“It is okay to take time to feel through these things." ~Morgan Harper Nichols
This week did not start out the greatest. Getting used to working from home and caregiving has been a tug of war. And I was just frustrated on top of everything else because I felt like I wasn't able to get done what I wanted to do. And do all the things.
I am so lucky that I have bosses and teammates that get it and understand and are super supportive and flexible with this new reality we find ourselves in.
I know that I love structure and so I think the reason I've been feeling so off is because I don't have it yet. And structure does take time to build. But here are some things that are starting to loosely come together for me:
🧘🏾♀️ Starting the day with a Daily Shine meditation and reading all their articles.
🌃 It's good for me to work when grandma sleeps or is otherwise occupied. It cuts down on interruptions and then I can knock some things out in the deep work way and still be available for her when she needs something.
💃🏽 Adding some dance breaks to my day. Or some form of movement. So I've either been doing my #FearExperiment dance routines or doing a 7-minute workout. And that helps a ton. If you are looking for some fitness apps Down Dog apps are free (yoga, tabata, 7-minute workout) until May 1st, and my dance teacher is hosting some free virtual dance classes starting on Monday.
✍🏾Writing. I actually love to write and writing this newsletter every week has been such a constant. I am starting to see writing as a way to help me process things (I recently wrote this and this) and is a bit therapeutic so I signed up for this 7-day content sprint to help me come up with more things to write about.
🚶🏾♀️Going outside. Any time I get the opportunity to leave the house, I'm heading out even if it's for a quick walk around the block. I'm finding that every little bit of fresh air helps. And I've re-discovered my balcony. 😱 Definitely need to go out there more.
💆🏾♀️ Breathing. My friend Kandice wrote this and I had a long exhale after reading it. I've realized that there may be some hours of the day I'm feeling good and optimistic and others where I want to curl up in a ball and cry. And that's OK. It's just about giving ourselves grace and permission to be okay in the moment, as a fellow Lighthouse squadmate reminded me this week.
I was reminded by a couple of people on separate occasions this week that I'm strong and resilient. Those two qualities have always served me well. And so there is no reason to think they won't continue to serve me throughout this uncertainty. And the same for you. What are those strengths? Those things that make you remarkable ? Lean into those things because they will continue to serve you and keep you even throughout this time.
On to the picks!
P.S. If you find #jesspicks helpful and looking for ways to support, you can share this issue with a friend or buy me a coffee.
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#loves 😍
🤖 Westworld - I finally took the plunge and started watching this show. It's pretty awesome. I finished season one in a couple days and season two is already getting really intense. If you haven't watched it yet, and looking for an escape, check it out.
💰Digit - this app is my savings sidekick. It is helping me build up an emergency fund, pay off credit cards, and even now my phone bill. And it analyzes your accounts and takes a little bit here and there so you don't miss it and you can save automagically. Here is $5 to get started.
#resources
Here are some extra resources that may be helpful for you during this time.
☕️Need help starting your side hustle and overwhelmed with all the information and resources out there? Send me a note or book a free virtual coffee with me and let's work together to come up with those first steps.
🎧 Gather the Courage: My gurl Sarah created this guided journaling exercise for creative leaders. It helped me to realize that it is OK to give myself some space/time and not have everything figured out just yet. Because it'll take a beat to get into a routine with this new reality we all find ourselves in and all of that is OK. I would love to know what comes up for you.
💻 My gurl Brandy is offering free 45-minute Brilliance Benevolence Sessions. Let me tell you. She is amazing. I had a session with her and she helped me realized that my brilliance is helping folks figure out their first steps while building their side hustles and connecting them with resources. 🙌🏾
🎨 Adam Kurtz is giving away 42 pages of his books that have a mix of kid and adult friendly activities. Grab that here. And feel free to share with your friends and colleagues.
🏠 Girls Night In, one of my fave newsletters, launched a new site filled with curated tips, articles and activities to make it easier for you to stay home, take care of your people, uplift your community, and stay connected to your loved ones.
💼 If you are job searching during this time, here is a Reddit thread on some open employment opportunities.
💰Here is a listing of grants and resources for artists and non-profits. Tip: Desiree H.
#reads
4 Side Hustle Tools You Need in 2019 — medium.com
I am a big fan of using technology as a way to make your life easier. I wrote this post last year but I still love these tools for 2020 as well. If you are looking for extra tool inspiration, check out my resources page.
It’s Time We All Redefine Productivity For Ourselves — advice.shinetext.com
ALL OF THIS. There is a lot of pressure to come up with the next great invention or idea during this time. Which you may be able to do. What I love about this post is that it recognizes that it's important for YOU to define what works for you. And if you need to chill during this time, that may be the productive thing for you to be doing right now.
45 Things To Remember When The World Gets Scary — medium.com
Josh shared these 45 things and it's just a really nice list to read reminding us to do the best we can, that we are strong and resilient, that this will not last forever and that there are heroes among us.
18 Ways To Make Use Of The Extra Time On Your Hands — dariusforoux.com
I really like this list that Darius put together. It's a mix of things you can do with the time you may have right now. I have been sleeping a lot personally and brainstorming about things to create. How about you?
#icymi
😍 Last issue’s most clicked pick was: 50 Hobbies You Can Master In Two Weeks From The Comfort Of Your Own Home
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you Avery, Monale, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L'Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️ Wanna be a supporter too? Buy me a coffee.
