“Live YOUR dream, not THE dream.” 🫶🏾 ~Saya Hillman
Say yes to YOU. 💫 (and enter to win something good) (#420)
Have you ever come across someone and thought, “Whoa. That person changed my life”?
That’s what happened when I met Saya Hillman. Funnily enough, at a networking event, even though neither of us is a big fan of those 😆.
has made a whole life/business out of helping people live what she calls a Life of Yes℠ — a life that’s fulfilling, doable, and designed around you. She’s the reason I became a dancer at 38. (For real. I joined her Fear Experiment℠ and performed in front of hundreds of people)!
She creates these magical, safe spaces where you get to try new things, connect with amazing humans, and realize you’re way more capable than you thought.
💥 And now she’s offering a #jesspicks reader a free spot in her Life of Yes℠ course!
This course is normally $228 and is full of stories, videos, and prompts to help you design a life that works for you - your values, your pace, your version of success.
In exchange for a free spot, you’ll be asked to:
complete the course by July 16th
complete the homework (workbook activities; comments and chat shares; graduation project)
provide a course testimonial Mac & Cheese℠ can use anonymously publicly (if you find the course helpful)
To enter:
👉🏾 Watch the four-minute video and read more about the course, and if it speaks to you, leave a comment sharing why you’d love to become a Life of Yes℠ student.
I’ll pick a winner and notify them by June 16th.
—
But Jess, why Life of Yes℠?
Because I’ve found it incredibly helpful and think you will too.
One of my favorite ideas from Saya’s world is the Life of Yes radius, designing your life so that your everyday essentials are physically close to you. Her gym, dentist, and favorite coffee shop? All within a 15-minute walk. Because ease makes consistency possible.
Inspired by her, I created my own version (image below ⬇️). Most of my go-tos are 30 minutes or less by bus or Uber — and it’s been eye-opening to see how much that simplicity helps me show up with more energy for everything else: caregiving, side hustling, you name it.
(Since creating this image, my doctor and chiropractor are now within a 15-minute and 5-minute radius - it makes a difference!)
What would your Life of Yes radius include?
Your favorite bookstore? A grocery store that doesn’t stress you out? Your favorite place to walk on a nice day?
This week, I invite you to take a look at your routines and ask:
What can I make easier?
What’s something I could set up now to better support my future self?
What’s one tiny thing I can do today that moves me closer to the life I want?
On to the picks!
P.S. Thank you, Saya, for teaching me that saying yes to myself can be the most powerful move of all. 💖
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.
#sidechat 💬
Every week this quarter, I’m posting a new thread over on Substack Chat. Come join the conversation:
#picks 😍
A few gems for your weekend scroll…
📚. How to fit more reading into your life. I especially liked the 10-minute rule, using “stolen moments,” and making reading your default. I’ll be trying some of these! And if you want an easygoing, no-pressure book club, I gotchu.
💰 Discover your money personality. Are you a Ruler, Nurturer, or Alchemist? Maybe you’re a Romantic? I’m a Nurturer (no surprise there!). This free quiz gives you insights into how you handle money and how to lean into your strengths. Plus a free workshop to apply it to life + biz.
🤝🏾. The best networking? Not networking. Hard agree on this one. The best career connections I’ve made came from showing up, being helpful, and being myself.
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: Membervault
#classifieds 🗞
I used to open 17 tabs comparing reviews. This free Chrome tool does it for me, showing me a final score while I’m shopping. Game changer. 🛍️✨
🚀. 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.
Inbox out of control? 😩 This smart tool keeps the good stuff front and center and hides the rest til you’re ready. Try it free + get $15 off.
(like these ads? 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!! ❤️
Found this content helpful?
😭 Awwww, you're the sweetest! And obvs, my favorite (don't tell the others).
And you got me again -- I read your email subject and was like, "Ohhhhhh. I like that quote." 😂
I will foreverrrrr be grateful I forced myself to put on pants and go to that networking event. How different my life would be, and in the worst ways, without you in it.
Love that you included an LOY example and that it's the LOY radius — so simple yet so impactful. 😍
Excited to have a #jesspicker in the LOY world — best crossover. 🧀 💻
Everything in my life is pointing me toward saying yes to myself. After ending a relationship with someone I still loved, I’ve been grieving not just the loss of the relationship, but the parts of me that once stayed in dynamics where I overextended and questioned my worth.
In that process, I’ve reflected deeply on my own role: where I abandoned myself, and what I’m now ready to reclaim. My power lives in my sensitivity, emotional clarity, and honesty and I want to call others into that same truth.
I’m seeking a loving shove toward my next level. A blueprint that centers my why and strengthens my self-trust. I feel the bloom coming. That is my becoming. That’s what I want to design with Life of Yes.