Back to life. Back to reality. 📅

#WednesdayWisdom

"Stillness and surrender are required to becoming your most authentic self." —Chasity Cooper

Morning Musings

After four weeks of recovering from surgery at home, I went back to work this week and, surprisingly, the struggle has not been real. I wrote more on the surgery and fibroids for HelloGiggles, of course, because if even one women can learn from my experience, then it's worth it.

But I have to admit, this recovery was healing in more ways than one. I'm a busybody to the tenth degree ... fleeting to and from meetings, networking events and such like nobody's business. I've always been ambitious. I've always been on the go. And this surgery sidelined me FOR REAL.

I'm talking sitting on the sofa in my plush robe watching a pleasant mix of HGTV, Food Network and bad reality TV most days. You guys, I finally caught up with the Kardashians and don't you dare try to shame me for it ... I'm not listening.

The point is, even though I was feeling mostly better after two weeks, I took an entire month to myself. To do the things I wanted to do with no guilt. To take care of myself. To sit down and be humble. To be still for once.

I started meditating again. I started a 30-day prayer challenge (feel free to join me here). I wrote more. I let go of people, places and things that weren't serving me. My body may have been the main focus this last month, but I recovered my heart and soul as well.

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

Last week, I did an interview with Ahyiana Angel of the Switch, Pivot or Quit podcast. We talked about my transition from journalism to nonprofits, the right way (and wrong way) to find a mentor, as well as the importance of self-care. Check out my episode here.

!!! Giveaway Alert !!!

As some of you may recall from my very first newsletter, I am completely and utterly obsessed with the Ink + Volt planner. My sister-in-law gifted me one for Christmas last year and it quickly became my favorite planner EVER!

I love how it breaks down your goals for the year, the month and the week and includes space for much needed self-reflection. And, after using it for almost a year now, I'm proud to share that I've accomplished my 2017 goals of getting a promotion, starting this very newsletter and launching my new website. Coincidence? I think not. And now I'm excited to share the love with you. Follow me on Instagram to learn how you can get your very own Ink+Volt 2018 planner.

Links I Love

10 Ways to Bounce Back from Burnout

20 Career-Boosting Steps to Take Before New Year's Eve

Hillary Clinton's Letter to Her Teenage Self Is So Powerful

How to Guard Your 'Yes' and Get More Productive

My Latest Obsession

Everyone who knows me IRL (and even online) knows that I'm already obsessed with the color purple (the actual hue, not the movie). So when Pantone, "the global authority on color," proclaimed Ultra Violet as the Color of the Year for 2018, I FLIPPED.

I first became aware of this cultural phenomenon back when I was assistant editor for an interior design magazine in 2010 and I've been following the announcements ever since. And, as several friends have pointed out, the last time a shade of purple was the Color of the Year was in 2014 when Jeff and I got married. Watch out, world, 2018 is about to be the year of LT.

Now Hiring

Head of Communications for The Trevor Project

Various Positions for Girlboss

Director of Communications for WCS Zoos and Aquariums

Art Director for Paperless Post

Communications Director for The Obama Foundation

LGBTQ & HIV Project Staff Attorney for ACLU of Illinois

Art Director for Amazon.com

Junior Designer for Career Contessa

Reporter for RedEye

Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this edition of LT in the City Weekly! Be sure to follow me on the Interwebs using the buttons below or simply click "reply" to tell me what you think. Thanks a bunches!