Honoring My Rhythm

A Newsletter on Self-Care & Creative Flow

Dear friend,

I'm reaching out today with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed sense of energy after a truly vibrant month. April was a whirlwind of exciting experiences, from being featured in the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Over Artists magazine to becoming a certified creative project manager and speaking at a sustainable workshop. Honestly, I'm incredibly proud of myself for showing up consistently amidst the inevitable challenges.

All that wonderful activity reminded me, once again, of the profound importance of rest and solitude. After weeks of preparation and connection, I knew I needed to carve out time to recharge – something I've learned is absolutely essential for me to thrive.

For me, being at my best is a holistic endeavor. It involves the simple yet powerful acts of getting a good night's sleep, indulging in restorative power naps, nourishing my body with healthy meals, connecting with nature through walks and gardening, staying hydrated, embracing moments of solitude, and engaging in the reflective practice of journaling. When I prioritize these elements, I feel a deep sense of confidence and security in who I am and how I'm spending my time.

As a curious creative, I also find immense inspiration in the world around me – through thought-provoking podcasts, captivating books, the revitalizing energy of nature, and those stimulating conversations with interesting people that can spark entirely new ideas.

I value connection, but I also recognize my limits. The last thing I ever want is to appear uninterested, bored, or grumpy in social situations. Yet, like many, I experience moments of burnout where fully engaging can feel like a stretch. That's why my weekly planner has become such a valuable tool – not just for scheduling appointments, but also for intentionally marking "human interaction" days and, crucially, scheduling dedicated time for rest. In a world that often glorifies the "hustle," I've made a conscious choice to treat my rest as an equally important commitment.

Some of my deepest joys arise from the quiet solitude of having no obligations, and some of my most profound thoughts have emerged from introspection on a peaceful day. Last year, facing my own internal struggles led me to the powerful realization that I needed to be more open and honest about my true needs and boundaries.

There was a time when I felt compelled to say "yes" to everything, driven by a fear of missing out, even when I was exhausted. This often led to resentment and the neglect of my own well-being. Now, I approach things differently. When work demands leave me feeling drained, I know that solitude is my sanctuary for rejuvenation. Conversely, after extended periods of being home, I recognize the need for human connection to reignite my energy.

The fear of missing out no longer holds the same power over me. I no longer pressure myself to conform or participate in trends to validate my existence. Instead, I trust that when I genuinely care for myself, those around me will experience a more authentic and present version of me. Honoring my boundaries by saying "no" when necessary has been a liberating practice.

Tools like Asana and Trello help me manage my commitments, while journaling and dedicated solitude provide the space for reflection and inner peace that fuels my creativity and well-being.

If you've been feeling the pull to rest, I wholeheartedly encourage you to schedule that recharge weekend without hesitation. Learning the art of balance is a truly beautiful and empowering journey.

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Songs I’ve been enjoying this week.