“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.” ✍🏾 ~Rumi
what keeps me going (#355)
Earlier this week, a reader (thanks Lou!) asked me:
“What keeps you going after so many years?”
It was one of those questions that really gets you thinking.
I started writing #jesspicks in 2016, so it’s been almost eight years.
When I first started, it was hard for me to see traction because, for a long time, I was only looking at the number of subscribers, which didn’t grow much for a long, long time.
But I continued to write. Why?
Because every once in a while, I’d get a reply, a comment, or a “thank you for sharing this resource.”
So I kept sending. And more happened:
Someone telling me in person that you still remember one of the first tools I shared that was helpful for you.
A person sending me a direct message saying I got you back into writing.
So many folks buying me a coffee (or several).
Him signing up for an affiliate offer I was sharing.
Her signing up for coaching.
This feedback helped me realize that there was value in my writing and curating every week.
That me being vulnerable and sharing (even the tough stuff) has helped you in your juggling journey.
That giving myself permission also gives you permission.
That me doing things a little bit differently from everyone else gives you another way of doing/thinking/approaching things.
😭💖😭💖😭💖
You gave me a platform and a space to show up and share myself with the world.
You helped me realize I have a voice and things to say.
What has kept me going for so many years?
You.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
On to the picks!
Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase, I may receive “thank you money” at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#ease 🫶🏾
In this section, I plan to provide things/tips/resources that are helping me with caregiving, biz, self-care, and juggling in general. In the hopes that it’ll inspire you as well.
Here is what’s making my life easier this week:
🛒. Subscriptions!
I go to the grocery store multiple times a week, and for a long time, I would get a 2-roll of paper towels here, a 3-box of Kleenex there, and 2 cases of Ensures each visit. And then I’d have to do it again the following week or so. After seeing Amazon’s Subscribe & Save a few times, I investigated and set it up. Here are a few things I have on subscription:
Ensure Nutrition shakes (when my grandma doesn’t eat, these are so helpful to have around, and I can order a case of 20 at a time)
Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Kleenex
Detergent, Fabric Softener
These are top of mind because I got a shipment for Ensures and Kleenex this week. I love that I can set it and forget it. Granted, I still go to the grocery store 2-3 times a week, but I don’t have to worry so much about carrying some of these heavy and bulky things home. (Not to mention saving me a little $$ along the way.). Every little bit helps.
💡. Is there something you buy often that could benefit from a subscription or a bulk purchase to save you time and make things easier? Clothes? Books? Food? Household goods?
If you have found ways to make your life easier, please share, and I’d love to feature them here as well. Also, I’d love to hear any thoughts/questions/suggestions about this new section.
#loves 😍
💌. Reading: A Letter from Your Calling. I love this letter written by Tara Sophia Mohr as if she were your calling: “It’s me. The one who keeps talking to you about that thing. That project. That possibility.” What a wonderful reminder of the work we are meant to do.
🧳. Tool: My Resources Page. Curious about what I use to manage all the business and life things? It’s on this page. Anything else I should add?
#reads
30 One-Sentence Mindset Tips for Side Hustlers
These are some quick mindset tips I’ve learned as a side hustler. A few resonating with me right now:
Not everyone wants or needs to become a full-time entrepreneur.
Even when there is no applause, folks are watching you and being inspired – keep going.
Baby steps are key.
When you struggle to work on your business, reconnect to your why.
—
Khe loves to surf and has built a business around this love so much that the first couple of hours of each day is surf time. I love that he is prioritizing his life first.
Two of my favorite $10K Questions are:
If I could only work 2 hours today, what would I work on?
What’s one decision that removes 100 decisions?
He schedules thinking time. How often do we actually plan time to think? (I’m starting to get better at this).
It’s a great reminder that it’s possible to do well and not do it the “hustle culture” way, which is always a refreshing perspective.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: Goodbye 2023, Hello 2024 Journal.
🎤. Need an awesome speaker/facilitator? Hire me.
🔍. Curious about my process for doing this newsletter every week? Go behind the scenes in this 1-hour training.
#classifieds 🗞
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#lifevibes
supporters ☕️
Thank you, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keryn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️
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