I’d like to genuinely and gently nudge you to continue. The beauty in that? This is your decision. You don’t owe us anything, and if it makes more sense to YOU to pause or to stop, that is all that matters. What I can say from the perspective of a fan… What you have created is truly magical. You have created a community centered around healing. Not only that, it is a community of authors that want to share their experiences while championing for others. What you have created is a light. Whether you choose to continue or not, please look back and know that you did something beautiful.
Dallas, thank you. This means a lot. You really saw the heart of this project, and that means more than I can say. I’m so grateful to have your presence and voice in this space. Holding your words so close, and I'm so glad our paths crossed.
We definitely miss Atom. Please let us know if there’s any way we can support you we truly understand how important this project is. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be more than glad to. Please take care of yourself.
Listen Up, Kid is an amazing project born from deep intention, and I believe it's helping so many of us heal from childhood trauma while offering perspectives on childhood stories that could have potentially gone wrong. On one hand, we find healing; on the other, we learn how to be better with our own children.
So while we'll miss Atom's incredible contributions, there's definitely a greater good here that continues to unfold. Sit with this transition, lean into whatever feels right, and decide how you want to move forward. However that looks, it will undoubtedly continue making an impact and being valuable to the humans who are reading and finding pieces of themselves in these letters.
Change, they say, is the one constant thing, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But I'm sure you'll look back on this period with gratitude for the growth it brought. Take all the time you need to process and reimagine what comes next. We're here, holding space and waiting whenever you feel ready to continue this beautiful, difficult, necessary work.
The courage it takes to hold these stories, illustrate pain and healing, and create something that helps others feel less alone is extraordinary. Whether you continue with your own illustrations, collaborate with others, or take a completely different direction, trust that the heart of this project will remain intact because it lives in your intention to heal and connect.
Stella. You’ve been holding this project like it’s sacred, and I can feel that. Your message made me tear up, not because it hurt, but because it made me feel safe enough to keep going. You speak with the kind of clarity that settles chaos. Thank you for being here not just as a reader, but as someone who sees what I’m trying to build, even when I lose sight of it. You’re part of this story, no question.
Hi Billie, I’m so sorry that things are turning a little upside down for you.
In my country, there’s a saying that things come “in sevens”. And perhaps, changing the artist every 7 letters and making it to a collaboration of many different artists is something that can turn out well. I imagine it to be a nice thing to hold in my hands in the end, even if that means waiting longer for the final product because finding artists takes time.
I also want you to know that every letter means a lot to me as someone healing from a lot of things. I read them wrapped in a blanket, with some tea, a cookie, and the knowledge that the things that happened to me and continue to eat me up haven’t been my fault, because they seemingly happened to so many others in many different ways.
I can only imagine the heaviness and strain that puts on you and any artist involve—dealing with someone else’s pain in such a respectful and kind way as you and Atom have done.
I wish you all the best, and if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m not an artist, but maybe there’s other little ways that I can help 💛
Asteria, you’ve been such a generous presence here, and I want you to know how much I value the way you show up. I read your words and felt less alone in all this. Thank you, truly.
I'm bummed to hear Atom is leaving, his art added a much needed light heart to the heavy subject matter, I do hope you continue this. If not now - perhaps at some point. The world is such a disconnected & manufactured place so often, your work and energy are a necessary part if the remedy.
Danielle, thank you for saying that. Atom really did bring a gentle lightness to this project, and I’ll miss that dynamic so much. And your words went straight to my gut. Thank you for reminding me that it still matters.
We will definitely miss atom’s unique art style, but we hope you will continue with the project, in whatever form you feel is best. We have been honored to contribute, and we feel that it will be a very valuable resource for others who have been hurt in their childhood. But we also definitely understand the need to step back for a bit and tend to your own emotional needs! We sincerely hope that you will be able to rest and renew your spirit, and come back refreshed whenever you feel like you are ready (and not a moment sooner, there is no need to rush!)
Leyna, this was so thoughtful and steadying. You wrote with so much care—for me, for Atom, for the readers—and I felt that in every sentence. Thank you for reminding me I don’t need to rush, and for the trust you’ve placed in this work. I’m grateful to you and everyone in your system.
Hi Billie, I'm really sorry that you're experiencing this setback. I know that you'll figure out a way to work things out, but I'm sure that's hard to see right now. I'll be here cheering for you!
Patty, thank you. I felt the warmth in this and it lifted me. You’ve been such a constant here, and your belief in me matters more than I can explain. I’ll keep going, I promise.
Hi Billie, I just want to say how much it meant to be part of Listen Up, Kid. This project holds so much truth, so much heart, and I felt deeply honored to contribute.
I’m really sorry to hear about Atom stepping away, and I can only imagine how much this shift is stirring up for you. Your words, your vision, and the care you both bring to every letter. It’s been powerful to witness. Whatever form it takes next, I’ll be here, cheering for you and grateful this space exists. 💕
Debra, wow. Thank you for seeing the depth and intention behind Listen Up, Kid. Your words gave me both comfort and courage. Thank you for being here so fully.
Thank you so much. I’ve felt your quiet support through so many posts, and it honestly helps more than I let on. You’re part of what keeps this whole thing human.
I’d like to genuinely and gently nudge you to continue. The beauty in that? This is your decision. You don’t owe us anything, and if it makes more sense to YOU to pause or to stop, that is all that matters. What I can say from the perspective of a fan… What you have created is truly magical. You have created a community centered around healing. Not only that, it is a community of authors that want to share their experiences while championing for others. What you have created is a light. Whether you choose to continue or not, please look back and know that you did something beautiful.
Dallas, thank you. This means a lot. You really saw the heart of this project, and that means more than I can say. I’m so grateful to have your presence and voice in this space. Holding your words so close, and I'm so glad our paths crossed.
Sending Atom peace love and abundance. I will miss him. Thank you, Billie. 💞💞
Thank you, Rea. I’ll miss working with Atom too. 💗
We definitely miss Atom. Please let us know if there’s any way we can support you we truly understand how important this project is. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll be more than glad to. Please take care of yourself.
Sae, I’ve felt your support from day one. Just reading this made my shoulders drop. Thank you for offering to help. You’re a gem. 💎
Listen Up, Kid is an amazing project born from deep intention, and I believe it's helping so many of us heal from childhood trauma while offering perspectives on childhood stories that could have potentially gone wrong. On one hand, we find healing; on the other, we learn how to be better with our own children.
So while we'll miss Atom's incredible contributions, there's definitely a greater good here that continues to unfold. Sit with this transition, lean into whatever feels right, and decide how you want to move forward. However that looks, it will undoubtedly continue making an impact and being valuable to the humans who are reading and finding pieces of themselves in these letters.
Change, they say, is the one constant thing, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. But I'm sure you'll look back on this period with gratitude for the growth it brought. Take all the time you need to process and reimagine what comes next. We're here, holding space and waiting whenever you feel ready to continue this beautiful, difficult, necessary work.
The courage it takes to hold these stories, illustrate pain and healing, and create something that helps others feel less alone is extraordinary. Whether you continue with your own illustrations, collaborate with others, or take a completely different direction, trust that the heart of this project will remain intact because it lives in your intention to heal and connect.
We're with you, whatever comes next. 💛💛💛
Stella. You’ve been holding this project like it’s sacred, and I can feel that. Your message made me tear up, not because it hurt, but because it made me feel safe enough to keep going. You speak with the kind of clarity that settles chaos. Thank you for being here not just as a reader, but as someone who sees what I’m trying to build, even when I lose sight of it. You’re part of this story, no question.
Hi Billie, I’m so sorry that things are turning a little upside down for you.
In my country, there’s a saying that things come “in sevens”. And perhaps, changing the artist every 7 letters and making it to a collaboration of many different artists is something that can turn out well. I imagine it to be a nice thing to hold in my hands in the end, even if that means waiting longer for the final product because finding artists takes time.
I also want you to know that every letter means a lot to me as someone healing from a lot of things. I read them wrapped in a blanket, with some tea, a cookie, and the knowledge that the things that happened to me and continue to eat me up haven’t been my fault, because they seemingly happened to so many others in many different ways.
I can only imagine the heaviness and strain that puts on you and any artist involve—dealing with someone else’s pain in such a respectful and kind way as you and Atom have done.
I wish you all the best, and if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m not an artist, but maybe there’s other little ways that I can help 💛
Asteria, you’ve been such a generous presence here, and I want you to know how much I value the way you show up. I read your words and felt less alone in all this. Thank you, truly.
I'm bummed to hear Atom is leaving, his art added a much needed light heart to the heavy subject matter, I do hope you continue this. If not now - perhaps at some point. The world is such a disconnected & manufactured place so often, your work and energy are a necessary part if the remedy.
💯❤️✨️
Danielle, thank you for saying that. Atom really did bring a gentle lightness to this project, and I’ll miss that dynamic so much. And your words went straight to my gut. Thank you for reminding me that it still matters.
💕 I'll be looking forward to following what comes next 🙏🪷🩷
Hehe working on it! Just need some time.
If there is anyway I can support you with this I would love to.
You're supporting me just by being here, Alicia. Appreciate you so much.
We will definitely miss atom’s unique art style, but we hope you will continue with the project, in whatever form you feel is best. We have been honored to contribute, and we feel that it will be a very valuable resource for others who have been hurt in their childhood. But we also definitely understand the need to step back for a bit and tend to your own emotional needs! We sincerely hope that you will be able to rest and renew your spirit, and come back refreshed whenever you feel like you are ready (and not a moment sooner, there is no need to rush!)
Take care,
Leyna and the rest of us here in the DJV system
Leyna, this was so thoughtful and steadying. You wrote with so much care—for me, for Atom, for the readers—and I felt that in every sentence. Thank you for reminding me I don’t need to rush, and for the trust you’ve placed in this work. I’m grateful to you and everyone in your system.
Hi Billie, I'm really sorry that you're experiencing this setback. I know that you'll figure out a way to work things out, but I'm sure that's hard to see right now. I'll be here cheering for you!
Patty, thank you. I felt the warmth in this and it lifted me. You’ve been such a constant here, and your belief in me matters more than I can explain. I’ll keep going, I promise.
Hi Billie, I just want to say how much it meant to be part of Listen Up, Kid. This project holds so much truth, so much heart, and I felt deeply honored to contribute.
I’m really sorry to hear about Atom stepping away, and I can only imagine how much this shift is stirring up for you. Your words, your vision, and the care you both bring to every letter. It’s been powerful to witness. Whatever form it takes next, I’ll be here, cheering for you and grateful this space exists. 💕
Debra, wow. Thank you for seeing the depth and intention behind Listen Up, Kid. Your words gave me both comfort and courage. Thank you for being here so fully.
I’ve been enjoying these letters and your work! You are amazing and I truly hope you’ll continue in whatever capacity works best for you 💙
Thank you so much. I’ve felt your quiet support through so many posts, and it honestly helps more than I let on. You’re part of what keeps this whole thing human.