“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” 🪁~George Bernard Shaw
This is your permission slip to do something just because. (#430)
When’s the last time you did something just for fun?
Not for money. Or productivity. Or even for your side hustle.
But just because it made you smile.
I had to sit with that question myself. Because for a long time, I wasn’t really sure.
As kids, hobbies came naturally. Bike rides with cousins. Books under the covers (with a flashlight, of course). LEGOs, jump rope, coloring, dance parties in the living room.
There were no deadlines. No pressure. No monetization.
Just curiosity. And joy.
But somewhere along the way, hobbies became… optional. Something to squeeze in when the work was done.
Plot twist: the work is never really done. There’s always another email, another project, another thing on the list.
Which means if you’re waiting for life to slow down before you play… you might be waiting a while.
And that’s why hobbies matter.
H is for Hobbies 🎨✨
(and the joy of doing something just because)
Here’s what mine look like lately:
🧩. Jigsaw puzzles: I can happily lose three hours and emerge with a crick in my neck.
💃🏾. Dance class: One hour a week that makes me feel fully alive.
🤸🏾♀️. Trampoline parks with my nephew: Pure chaos. Pure joy.
🌸. LEGO flowers: Little reminders that play belongs in grown-up life too.
📖. Reading just for fun: Not for growth, not for hustle, just because I want to.
None of these things makes me money. None of them grows my business. But they fill up my cup.
And they remind me that I’m building this business to support my life, not replace it.
✨ This week’s permission slip:
Not everything has to be productive to be worth doing. Do one small thing just because it makes you smile.
Pick up that book series you loved as a kid
Grab those art supplies buried in the back of your closet
Start a 100-piece puzzle with your favorite playlist
Dance to exactly one song in your kitchen
Bake cookies, build LEGOs, make something with your hands
Not for growth. Not for the ‘gram.
Just for you.
—
💬 What hobby have you always wanted to try or get back to? Reply and lemme know. I’d love to cheer you on.
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.
#picks 😍
Little sparks of joy to help you play more this week…
🧵. Want to dip your toe back into play? This post (and the comments) has dozens of ideas for hobbies. Maybe pick one this week and see where it takes you. (Or find yourself a “granny hobby”. 👀) Bonus points if it makes you laugh at yourself.
🌱. The purpose of your life is to choose your lifestyle:
Lifestyle design can be as simple as writing down how you want to earn a living, what your hobbies will be, how you’ll spend your money, who you will spend your time with, what you will believe, how you will act, where you will live, and how much time you dedicate towards your family.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: 5 Tools Creators Can Use To Show Up Even On The Hard Days.
🎤. ASK: I’d love to book 2 more paid speaking gigs this year. If you know of any events, panels, podcasts, or conferences looking for speakers, I’d be so grateful if you’d pass my name along. I love talking about side hustles and newsletters, but I’d also be excited to craft an inspirational talk, too.
🤩. Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Need some clarity? I gotchu. Grab a pep talk!
#classifieds 🗞
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(like these? let’s partner up!)
#lifevibes
#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!! ❤️



