If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that DNA discoveries are a common experience. And they often require us to put in hard work to find a place of healing, to find peace. 

We as humans yearn for community, and to feel our emotions and have them validated. It's a basic need to share with and listen to and connect with one another. This need for a safe and protected community is why I moved the Watershed DNA online groups from Facebook to Mighty Networks in early 2020 and worked hard to provide a safe space for all individuals whose lives have been impacted by a DNA test. 

From January 2020 to May 2022, many people participated in discussions in the online forum and during weekly and monthly Zoom calls. Members found the courage to share their stories and to listen with curiosity to those of others. They shared resources that helped and visited those we identified. 

It was a humbling experience to witness the growth in those who participated in the calls and discussions. I’m deeply grateful for all of them for having shown me that from experiences that are painful and sometimes traumatic, connection and healing can happen. 

In order to help this work grow on a larger scale, I moved the "Writing is Healing" course over to the Lit Academy and closed the Watershed DNA Mighty Network in May 2022. 

The Lit Academy, founded by NPE and trauma recovery coach Bradley Hall, is a wealth of information and resources for those with a life-changing event. It provides online courses and access to online events, much like what we offered through the Watershed DNA Mighty Network for nearly two-and-a-half years. The ability to have a safe space separate from social networking sites is important, and Lit Academy offers this support and resource for those who need it. I hope that you will check out Lit Academy and join as a member.

My work in the world of DNA discoveries continues in a way that is allowing me to focus my energy on what I do best — working directly with clients 1:1 and supporting other professionals to do the same. My passion for writing and helping others to write about their experiences drives me and will be a continuing piece of Watershed DNA into the future. 

This wasn’t an easy decision, but it gives us all the space to explore something new. We will continue to provide resources and information at WatershedDNA.com, and that public site will remain unchanged by this transition. You can join the monthly newsletter for updates, announcements, and resources here: http://eepurl.com/gkQ6W9.

The newest chapter has begun for all of us. I hope to see many of you at Lit Academy, participating in Writing is Healing! 

Because when we explore our experiences and heal, our story can help others as well. 

In gratitude,

Brianne Kirkpatrick, founder