Hi friend,
Do you have a lot going on right now? Or are things pretty steady?
I've got a lot going on with no signs of slowing up anytime soon. But weirdly, I'm feeling really calm most days.
When we have a lot spiraling around us, it's easy to get caught up in it. It's easy to let those spirals control our minds and emotions.
That's entirely normal.
Often in these situations though, there's very little we can control. (I know, that's what makes the anxiety WORSE, but hear me out.)
If you're like me and you like to control and know everything, it can be so tough when you're forced to put control into the universe's hands.
But in a way, it can also be freeing. There's nothing we can do beyond what we've already done, so what will be, will be.
What happens, happens. This is bigger than us.
In the end, it will go however the universe decides it will go, and we'll be at the end of this little life blip. Onto the next thing that we probably can't really control.
So, while your feelings of lostness and fear are valid, can you let yourself be free of the feeling that you need to control every little thing?
I'm here, sitting with you blissfully in the unknown.
with warmth + love,
N
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๐ The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
ThingTesting: Why brands are putting QR codes on everything
Remember when QR codes were the biggest thing at conferences? Lol remember in-person conferences?? Either way, the thing we all thought was useless is now making an intense comeback, especially in the world of DTC.
New York Times: Let's Stigmatize the Internet
As someone who was Very Onlineโข in 2021, I'd honestly be happy to spend more time offline not knowing about CTC-shrimp-like events for the next year. This article explains why it may be time to stop obsessively scrolling.
Buzzfeed News: These Instagram Accounts Want To Make Therapy Less White
Therapy + mental health that isn't inclusive and open to diverse backgrounds isn't really beneficial therapy + mental health. Cue these incredible therapist Instagram accounts changing the conversation for the better.
Vox: The blandness of TikTok's biggest stars
TikTok's algorithm seems to favor a certain type of creator + this piece dives into why this thin, rich, white bias results in, frankly, mediocre content.
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๐ง๐ผโโ๏ธ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
Do you sometimes feel like you need a quick escape?
Take a moment + transport yourself somewhere else in the world with WindowSwap: https://www.window-swap.com/
At the time of writing this, I'm looking out Santiago's window in Argentina.
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๐ Link(s) in Bio
Things Iโve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
The Lily: Free and low-cost resources for Mental Health Month โ This is a comprehensive list of all budget-friendly options to take care of your mental health. Please take care of yourself. If you're feeling like you're in a tough spot and need more support, please feel free to reply to this email. You're not alone ๐ค
LifeHacker: How to Buy a Ghost Town โย This article just brought me a lot of joy. Like a real-life Schitt's Creek. Also, my birthday is on Tuesday soโฆ just sayinโ ๐
New York Times: I'll Take 'White Supremacist Hand Gestures' for 1,000 โ I have no words. If you're amazed by conspiracy theories, give this latest Jeopardy one a go.
Embedded: Nobody wants to work anymore โ I've been sitting with this piece + the references in it, itโs that good. There's more to life than the grind + maybe that's okay to admit.
Galaxy Brain: It's Time For A Summer Slowdown โ Related to the Embedded piece, what is it about our obsession with optimizing productivity + working? This piece makes a case for recharging workers over the summer.
Business Insider: Get ready for Blob Girl Summer โ I feel like I could've written this, that's how much I relate to it. As much as I try, I don't think I'll ever fit into the "Hot Girl Summer" aesthetic.
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๐ญ Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
Your brand does not have to state an opinion on everything.
At its core, your brand should be able to hold a stance. Approaching your brand like it's a person can help guide you through your content creation and communications.
But just because you've decided on your brand's stance internally doesn't mean you need to publicly comment about it.
Your brand also doesn't have to chime in on every piece of breaking news.
Yes, your brand should be relevant + timely, but does it make sense for your brand to comment on that piece of breaking news?
The point is: people often rush to say what brands should or shouldn't do, but only you know what makes sense for your brand. Just know that you have that control, you're the one that answers if anything goes sour, and you don't have to rush โ take your time + do what you feel makes sense. That's why you're the one building the brand.
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๐ The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel