I’ve been thinking a lot about the weeks that get away from us.
The ones where life is loud, energy is low, caregiving is caregiving, the day job is day-jobbing, and the list of “things I meant to do” is just sitting there like 👀.
And then when you finally come up for air, you think:
Did I fall too far behind? Can I even start again?
Here’s something I keep coming back to:
You don’t need to feel ready to move forward. You just need to move.
O is for Onward ➡️✨
(taking the next step even when you don’t feel ready)
After talking about life jackets, margins, and boundaries, one question keeps popping up:
Okay, but… how do I actually keep going?
And the answer is both simple and uncomfortable:
Onward.
Not perfectly. Not quickly. Not with a five-year plan.
Just…onward.
It’s the quiet promise you make to yourself:
“I’ll return when I can, in a way that fits the life I’m actually living.”
And onward can look so small you almost miss it:
Reopening that Google Doc you haven’t touched in a month
Sending the email you’ve been drafting in your head
Posting something even though it’s not perfect
Giving your side hustle 5 minutes instead of zero
Showing up even while thinking, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
And yes - it all counts.
Every single bit.
We tend to think forward motion has to look big or confident or polished.
But onward is often tiny, wobbly, quiet.
And depending on the day, it might look like:
On the tired days: Doing the bare minimum…and being proud you showed up at all.
On the overwhelmed days: Picking one next step instead of all 20. One step brings clarity. Clarity brings relief.
On the caregiving days: Honoring the little margins you do have. Five minutes absolutely count.
On the “I’m behind” days: Remember….you’re not late, you’re living. You can’t be behind on a life that’s yours.
Progress isn’t always visible.
Onward doesn’t always feel like a win.
But every small step makes the next small step easier.
Every return whispers:
“You’re still doing it.”
And you are. 💖
—
💬 Over to you: What’s one small step you can take this week to move something forward?
(Stuck? Reply, and I’ll help you find your next step.)
On to the picks!
P.S. You’re allowed to start again. You’re allowed to go slow. You’re allowed to move in your way. We build in the margins. And onward is how we get there.💪🏾
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 😍
tiny nudges for moving onward (even on the slow days)
💌. A letter from your calling. If you’ve been wondering whether your idea still matters after a slow season, read this. It’s a reminder that your calling doesn’t disappear. It waits for you, patient and steady, whispering, “we can do this… together.” Perfect for the days you’re inching your way back.
⏱️. Micro-habits that make momentum feel easier. These feel like the definition of onward: tiny, doable, low-pressure actions that start to stack. A few I’m loving:
Write for two minutes while you drink your coffee.
Practice gratitude in the shower (so simple, so grounding)
Drink one cup of water before having caffeine
Read one paragraph of something work-related each day
🚶🏾♀️.If you’re tired, take a walk. If you find yourself stuck or rereading the same email six times (hi, it’s me 🙋🏾♀️), a quick loop around the block is often the best “onward” move I know.
“You’ll only “lose” a few minutes. But you might gain the ability to take on the rest of the day.”
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: 10 Tips for Saying an Effective “No”
💌. Pocket Pep Talk. Feeling stuck? I’ll send you clarity (and a little pep) in 24 hours.
#classifieds 🗞
🎨 What if your art was your protest? The Art of Resistance podcast uncovers how creatives turned music, writing, & design into power. A reminder: you can build in your own way.
💌 Say no to overthinking your sales emails. These 15 templates help you write faster, sell easier, and keep your energy for what matters.
9️⃣. What if your next experiment was just $9 away? This bite-sized training shows you how to turn a simple idea into a paid offer. Fast. Fun. Low-pressure.
(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!! ❤️
Jessica, this is the nudge I needed today. As I take a deep breath, I realize there are two major creative projects that I need to move forward on! I sometimes feel stuck. Thank you.
I’m so grateful I ran into this post. Every single line of this newsletter has talked to me. Thank you, I feel that this post was the magical message I needed to read to know that I’m on the right direction.