out with the old, make way for the new
Learning to let go
#WednesdayWisdom
“You can’t fulfill your destiny and keep hiding your gifts, skills and talents.” ~ Octavia Raheem
Morning Musings
You could say we’re doing some spring cleaning in the Payton household. Nearly a year after moving into our new condo, we’re still unpacking, still decorating, still trying to figure out how to make this house feel, well, more like a home.
And that means parting ways with some of the items we love, especially now that Violet is walking and well, let’s just say marble coffee tables aren’t exactly childproof.
Three years into the pandemic and working full-time remotely, I decided to invest in a proper standing desk/WFH situation, which means it’s also time to say goodbye to the West Elm combo desk/bookshelf situation I lusted after, saved for and bought (on sale) back in the fall of 2018—shortly after Jeff and I had bought our first condo.
I have to admit, I’m a little sad to see it go. That desk was where I interviewed for the executive director position at Bitch Media nearly four years ago to the date (spoiler alert: I didn’t get it it, but I did make it to the final round!).
That desk is where I sat down and kicked off my career as a full-time freelance writer (the first time) back in December 2020. That desk is also where I met my book editor (hi, Rachel!) for the first time. Unfortunately, that desk isn’t where I wrote said book, because for some reason, that’s better done at a coffee shop or my favorite corner of the sofa.
I have a lot of memories with that desk, but it’s time to say goodbye. Which is why I recently listed it and the coffee table on Facebook Marketplace. I could hold on to these items, but what I’ve found in life is when we hold on tightly to things that are no longer serving us—jobs, relationships, you name it—we fail to make room for new and better things to come into our lives.
It could be that you worked really hard to get your current job and maybe you’ve done everything to mend that relationship. But at some point, you have to let go and make way for the new. You are worthy of bigger and better things, but first you have to believe that you are. Then, you have to make room (physically and figuratively) to receive them. The choice is yours.
(Side note: if you or someone you know lives in the Chicagoand area and would like to buy a coffee table and/or desk/bookshelf combo, let me know!)
Upcoming Events
March 18: Only two tickets remain for my belated Galentine’s Day Pole Party at Fly Club in Chicago. (FYI: Paid subscribers receive a discount on ticketed events. You can upgrade your subscription here).
March 19: Inner Workout Virtual Book Launch. I’m so excited to be moderating the virtual launch for my friend
’s book, Inner Workout. Be sure to preorder your copy and register to join us for what is sure to be a lively conversation!
ICMYI
I’ve been having some fun podcast convos lately. First up was discussing the highs and lows of being Enneagrams 3s with my friends Taylor (whom I mentioned above) and Amelia (who is working with me on a fun project, stay tuned)! You can listen to our chat over on the Inner Warmup podcast.
And then I was recently on the Permission to Write podcast talking about all things publishing while Black. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Links I Love
A Black Millennial Woman’s Guide to Navigating Friendship (Sweet July)
How Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors Fought Harmoniously (New York Times)
My Latest Obsession
I just got my copy of Inner Workout in the mail and it just may be the most beautifully designed self-care book I’ve ever seen. I’m excited to dive into the all the gems my friend Taylor is bound to drop, so make sure you preorder to get in on the goodness yourself!
Now Hiring
Audience Director at Injustice Watch
Writer at Create & Cultivate
Equity Editor at STAT news
Senior Copywriter at Stitch Fix
Assistant Editor, Digital at The New York Times
Editor in Chief/Director of Content at Houstonia Magazine
Communications Director for the Movement for Black Lives
Digital Content Associate, Email, SMS, and Social Media at the Brooklyn Museum
Preorder Stop Waiting for Perfect
My first book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, drops this summer! This book will force you to stop playing small and encourage you to fully step into your power and walk in your purpose. It will awaken the dreams you buried deep within your soul long ago because you thought they were impossible, unattainable—available to other people, but not you. Until now.
Thank You
A special thank-you to Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel and Angel for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support!
my standing desk changed my life i hope you love yours!