“I am not who I used to be and that is a beautiful thing.” 💁🏾♀️~Morgan Harper Nichols
The news this week has been a bit much. I mean, how much trauma can we take? I saw tweets about bodycam footage and trials, and I just... can’t. 😔 So I’ve focused instead on the happy things in my life and finding solace in self-care and grace.
Speaking of happy things, this week, I celebrated my 10-year blogiversary. 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
It’s wild that a decision I made a week before my 30th birthday could affect my life so much. I posted a reflection on Facebook, and I also want to include it here. Often, when we start something, we have no idea what direction it will take or its impact. I hope it inspires you to trust in yourself and keep going. 💖
Ten years ago, I was a week out from turning 30, a time where I thought I’d have my life figured out. Or together. I’m not sure where that milestone came from, but I felt unsettled hitting this new decade with nothing to show for it.
Tech Biz Gurl became that something. Ten years ago today, I hit publish on my first blog post. Little did I know that it would be the most life-changing decade of my life. Who knew something as simple as starting a blog would open so many doors, connect me to so many incredible people, and help me become even more of the person I already was.
Ten years ago, I was incredibly burnt out and constantly questioning what more I could do with my life. Since then, I’ve been laid off and changed jobs, been fired, and been a full-time entrepreneur. I’ve bouldered, I’ve danced, I’ve taught, I’ve traveled. I’ve written, I’ve curated, I’ve cried, I’ve laughed. I’ve learned, I’ve failed, I’ve had successes, I’ve had challenges.
Here we are ten years later. I am a week away from turning 40, and while I still don’t have my life quite figured out, I have learned to trust in the journey and see where the universe takes me. I’ve settled in a life that works most of the time, and I’m looking forward to what the next decade brings.
I’ve also noted a few things I’ve learned during this time that I may put into a longer post at some point. But wanted to share it with you in the meantime:
1. Every experience has something to teach you. Even when I’ve had some bad things happen to me, I’ve learned from them and used that information/strength/knowledge to move forward.
2. You don’t have to quit your day job to be an entrepreneur. And if you are looking for an example, look at me. I’m doing it. And even though there is a ton of pressure to be a full-time entrepreneur or take your side hustle full time, it’s great to know that you have options.
3. All money is not good money. I have left jobs and taken pay cuts to do work that is more aligned with the type of life I want to lead. Just because it pays or pays well doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.
4. Similarly, all clients are not good clients. If you feel minor niggles or weird vibes about a client, listen to those. Your gut knows. Listen to your intuition. The right clients will find you.
Cheers to a decade of being Tech Biz Gurl. 🥂
On to the picks!
P.S. I’m off to get my first vaccination. Wish me luck!
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.
#sponsor
Black Tech Jobs focuses on closing the exclusion gap for blacks in technology by connecting tech employers to black tech talent. Create your job seeker profile and join the fastest-growing mid-career and senior-level black tech community on the web.
#loves 😍
🧃. Drinking: Recess. Sparkling water that keeps you calm and helps you focus. It’s a nice mood lifter and “beat the afternoon slump” sidekick for me. They have a version with hemp and a newer version with magnesium. If you want to give it a try, you can get 15% off your first order.
📺. Watching: 3 Tips for Being More Confident in 15 seconds. Just watch it, trust me. Tip: Girls Night In newsletter.
🧘🏾♀️. Listening: Chorus Meditation. Doing 3-part breathing to music has gotten me through this week. I love that they have created so many on-demand 10-minute meditations, and often, it’s just what I need to focus, reset, or calm myself down.
#reads
The Best Side Hustle You Can Start Today In Just 15 Minutes — medium.com
An oldie but goodie. Spoiler alert: this post focuses on blogging. It’s how I started. 😊 And it can expand into other things like newsletters, services, and products.
“It can be writing, making videos, or speaking about topics you love through a regular podcast show. All of these acts are a form of blogging.”
8 Ways to Care For Yourself When a Tragedy Is In the News — advice.theshineapp.com
“After tragedies, we can often feel torn between wanting to stay updated and informed and struggling to process the information emotionally.”
I definitely can understand this tension and thought you might find these suggestions helpful. Here are a few that work for me:
Take a break from the news.
Focus your attention on something good.
Don’t shame yourself for feeling upset.
Please take care of yourselves during this time. 💖
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick was: 90 journaling prompts to spark new personal insights
☎️. Get your own personal Side Hustle Cheerleader in your pocket for 30 days. 2 spots left. Reply or email me for more details.
#classifieds 🗞
Richard Patey’s Newsletter. Thoughts on the digital creator economy, online business & investing every Wednesday. You can also join his Creator Economy FB group.
Morning Brew covers the latest news in a fun and entertaining way. Get up to speed in business, finance, and tech in just 5 minutes. Check it out!
👀. Have something you’d like to promote to #jesspicks readers? You can buy an ad or sponsorship here.
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you 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!! ❤️
Want to help support this newsletter? Buy me a coffee.
