being here, and there! XX
Hi Peta
Thank you for this. So much worth long discussions. I appreciate your courage to be more and more honest, and seeing that some will leave is also acceptable cost for that honesty. I want to believe this since i've lacked the courage of putting my voice out there as you have for many years. Joining Substack in recent weeks is my effort to find courage to say what I've long needed to but only ever block myself from doing it. Too many hardrives and notebooks long buried for fear of righteous critics and mobs. Matt 25 always stings right about there. I've been in recovery for a bit, and often reminded honesty and its sibling humility are not optional, nor is the trust needed to start and keep doing what im supposed to doing whatever it's impact. Thanks!
Hey Rik! I agree. Sometimes we need to shift our audience and remember that it's for God above all, and he will direct it to his people. Easier said than done though in our tender humannaness! Expression is an important part of vitality though I believe-- we don't need to share everything but some things, we simply must. XX