☁️ Finding moments of cozy joy
why productivity doesn't matter / embrace input years / actual screen time boundaries
Hi friend,
This week I’m doing something a lot of freelancers do, but I rarely do: working remotely from somewhere other than where I live.
So, hello from snowy, cozy Vermont! As I’m writing this to you, we appear to be inside of a cloud.
Keeping this one short because a good book and a warm cup of hot chocolate are awaiting me.
I hope you find some cozy moments of joy this week, friend. Whatever that looks like to you (though I highly recommend the hot chocolate).
with warmth + love,
N
📚 read
What happens when an illness influencer passes away? I know, this feels morbid but it’s something we don’t usually think about!
We put way too much value on being productive: I’m super guilty of this but have you ever stopped to wonder why we care about productivity?
Maybe you’re just in an input year: this concept of input + output years might help make sense of why creativity looks different sometimes
Actually realistic ways to cut down on screen time: I know, bear with me. this piece focuses on using systems (like Apple Shortcuts) to automate things
How I read so much: I read 60 books last year and it shocked a lot of people. I relate a lot to this article on how I can do it (some of the specifics are different obvi)
🌱 do
I mentioned that I’m working real remotely this week, but I’m simultaneously trying to embrace the slowness and be present throughout this trip. Doing this through lots of mindful exercises, but I specifically liked this one technique called “noting.”
Here’s a helpful guide from Headspace on how to do it. But essentially, anytime a negative thought or idea pops up in your head (ex. “I should try to be productive right now, not sitting lazily on the couch”), simply acknowledge that it exists and allow yourself to return to the present moment.
Another example, I’m acknowledging the negative self-talk that I should write more here, letting that expectation exist… but I’m still going to head out to play in some snow. ✌️
🔮 looking ahead
on building social media detox!
Thank you all so much for such kind feedback over the last few weeks! Quick little update: I’m excited to announce I’ll be moving this little corner of the internet over to Beehiiv!
I work pretty heavily in Beehiiv with my clients, so I’m familiar with the platform and really enjoy some of its more advanced features over Substack.
More to come on this (+ let me know if you want more details on this decision!), but expect to see this transition in early February, along with a whole slew of new content and exciting things.
Leave me a note if anything’s on your mind. Thanks for being on this adventure with me 🤍