"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." ~Meena Harris
Happy 4th of July! It's so unreal that the year is half over. Part of me still feels stuck in March before quarantine happened.
But here we are. Around the mid-way point. It's a great time to reflect on your plans for the year and adjust, course correct, check in and see how you want to spend the rest of 2020. My word for the year has been Build. And I still feel really good about that - continuing to build on the foundation that I started putting in place last year. My plan is to continue setting the groundwork for some things. And continue growing this newsletter and being a resource for those who are overwhelmed with the how of starting a side hustle.
The two main goals I set for the year were to:
Grow #jesspicks email list to 500 subscribers - currently at 433! we had a big leap this last week because of a mention in this post (thanks Josh!))
Read 32 books - I'm currently at 18! and this is one of my top self-care methods. Check out what I've read here)
Build also works on a personal front as well. For those of you new to my world, I broke my ankle in May. 😩. And that has forced me to slow down A TON so that I can heal. The healing continues as I have progressed to the physical therapy phase. So I'm (re)building my muscles, strength, and energy which will still take some time. But baby steps. It's how we roll around here.
How about you? What is something you are thinking about as you check in at this mid-year point? What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Maybe I can help!
Is there anything frustrating you about creating and building your side hustle?
I would love to know your answer so I have a special offer for you:
Reply to this email and let me know your greatest side hustle frustration and I will create a personal video reply for you.
Give me as much or as little detail as you want and I'll help you with what you're working on. Just hit REPLY and let me know!
I saw someone else offer this and thought it was such a fun idea. So excited to see how this goes.
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I'm off to relax and enjoy the long weekend and watch Hamilton (which you can now stream on Disney+).
On to the picks!
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.
#loves 😍
🥧 Insta Account: pieladybooks. Because who doesn't love pie that looks like a book? 😋
📺 Watching: Knives Out. If you love a good whodunit, this movie does not disappoint. Great cast and just a fun murder mystery with a great ending. And it's now included as part of Amazon Prime.
💻 Website: The Culture is Virtual. This is an online event tool that features events involving Black content creators and for Black audiences.
#sponsor: I Can't Side Hustle: 3 scholarships!
If you've been wanting to start a side hustle and had no idea what to do, where to start, or where to find the time, this workshop on 7/16 is for you!! It's always fun to partner up with Saya Hillman. Bring your ideas, fears, and questions and we'll talk it out!
Anddd if you are a Black individual, my friends at &yet are sponsoring a few tickets so if you'd like to grab one of those, hit reply and let me know!
#reads
My Role in a Social Change Ecosystem: A Mid-Year Check-In — medium.com
This post was really great - it reminded me that we all have our parts to play in the world and when it comes to social change. And it's OK to do whatever role that makes sense for you. For me, I think I'm more caregiver and bridge builder. You?
30 Helpful Newsletters For Creators — joshspector.com
Josh curated a wonderful collection of newsletters that helps creators grow their audiences and careers. And I'm super excited that #jesspicks (#12) made the list!! 🙌🏾
How to start your own newsletter in 15 minutes — nathanbarry.com
If starting a newsletter is on your list, this is a great guide to getting one started quick! Nathan talks about the different styles of newsletters, formats and how to get your first subscribers!
I’m on a Selfish Sabbatical — macncheeseproductions.com
My gurl Saya makes me want to take a Selfish Sabbatical. Maybe for August? That doesn't mean I won't do anything at all but I can create space to do some fun things. Will think on this some more for sure. 🤔You gonna do one?
#icymi
😍 Last issue’s top pick was: Andrew Kamphey's tweet
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you Christine, Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria, Avery, Adam, Monale, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L'Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️ Want to help support this newsletter? Buy me a coffee.