A little pre-summer list
On self-love, Tik Tok, e x p a n d i n g, and more
This past week I was inspired by Sian Richardson's (a designer, photographer, and creative badass you should definitely know) most recent newsletter to do a fun listicle-type post versus the typical long-form style.
I’m a big fan of lists. They feel summery, light, and fun, and given the first day of summer is TOMORROW (!!), I thought I’d switch it up. Here are four random things that have been taking up some brain space lately that I hope might be of interest.
#1 CALLING IN A SUMMER OF SELF-LOVE
I’ve been feeling incredibly empowered lately in being a child-free woman who lives alone and supports herself as an independent artist and business owner (which includes various non-art-related gigs – but, I’m doing it). It’s taken a lot of time and work (inner and outer) and pivoting to get to this point, but I feel like I might be finally settling into that season of your 30s when you’re secure in yourself at your core.
In the spirit of self-love, I am looking forward to a summer season filled to the brim with quality friendship, community, excitement, making moves, making money, light-heartedness, laughter, playing dress up, working on home projects, making things with my hands, and hopefully finding some bodies of water to dip mine into.
#2 TIK TOK TIPS TRICKS AND TREATS
I know Tik Tok is controversial, but I find so much joy in it. It’s a place where I take a break from the world to crack up at dogs being scared by their own toots and Celine Dion unintentionally being the funniest human ever. It also feels like a rare online space where people are accepting and kind (maybe it’s just my algorithm), and I am consistently reminded of the goodness in humanity.
But one of my favorite kinds of videos is the life and food hacks I’ve discovered thanks to this weird little app. Here are a few of my recent favorites:
This high-protein DIY dessert yogurt cup was delish.
Making “sun tea” this summer gives me all the warm and fuzzies.
Haven’t made this sweet potato mousse yet but SOON.
This stretch for your neck is life-changing.
#3 I CAN AND WILL NOT GET ANY SMALLER.
Maybe this is also the result of moving into my mid-30s, but I am done with trying to be smaller – in every sense of the word. My body. My emotions. My personality. My existence. My bank account. My art.
Here are some ways playing small has shown up for me:
Trying to cut my already extremely minimal expenses down even further, often at the detriment of my well being
Shrinking into and beating myself up when I make a mistake
Laughing when the jokes aren’t funny
Over-explaining to try to make people understand
Saying “It’s okay” when it really isn’t
And here are some ways I am expanding:
Changing my mindset to make more money rather than constantly trying to save and spend less
Staying grounded in my worth and heart even when I make inevitable mistakes
Letting go of the incessant need to be understood
Being compassionately honest and letting the chips fall where they may
#4 USING AI
I’m just as skeptical about the future of AI as the next person, but I try to be the type to have an open mind and be an early adopter when I can/want to. I’ve listened to many podcasts about the future of creative freelancers with AI, and I’m happy to report that the overall forecast is, despite what media like to portray, not totally grim.
The main opinion I’ve noticed is that AI will not replace creatives, but it’s up to creatives to incorporate AI into their businesses, because those who are rigid and refuse to will most likely be left behind. I’ve heard a lot of folks equating it to as revolutionary a time as the invention of the Internet. Think about the folks who refused to adapt. Eventually they had to. Seems like the same might go for AI. Obviously, there’s still a lot to learn here.
This podcast episode from Amy Porterfield, ChatGPT, AI, & How To Use It In Your Marketing with Emily Hirsh, was really insightful and helpful.
I also just started a Skillshare class from Sina Port, adidas Brand Manager, on ChatGPT for Content Creators.
That’s all for now. I fell behind on posting last week, so I’ll be dropping in with another post here on Thursday… Friday… Sunday? I’m still trying to figure out which day of the week is best for publishing, so if you have a preference, please feel free to let me know in the comments. :)