enough with all this productivity b.s. ✋
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#WednesdayWisdom
"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated." — Maya Angelou
Morning Musings
To know me is to know that I'm a bit of a workaholic. Okay, okay ... a LOT of a workaholic. It's my drug of choice. And a crutch I've been relying a lot on during this pandemic.
Last month, like many companies, the organization I work for announced that we'd be working from home (or WFH) for the foreseeable future. However, we'd start with four-hour work days while everyone got acclimated to our "new normal."
Similar to when said company announced a week-long sabbatical last summer, my mind immediately went to "Yes! More time to work on side projects." In my defense, I was on deadline for three freelance stories last month, which meant hours of reporting, transcribing and writing. So needless to say I could use the time.
But I didn't do was allow myself the time to breathe. To grieve. To mourn this new reality. To hit pause and slow down for a bit. No, I just kept going like the Energizer Bunny and did what I know how to do best -- work.
It's what helps me feel in control in when I'm not. It's something to cling on to when I feel like everything else is slipping through my grasp. It's what numbs the anxious thoughts that would otherwise keep me up at night.
Work is my salve. My remedy. My escape.
But I'll be honest with you -- this "work ethic" hasn't always served me well. And the constant barrage of "productive quarantine" tips, memes and articles have really been driving me crazy lately.
This tweet, in particular, has stood out to me:
There's nothing normal about any of this, and trying to pretend it is and go about our routines or "business as usual" is not serving anyone. Which is why I'm leaning more into this:
So whatever you need to do in order to "do you," I encourage you to do that. Even if that's doing nothing right now. You don't need to emerge from this with any proof of success or productivity. You do not need to write the great American novel. You do not need to start that side-hustle. Heck, you don't even need to tackle your TBR list or find a hobby. You can literally just be.
Did you wake up today? Did you feed yourself? Congratulations, you're already winning. Productivity posts be damned.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
Every now and then, an assignment comes along that stretches you. My latest for ZORA, about women of color who care for both children at home and adult family members, is one such story.
I'm beyond grateful for the wonderful women who trusted me with their stories and a gracious (and patient) editor (hi, Christina!) who helped make this idea a reality. I handle each story I write with care, but writing for ZORA and sharing the stories of women of color makes me go above and beyond.
I do not take this responsibility lightly, I want to do them justice. Our stories matter, and are often overlooked by mainstream media. I hope you enjoy this one.
(Illustration by Carmen Deñó)
Virtual Offerings
April 10: Flower Girls Meet Virtual Talk Series. Certified personal trainer Sonya Robinson (whom I've worked with and is fabulous) joins my girl Vanessa Flowers for an online workout that is sure to get your heart rate up.
April 10: Uncorked: A #WineWithChas Tasting Course. My friend and wine expert Chasity Cooper will provide you with a digital crash course in wine tasting, food pairings and wine preservation.
April 13: Building a Game-winning Job Search Strategy That Wins. Career coach Latesha Byrd (who revamped my LinkedIn) is offering this webinar exclusive to members of her new Career Chasers Members Club.
Links I Love
1. Meet Keara Wilson, the Teen Choreographer Behind the "Savage" Challenge. If you follow me on the 'Gram, then you know one of my quarantine goals has been to learn the #SavageChallenge. So I thoroughly enjoyed this interview with the creator of one of the year's most viral dances. Plus, check out this tutorial to learn the steps (thank you, Stephanie!). (Girls United)
2. Karen, Please! Apparently there's a group of white women who believe the term "Karen" is comparable to the n-word. That's ... not how this works. That's not how any of this works. PSA: If you're one of said women, please do us both a favor and unsubscribe now. Thank you. (ESSENCE)
3. Bill Withers' Legacy Is So Much Deeper Than All The Hits We Know. I'd be remiss if I didn't include a tribute to one of my favorite singers (who sings my all-time favorite song, "Lovely Day"). May he rest in power. (NPR)
My Latest Obsession
I love a good rom-com. As Jeff says, my preferred movie genre is "strong female lead." Bonus points if she's Black.
So while there's certainly a lot of doom and gloom right now, I've been finding joy in Four Weddings and a Funeral, the TV show. I've never seen the movie so I don't know how it compares.
It's like a Hallmark Christmas movie, but 10 episodes instead of two hours. The cast is diverse, and there are laughable moments. At its core, it's a story about friendship and love -- does it get any better than that?
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