“I’ll take a risk…make a change and breakaway.” 🕊️~Kelly Clarkson

A little pause can change everything. Here’s how I’m leaning into breaks (#424)

This week, I kept thinking about… breaks (see what I did there? 😉)

Not vacations or sabbaticals (though yes please to both). I'm talking about the tiny kind - a walk around the block or a few deep breaths between back-to-back meetings.

It started with a text convo with a friend about how taking a break can sometimes feel like more work.

“Taking breaks really means planning more.”

“You go right back to doing a lot.”

“So sometimes it’s like… is the break even worth it?”

We laughed at how real the struggle was, but also how deep the resistance runs - especially as Black women, caregivers, and folks who were raised to help everyone else first.

We weren’t taught to pause. We were taught to keep going. To be strong. To get it done. To carry everything with a smile.

And as side hustlers? Samesies.

Our time is already so limited; a break can feel like one more thing on the to-do list. Or a luxury we can’t afford.

But what if it’s actually a strategy?

What if the pause is the point?

B is for (Tiny) Breaks. 🧘🏾‍♀️

Breaks aren’t just about rest - they’re about rhythm.

They’re about choosing yourself, even for five minutes:

“You first, with love.”

A break is a reset.

A breath.

A small reminder that you’re a human being and not a human doing.

Even the tiniest pause can help you come back to your side hustle with more energy, intention, and clarity.

Here are a few of mine lately:

• Starting the day with a 10-minute yoga routine (loving this app)

• Letting my smart ring nudge me to “stretch my legs a bit” - aka drink water

• Chatting with my coworking space buddies between meetings

• Turning on “Wobble” and line dancing around my room

• Sitting in the sun at the park for a few quiet minutes

These aren’t perfect. Some days I forget. Some days I don’t have time.

But when I am able to step away and come back, I realize:

• Things didn’t fall apart.

• The work is still there.

• Sometimes, someone answered their own question.

• I’m better able to handle things because I rested.

It’s like proving to myself, little by little, that rest is safe. It counts. It’s allowed.

So this week’s reminder is simple, but not always easy.

🫶🏾 You don’t have to earn your break.
🚫 It doesn’t have to be productive.
🧠 You can take a break before you’re completely drained.
💗 You can always come back.

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💬 What's your favorite tiny break? What helps you reset when you've only got a few minutes? I’d love to hear (or steal!) your go-to moves. 😄

On to the picks!

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#sidechat 💬

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#picks 😍

A few gems for your weekend scroll…

• ⏸️. Feeling the itch for a longer break? Here are some picks:

  • Five writers (myself included!) share how they took newsletter breaks: some planned, some not-so-much. Spoiler: the world didn’t end.

  • My gurl

    Saya, Mac & Cheese Productions
    took a Selfish Sabbatical a few years ago, saying yes to only what truly lit her up.

  • Stretch My Time Off is a genius little planner that helps you plan your PTO around holidays. Great for longer breaks or sneaking in some side hustle catch-up time.
    

• 📓. If you’ve ever felt stuck, in-between, or “wait, what am I even doing?”, you’re not alone. Ruth is journaling her business pivot out loud, and I’m loving how real and thoughtful it is. She’s sharing what’s working, what’s not, and all the messy in-between. (Fun fact: she’s also sharing where she is when she writes each entry!) I love a good business experiment!
  

• 🥳. More whimsy, please. We all could use a little extra magic. This playful, joy-filled list is packed with ideas for sprinkling a bit of fun into everyday life.

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#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top pick: Want to be a Kick-Arse Granny? A Prepper's Guide to Ageing Like a Boss

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” 💫 ~Carl Sagan

• 😉🧠. Wanna borrow my brain for a bit? 💬 Pocket Pep Talks are my favorite way to offer quick, cozy support when you’re stuck.

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#classifieds 🗞

• ⛱️. Grabbed this free bundle + found a few gems. No need to grab everything - just see if 1–3 things might help lighten your load. (A MemberVault plan’s in there too!) Open ‘til 7/10.
  

• 🎙️. Side hustle tip: Use Voicenotes to brain dump out loud or record your next meeting. It transcribes as you talk, so you can come back later and organize it all.
  

• 🚀. You’ve got content. You’ve got ideas. Christine’s book is your guide to turning all that into a course that sells. A solid next step if you’re ready to earn online.

  (like these? let’s partner up!)

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#lifevibes

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#supporters ☕️

Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, 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, Keyn, 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!! ❤️