Summer in the City 🌆
This past week, we found ourselves back in New York City ✈️
Just a couple days after being there for our book tour, we were heading back for a few press opportunities and thought, why not make an adventure out of it?
So we brought the kids for their first trip to New York City, invited Andrew's mom and brother to join us, and set out to see as much of the city as we could together!
We packed a lot into a two days.
We made our way to the top of the Empire State Building, bought entirely too many M&M's at M&M World, and spent plenty of time wandering through Central Park. Zero complaints!
Jett also managed to become best friends with what felt like every street vendor in New York City. By the end of the trip, he knew where all the snacks were, who sold them, and was more than happy to make sure we stopped at every single one.
Somehow, all of that added up to five miles+ a day on foot. 5 adults and 6 kids!
The kids were absolute champs. A few of us needed a mid-day nap by the end of it all...
And honestly? Same!
At one point during the trip, Drew looked around and said, "I love the city, but I could do without the smell and the pigeons."
Honestly, fair enough.
Thankfully, neither seemed to be a dealbreaker because by the end of the trip she was already asking when we could come back.
And while we were out on a family walk through Central Park (which honestly felt like a scene straight out of a movie), soaking in the city and enjoying a rare moment where life felt a little slower, we got the call...
The one that still doesn't quite feel real.
The Courage to Commit is officially a New York Times Best Seller!
First Andrew did his typical scream and then a lot of emotions hit all at once.
Gratitude.
Disbelief.
Excitement.
Relief.
And honestly? A whole lot of, "Wait... are they sure they have the right people?!"
Over the past few weeks, we've traveled across the country, met so many of you face-to-face, shared stories on stages, signed books, and celebrated a launch that was bigger and more meaningful than we ever imagined.
But our favorite part has been hearing from you.
Reading your messages.
Seeing your photos.
And hearing how the book is impacting your lives.
One reader wrote:
“I've struggled with decision paralysis most of my life—feeling like I had to steward every ability God gave me, as if setting one down meant failing Him. This book powerfully dismantled that. It showed me that discerning and focusing deeply on what aligns with my core values isn't a loss — it's the more faithful and effective path. That lesson alone has freed up a ton of mental space.”
Another shared:
"This book was a great way to start summer reading! It's a powerful piece that not only motivates, but truly works as a guide to mold and challenge you to become someone who is ready to commit to whatever it is in life that brings you joy.”
And another wrote:
"The Courage to Commit is honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable."
Reading reviews like these has been incredibly humbling.
Those words mean more to us than any list ever could!
Because this book was never just about just writing a book. It was about starting conversations and encouraging people to commit deeply to the people, values, relationships, and callings that matter most.
To hear that those messages are connecting with you is everything we could have hoped for.
Thank you SO much!
— Shawn Johnson and Andrew East
Have a topic you want us to cover? Reply to this email or let us know HERE!
If today's newsletter made you smile, do us a favor and tell a friend or family member to subscribe!
We’re All In This Together
You are receiving this email because you've signed up for newsletter updates from FamilyMade, Shawn Johnson East or Andrew East.
