“I can do it with a broken heart.” 🛟 ~Taylor Swift
what's saving my life right now (#383)
Have you ever had one of those days/weeks/months where you’re just over it? 🙋🏾♀️ That was me on Thursday. After several nights of barely three hours of sleep and working long hours, I was completely knackered. And I’m not even British! 😅
I was in a bad mood, ready to cry, and just wanted to crawl inside my turtle shell for a few days…
But I couldn’t because: adulting. I have an 82-year-old I’m responsible for, not to mention my work, business, and countless other commitments. So that night, I figured out the few most important things that needed to be done for grandma and work. And then, I took myself to bed at 8 pm and got a solid 5 hours of quality sleep. I woke up Friday feeling much better. Still tired but recharged to a good 70% capacity. We’ll take it.
Sleep has become my most important self-care activity.
In addition, especially during seasons that feel incredibly overwhelming, I have other things keeping me going. To put it in the words of Kendra Adachi, my life jackets right now are:
My Support System
Friends: My squad is amazing. They’re always there to lend an ear, offer help, or send virtual hugs. 🫂
Mom: She offers emotional support, especially during challenging caregiving moments.
Alice: My awesome assistant who helps me stay present on social media and creates fantastic images, often at the last minute.
Self-Care Routines
StretchLab/Chiropractor: Weekly assisted stretching sessions are a quick pick-me-up. Massages and chiropractor adjustments every 4-6 weeks are also a game-changer.
Dancing: I don’t know where I would be without my weekly BeMoved dance class. That one hour each week is healing in so many ways. Shoutout to my dance mom, Jennifer, and my dance friends! 💃
Therapy and Meds: I haven’t talked about this much publicly, but at the beginning of last year, I was really struggling with my mental health, especially around caregiving. Even with everything I was doing, I could no longer cope on my own. I started seeing a talk therapist and taking medication for anxiety. These have been lifesavers.
Finding Joy
Little Joys: Reading a chapter of a book, watching cartoons (obsessed with this one!), drinking a cream soda, or buying a chocolate chip cannoli.
Bigger Joys: Happy hours with friends, ordering $200 jeans because they look so comfy, and buying tickets to musicals or concerts.
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Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It allows you to show up better for others and your responsibilities. So, the next time you feel like you’re drowning in life’s demands, reach for your life jackets - the people, activities, and habits that support you through the tough times.
It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. It’s also important to keep swimming. 🏊🏾♀️
On to the picks!
P.S. I’d love to hear from you: What’s one small thing you do to recharge when life gets overwhelming?
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. I only recommend products that I use and love.
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☕️. Tool: Buy Me a Coffee. If you are looking for a way to monetize your content, even if you are just getting started, this is the perfect way to go. You can set up a page in a few minutes, share your link with folks, and allow them to support you. It is one of my favorite tools. Here’s my page if you are looking for inspiration.
🎧. Listening: Side Hustla! playlist. Have you listened lately? Any songs I should add?
#reads
A Manifesto For Content Creators
My favorite ones:
Don’t worry about the people that don’t get you. They don’t matter.
Define your own success.
Be honest. Be vulnerable. Be real.
Do any of these resonate with you?
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8 Steps To Consistently Publishing a Weekly Newsletter
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top pick: 50 Positive Things To Do During Mercury Retrograde
🎤. ASK: My goal is to book
321 (!!) paid speaking gig this year. If you know of one, I’d love an intro. I talk about side hustles, newsletters, and finding self-care in a busy life. Learn more about my speaking offerings here.💡. Want to start your side hustle but need a game plan? My new $9 offer is for you!
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#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, 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!! ❤️
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