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#WednesdayWisdom
"Being human means you'll make mistakes. Be gentle with yourself today." — Shine App
Morning Musings
A few weeks ago an editor reached out to me with a potential assignment. The topic was interesting enough, but the rate was below my minimum $50./word. I negotiated, but unfortunately there wasn't any room in their budget so I walked.
Now the L'Oreal of yesteryear would've said yes, especially now that I'm freelancing full-time. There are no guarantees. No biweekly direct deposit. And with a pending monthly daycare bill, I was definitely tempted. But I held my ground and politely declined, optimistic that something else would come around that I was excited about and would pay me my actual rate ($1/word).
Well, ask and you shall receive. The next day there was an email in my inbox from the executive editor of a popular health and wellness magazine. I can't divulge the details just yet, but let's just say it checks the 3 Ps that my fellow freelancer Wudan Yan oft-tweeted about when it comes to deciding whether to accept an assignment (pay, prestige and passion). Immediately I thought, "look at God!"
I was interviewed for another outlet yesterday about prioritizing my mental health as a freelancer and I referenced practicing an abundance mindset as one of the tools in my toolkit (therapy, Peloton and meditation being the other tools). Now this isn't to say having an abundance mindset is my default. There were several times I thought about how I could make that original assignment work just to collect a check. And I also recognize the privilege in being able to turn down assignments.
But ultimately I had to trust the universe that everything would work out and something bigger and better would come along, like it often does. This isn't the first time I've held my ground, declined an assignment and was approached for a better fitting one shortly thereafter.
So I say all of that to say this: don't settle. In life. In relationships. And certainly not in your career. Walking away from a sure thing is scary as hell. I get it, I've lived it. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and the keychain. But you're deserving of big, beautiful things ... the first step is believing they're coming to you.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
Back in January, I had the pleasure of chatting with former New York Times editor Tim Herrera and Axios reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about the basics of freelance writing. Catch the recap here and stay tuned for the next edition featuring yours truly on April 24.
LT in the City Spring Book Club
Our spring book club pick is Self-Care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo and we'll be meeting on Wednesday, April 13 at 7pm ET. I had the pleasure of interviewing Oludara for Well + Good earlier this year and I can't wait for you all to join the conversation. This book club event will feature a brief yoga practice (all welcomes level) and guided meditation led by yours truly, as well as a Q&A with the author herself.
Links I Love
1. Jane Campion’s Comment About Venus And Serena Williams Was An Awkward Summary Of Feminism (Girls United)
2. The Bridgerton Effect Is Real, but Simone Ashley Is Ready (Glamour)
3. Rihanna On The Y2K Beauty Trend She Cosigns & Her “Rebellious” Maternity Style (Bustle)
My Latest Obsession
As a freelance writer and soon-to-be author, I've been spending a LOT of time in coffee shops, aka my office. And as a breastfeeding mom, this used to mean lugging three different bags with my laptop, pump parts and a cooler for freshly pumped breast milk. No more. I saw the Airedale backpack for wearable pumps by Idaho Jones during a late-night Instagram scroll and I haven't looked back. Not only is carrying all my work and pump necessities no longer cumbersome, but dare I say it's now chic as well? It also doubles as a diaper bag for family outings. Use this link for 15% off your purchase.
Now Hiring
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