Oops, I (over)did it again...😣

Jul 01, 2020

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#WednesdayWisdom

"When I love myself, when I accept and celebrate myself, I am actively resisting these systems. My very existence becomes a protest." — Jamila Reddy

Morning Musings

I have a notorious habit for doing the most with the least. My book club friends Sierra and Heather have coined a phrase for it -- "pulling an LT."

Over the weekend, I saw a cute tee from Chic Shirt Shop that read "Always Doing The Absolute Most." I posted it to my IG Stories and husbae had the nerve to ask, "did you make that shirt?" In the words of Stephanie Tanner, "how rude!"

As my family, friends and coworkers know all too well, I am constantly doing the most with the least. Whyyyy am I like this?

Last month, I found myself in the predicament of having a ton of PTO with nowhere to go. Save for the occasional wellness day, I hadn't used my vacation time because of canceled trips due to the pandemic. Well, I had until June 30 to use them or lose most of them, so I chose to use them.

Now, for most people, time off might entail a staycation, road trip or at least unplugging and reading or tending to household projects. Not me. On these supposed days off, I'm pretty sure I clocked more hours than my typical workday.

On one such day, I had two freelance stories to write, a podcast interview, a call with an editor and something else I can't remember at the moment. To which my therapist inquired, "But I thought you said today was a day off?"

I'm not exactly sure what's to blame here: being an Enneagram Type 3 Achiever; being a high-key workaholic (shout-out to my friend Pam for correcting me when I formerly, incorrectly stated "low-key" in this podcast interview); boredom because Jeff is still working and apparently I'm allergic to staying still; or an overarching need to be "productive" as a means to avoiding feelings. My guess? All of the above.

It comes in waves. I'll have a really busy season, and then it dissipates for a brief moment, until I decide I'm bored/restless again. And then it's back to busy. I am, however, committed to remaining offline this Friday to truly make the most of the long weekend (and by "make the most of," I mean sit down and me humble to quote the great poet Kendrick Lamar).

Anyone else struggle with working too much? How do you set boundaries with yourself? Hit "reply" and let me know (seriously, I need all the help I can get)!

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

June was a busy freelance month and July is shaping up to be more of the same. Click below for some of my recent writing:

Talia Hibbert is Back With 'Take a Hint, Dani Brown'. One of my favorite parts about being a journalist is the professional (and paid!) excuse to chat it up with some of my favorite authors. This interview is no exception. (Shondaland)

Rev. Arthur Price Jr. of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Offers Hope Amid Protests. Admittedly, this assignment was a bit out of my wheelhouse. I don't typically cover news and politics, but was confident I could rise up to the occasion. (Shondaland)

Inside the Peloton Community Dedicated to Black Women. Last month I had the opportunity to combine two of my favorite topics: Black women and Peloton. If you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I looove Peloton and that's in large part to the Facebook group of Black women riders. #WeDaBest (ZORA)

Virtual Happenings

July 1: Instagram Live with FWD Collective. Join me TONIGHT for a conversation with FWD Collective founder Michael Donnelly about #BlackLivesMatter and much more. (FREE)

July 12: How to Grow Plants & Friendships. My friend Vanessa Flowers of Flower Girls Meet is hosting a conversation with Jasmine Jefferson of Black Girls with Gardens. (FREE)

July 16: I Can't: Side-Hustle. My girl Jessica Williams is back with another crash course on all things side-hustle. ($34)

Links I Love

1. For Black People, Plant Parenthood is Deeper Than Instagram. So as it turns out, I'm not the only one who's become a #PlantMom during quarantine. This story takes a look into ancestral relationships with plants. (ZORA)

2. These Teen Girls Are Fighting For a More Just Future. I'm in utter awe of these brilliant young women. The kids are alright (and even better than some of us "adults," if we're being honest). (New York Times)

3. The Girlboss Has Left the Building. There's an uprising of sorts at various workplaces across America and I, for one, am all the way here for it. (The Atlantic)

My Latest Obsession

My friend, coworker and all-around partner in crime Pam Johnson Davis has published her first book, Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You): A Collection of Poems About Heartbreak, Healing, & Redemption, and I couldn't be prouder of her.

Find out why Pam is my favorite and tune into her new IG Live series, Pinot & Poetry, TONIGHT at 6 Central. It'll feature a live reading as well as live music. I'll see you there!

Now Hiring

Communications Assistant for Help Refugees (deadline to apply July 3)
Freelance TikTok Content Creator for Step Out Buffalo
Director of Marketing & Communications for the National Runaway Safeline
Program Coordinator for Perspective Fund
Director, Communications for Vox Media
Program & Community Coordinator for Stupid Cancer
Library and Digital Media Specialist for Chicago Public Schools
Deputy Editor for Lifehacker

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