A New Name- In the Margins by Randi Zinn

It’s where out-of-the-ordinary things happen.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

I started this Substack knowing it was time to write again. My creativity was asking for a place to land—to collect itself in one safe space, and most importantly, to ensure that ideas wouldn’t get lost. I also wanted to build a community, as I’ve always done, where my own changes, curiosities, and growth could be witnessed by others—perhaps even impacting someone on a similar path.

The deeper truth—the long-standing one—is that it’s always been my mission to learn and grow from every single experience, especially the hard ones. And this year has been a hard one—therefore, ripe for learning, reinvention, fresh choices, and deep, deep awareness. If we have the courage—and the platform—to share that transformation with others, I believe we can create a ripple effect of positive impact, one reader at a time.

So, that’s why I’m here.

I didn’t have a name for this space when I started, but I didn’t let that stop me. A few months ago, I began writing weekly—initially vague about what was going on in my life. Over time, I started to open up. Each message I received, every bit of support, helped validate that honesty. Thank you for becoming a safe space where I could do that.

And recently, I realized that “Randi Zinn by Randi Zinn” wasn’t quite it. Lol. Time to give this new baby of mine a proper name! So today, I’m here to share the name—and a bit about its meaning.

Someone I deeply respect, a fellow writer and founding member of this Substack, has been cheering me on from the beginning. I asked for his thoughts on a few titles I had in mind—and welcomed any ideas he might offer. He quickly suggested “In the Margins” and shared the following:

“Why do writers write in the margins? Marginal notes may include key words and phrases, summaries of important points, questions and judgments. Readers who become seriously involved in what they are reading may engage in a kind of conversation with the author—a conversation that may lead to the discovery of their own attitudes and beliefs.”

That insight stayed with me. I dug a little deeper into the idea of “the margins” as a space for reflection and found this quote as well:

“All the best writers exist in the margins. It’s where out-of-the-ordinary things happen. Our job is to use them as springboards.”

These two thoughts beautifully express my vision for this writing space—a springboard for my own visions, ideas, and becoming in this new phase of life. But also, a space for you—to reflect on your own changes, questions, and discoveries as I share mine.

In the Margins began to settle into my spirit. It felt right.

So here I am, welcoming you to this next page turn—where this Substack now officially carries a name that feels authentic to what it’s becoming. Welcome back if you’ve been here a while, and welcome if you’re new.

I’m hoping to open more conversations around each piece I share. There’s so much to explore, and I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to DM me directly if something resonates. You’re always welcome to be your most real and raw self—just as I’m learning to be, too.

Here’s to working in the margins of our own life’s pages.
Here’s to choosing growth, always.