What do you call a bear with no teeth? 🐻

a dentist visit, a happy-ish grandma, and a reminder that ease is underrated. (#453)

Jun 20, 2026

On Thursday, I took Grandma to a new dentist.

Finding one wasn’t as straightforward as you’d think.

She has dentures, and surprisingly, not every dental office offers denture services.

After some digging, I found a practice nearby and sent a message through their contact form:

Do you offer traditional denture replacements? My grandmother has a set of dentures, but I think they may be too large for her gums now.

I expected to wait a few days. But I got a response the next morning.

Not only did they answer my question, but they also explained the options, offered a complimentary consultation, and gave me two appointment times for the very next day.

As someone who spends a lot of time coordinating appointments, managing logistics, and helping another human navigate healthcare, I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that. (Also, the fact that it happened over email was great too!)

The appointment itself went really well. They sent the paperwork ahead of time, so I was able to complete it at home. The office was a 5-ish minute Uber ride away.

They took us right in, the doctor did their exam, and explained the options clearly. They even started the next steps that same day.

All the while, there was a screen showing dentist memes like this one:

Another was:

What do you call a bear without teeth?

A gummy bear…

😂😂😂😂

And somehow, my grandma, who is not known for handing out compliments lightly, said she really loved the office and was glad she came.

(For my Chicago friends, the dentist is Sloop Dental.)

—

I've been thinking about what made that experience so good. And I keep coming back to this:

They made something that could have been stressful feel easy.

Quick responses. Neighborhood location. Memes to cut the tension. Minimizing extra trips back to the office.

Every little thing they did seemed to say: We see you. We've thought about what this experience is like from your side.

And feeling seen is so huge.

When you’re balancing work, caregiving, family responsibilities, side projects, appointments, errands, and all the other things life throws at you, ease becomes a gift.

The businesses, tools, and people I remember most aren’t necessarily the most impressive.

They’re the ones that reduce friction.

They answer the question.

They simplify the process.

They make the next step obvious.

They help me use less energy getting from Point A to Point B.

And that’s a big part of what I try to do with #jesspicks too.

I’m not trying to give you more things to do. We already have plenty of those! 😅 I’m trying to surface the things that are actually worth your time.

Because sometimes the best thing we can offer each other isn’t more information.

It’s a little more ease.

—

💬 Over to you: What’s one business, tool, or person that makes your life easier?

I’d love to hear about them.

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#picks 😍

🌭. Kid-friendly dinner menu. As someone who is a picky eater (and definitely was as a kid), I love this menu. Talk about making things easier for parents. Tip: Josh Spector
🖍️. Feeding your inner child. This Threads conversation is such a fun read. People are sharing ideas like blowing bubbles, making friendship bracelets, coloring, recreating the Saturday morning cartoon game, and getting their faces painted. It’s basically a giant list of joy. I dare you to read it without finding at least one thing you want to try.
📺. Watching: The Way Home. Family drama. Time travel. Hallmark. Characters you can’t help but root for. Somehow it works. I’m making my way back through the series before watching the final season.

#icymi

😍. Last issue’s top pick: 31 Ways to Use AI

#jesspicks

“Every cloud I’ve ever known had the sun somewhere behind it.” 🌤️~Jelly Roll

After losing my job, one thing I thought I’d have afterward was a lot of free time…

8 days ago · 1 like · 2 comments · Jessica L. Williams

🌟. Feeling pulled in too many directions? You don’t have to untangle it alone. Let’s find your next clear step together. Get some pocket-sized clarity!

#classifieds 🗞

📖. Entrepreneurship doesn’t always happen under ideal conditions. In Blessed in Business, Fonda Neal shares her story of building alongside work, motherhood, health, and AuDHD.
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💌 Say no to overthinking your sales emails. These 15 templates help you write faster, sell easier, and keep your energy for what matters.
(like these? let’s partner up!)

#lifevibes

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Thank you Abby, Sheila, Fonda, 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!! ❤️

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