That took longer than expected.
So about that hiatus…
I was away sooner and for longer than expected. Life changes overwhelmed me and I and needed to rethink the newsletter. A lot has changed! I’m in a new job, new city, and this is a new type of newsletter.
First, it’s quarterly. If I can do more than that I absolutely will.
Next, expect more changes. Right now this newsletter is on Substack. However, given the state of media platforms these days, that will change. I will let you know when changes are happening, but if you want to remain subscribed be sure to OPT-IN! I will send emails periodically asking folks if they would like to stay subscribed, if you don’t at least open the email you will be unsubscribed.
Finally, the newsletter now has one goal:
To build individual capacity by sharing resources, reflections, and ways to spark joy.
We will continue to focus on lifting the voices of Black Women and marginalized communities of color. Check out the About section for more details.
Resource Corner
Take Action:
Contact Your local representatives. This is EFFECTIVE and one of the best ways to keep the GOP in check until the midterms.
Support families impacted by the LA fires & their mental health
Invest in your wellness and purchase My Therapy Cards
Support Black Women in community
Stay Woke:
Major media outlets and socials are compromised but that doesn’t mean good journalism isn’t out there. Here are a few outlets I support and have heard great things about:
Capital B News - Black woman founded and led non-profit news organization. I find them to be an especially good source for folks based in the Midwest, South and Appalachia.
Puck - Owned by journalists
Democracy Now - Independent global news
The Bitter Southerner - Independent print and online publishing focused on the south
The Atlantic - This is the only large publication I subscribe to. It’s not perfect but far more balanced than any other national news outlet I’ve tried.
Every now and then I dip into The Future of Media Project to try and get a sense of where our media landscape stands. It hasn’t been updated since 2021, though I doubt things have drastically changed.
Li Pa Pi Mal
(Translation: I’m not too bad)
A while back I realized whenever I thought about bringing more joy into my day it always meant I had to do more. Now I realize joy can mean doing less. A lot less. Since then, whenever I want to improve my mood I think about what I can take OFF of my plate first.
What is one thing you can do less of this week? Here are two things you can consider.
Small Dose:
Spend less time in your head. Let your emotions out. Find a pillow and scream into it.
Smedium Snack:
Try spending a little less time on social media by removing the apps from your phone or blocking access to them for a portion of the day.
Tall Order:
Time box your worries. Try to set aside 5, 10, 15, even 45 minutes a day to worry. Don’t just do thin in your head. Write down your worries or make a voice note. Being rational is off the table. Outside of that time, commit to focusing on what can immediately impact. I know this is easier said than done considering the circumstances, but remember progress over perfection. If you can do this once, that’s a success!
Just for laughs
Alternative names for that man..because I know I won’t be calling him POTUS.
Cheetoh and Chief
Marmalade Mussolini
Tang Tyrant
The Orange
Word Count: 615