"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." ~J.R.R. Tolkien
This past week has been a mixed bag. On the good front:
My episode chatting about side hustles on Stop Sucking at Business podcast went live.
I wrote a blog post expanding on the lessons I've learned from writing #jesspicks for the past 4 years.
I celebrated my one-year anniversary at &yet
We also launched the second installment of what we are calling the "season of the weirdos"
I graduated from outpatient physical therapy for my ankle so now it's time to continue PT at home. 🥳
I have been getting so many messages of support and thanks and permission to rest. Thank you. 💖
On the not-so-good front:
#caregiverlife continues to have its ups and downs.
It's been a year since my uncle died unexpectedly and those emotions are swirling.
Breonna. 😡
Having to defend something I posted on social media. My squad absolutely had my back on that one.
Looking back, the good definitely outweighs the bad and that's what I will choose to focus on.
With the suggestion of a friend, I signed up for Talkspace. It's virtual therapy. I've never really done therapy before and I'm not sure that this text-based style will work, but I am planning to give it my all for the next month and see how it goes.
In other news, the first week of Discipline went sorta OK? I do like the idea of having themed days but I'm wondering if I should change things up and just have 3 main focus areas: collaboration, learning, and creating. And split that up over the 5 days instead of having a different theme each day. So I will try that next week and see how it goes.
There is so much going on in the world and trying to manage a job, build a business and live your life can be especially challenging right now. Think about what you need to cope, to recharge, to move forward. And then take some time to do that. Whether it's closing social media down for a day or three, taking naps, having a shot of tequila, taking dance breaks, doing watercolors, stitching, whatever that is. And if you're not sure, experiment a bit.
It is not a bad thing to take care of yourself. Consider this your permission slip to do so. We need you well and healthy. And future you does too.
On to the picks!
Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase that means I may receive "thank you money" at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#loves 😍
🎧 Listening: Side Hustla! Playlist. I made this playlist for fellow side hustlers and find myself listening to it quite a bit. Sometimes I'll listen to the radio station based on this playlist. If you click the three little dots next to the play button, you can "Go to Playlist Radio".
📚 Reading: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Great guide from James Clear on thinking about and building habits. Pairing them with something you are already doing. And finding ways to reward yourself when you complete them. Lots of tweet-able gems.
📺 Watching: Sundance Now. Just do it. I just finished "The Secrets She Keeps". One woman is obsessed with watching another woman's life and you find out why at the end of the first episode. But both women are keeping secrets.
📠 Tool: Dropbox Fax. I haven't had to send a fax in years but this week I needed to and I happened up this tool. You upload the files you want to send (you can even set up a cover sheet), enter the fax number and voila! Fax sent. And no need to even print any paper. I use their sister product, Dropbox Sign, all the time too for e-signing documents.
#reads
[NEW POST] 4 Lessons Learned from Writing 200 Issues of a Newsletter — techbizgurl.com
Looking back on the past 4 years, I've learned and experienced so much growth as a newsletter creator:
Find one thing you can do consistently (to build an audience)
Find your tech stack (get tools to help you save time)
Find your medium (for me it's email, what is it for you?)
Find your squad (surround yourself with other creators)
This Is Your Evergreen Reminder That Slowing Down Is Not Falling Behind — thoughtcatalog.com
It was so helpful for me to read this article with how I've been feeling lately:
"You are allowed to take days to grieve, to do nothing. You are allowed to press your plans back until they make more sense. You do not exist on a single schedule, your fate is not to arrive at each set point at precisely the second you think you should. That’s not what you’re here for."
Steal My Testimonial Template! — ittybiz.com
I love a great template! If you are looking for an email you can use (along with great questions) to get great feedback and testimonials from your clients, steal this!
#upcoming
10/7 - Self Care Refresh: A Virtual Micro Retreat for Creatives — www.wethos.co
My gurl Kandice is taking the self-care retreat that was soo helpful for me on the road. If you're looking to relax and recharge, it's the best hour you'll spend.
#icymi
😍 Last issue’s top pick was: Sarah Avenir's Roam notes + approach on The Discipline themed-days method.
🎧 Chatted side hustle tips on the Stop Sucking at Business podcast.
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria, Avery, Adam, Monale, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L'Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️
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