Escape the Patriarchy Challenge

Are you ready to ditch social media, billionaire-owned platforms, and patriarchal institutions that control access to what you want?

That’s me on the first Great Escape when Joe and I sold everything and traveled the US in our Jeep for 3 years. Photo taken January 2018, Ocean Park, Long Beach Peninsula, WA, ©Gemignani

The “Escape the Patriarchy” Challenge

is an evolving project that I’ve committed to for one year.

The Challenge emerges from my desire to fully embody the belief systems I’ve researched and written about for 30 years. Systems that champion a very different model of society on every level possible.

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice, either, that hundreds, thousands, and even millions of other people are taking similar measures at this time.

Every day I see protests and proclamations of quitting social media, corporate life, and other institutional practices of the patriarchy.

Yet knowing that it’s time to go is very different from knowing where to go.

I believe it’s a matter of shifting mindset. We’ve been socialized to trust the system and its authority. And even when this system fails its populace, it can be difficult to believe that there’s something else, something better, available.

But there is, and it is a matter of choice to accept new models—and learn to embody the more favorable beliefs and practices of a more supportive paradigm.

That’s the journey I’m on. And this publication will document my year commitment.

Is this my year of magical thinking? Will you say that I’m a dreamer?

Like John Lennon, I’m not the only one.

What you can do to support the mission

• If you haven’t already, subscribe to this publication.

• If you’re already a subscriber, share it with someone you know would also love it. Even free subscriptions hold a positive energy exchange and can be the first step to clearing away what no longer serves.

• Support this publication with a paid subscription. Many hours are devoted to writing and producing the messages you read here. If you enjoy and benefit from reading and have it within your means, your paid subscription enables me to continue.

• As a paid subscriber, you will receive handwritten art cards in the mail from me monthly. Supporters have first access and backstory shares of works in progress. 2026 will bring other exclusive benefits and freebies.

  Here’s what paid subscriber Kathy wrote about receiving the monthly message:

  “I want to share that I do not always open your card sent to me in the mail the day I receive it. I open it when I feel I need a bit of uplifting. This process has been working perfectly! When I realize I need a positive thought boost, I open it. I trust it is no surprise that EACH time, your words fit the situation perfectly. Good thing you decided to do what you are doing - thanks for being YOU!”

  And reader Karen adds:

  “I just received your card today and absolutely loved it! And Joe’s photography! What wonderful, lasting tribute to his talent. So grateful too for our connection ♥️”

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you for sharing this mission with me. Together, we will clear the air this year!

☮️ & 💜, Shelley

PLEASE NOTE: The Energy Sage avatar is NOT AI or computer-generated. I commissioned and paid artist Debbie Boudreau Gabel to create it for me. The image is hand-drawn and colored. Graphic artist Janet Aiossa scanned the image and added the background color and accents for digital use.