Hi First name / there!
Remember me? It's been awhile. When I started this newsletter, I promised I wouldn't spam you. And in the chaos that was the last few months of 2023, I was running on fumes in the non-blog areas of my life and didn't want to send an email just to send an email. I want this newsletter to have purpose and to bring joy and a little sparkle to your inbox.
2023 was a big year for me. I stepped away from an industry I'd worked in for more than a decade. I started a job in a completely brand-new field. My blog received a complete refresh, a new name, and site overhaul, all of which made me so excited!
Now here's where I get a little vulnerable. With all the big changes, I struggled a lot with limiting beliefs this year, more so than in previous years. A few of these limiting beliefs have been with me for a long time. But this year was the year I recognized I had to say “Enough!” and make a serious shift in my mindset. Of course, these thoughts didn't simply disappear with the Times Square ball drop at midnight. This is a process and I'm both excited and honestly a little nervous to be on this journey.
Limiting Beliefs I'm Leaving Behind in 2023
“I don't have enough time to do [activity I know makes me happy].”
Throughout all the big changes, I focused on keeping my head down and figuring out my new day-to-day in my new space. This led to a lot of exhausted evenings where I'd shut down my work computer and flop onto the couch, too tired to read, get in a work out, write a blog post, etc.
I kept telling myself I didn't have enough time to do those activities even though I knew they would bring me joy. The truth was I did have enough time for them, I just wasn't allowing myself to make the time for them. I've been working since then on blocking time on my calendar and in my day planner for yoga, writing time, barre, and long walks with our dog.
“People must think I'm vain because of my blog.”
Okay this is a limiting belief I've had for a very long time. I didn't think about it initially when I started my blog but when more people began reading it and I met people in DC who told me they knew me from my blog, I started to panic. I worried they would think I was vain and having a blog diminished my skills and work as a professional. I realize now how ludicrous this thought was and while I do sometimes wonder if a Reel I'm about to post is “cringe” I'm at at that stage of life where I'm posting this Reel because I'm having fun. Some people might think it's cringe but that's okay. I'm having fun!
"This post/photo doesn't look good enough. I'm going to delete it."
I'm still reeling (pun intended) from the days where it was all about your “Instagram aesthetic." Each photo had to complement each other and your “grid” had to flow to attract likes and engagement. My phone is filled with tons of photos where I thought “Hm, my smile looks kind of weird” or “I think I could have found a better background for this outfit." No wonder I've had to buy more storage on my phone! Perfect can't be the enemy of good and I'm working to undo the “Instagram aesthetic” grip to show more true, authentic moments of my life.
Eek okay that was a lot so if you are still reading, thank you!! I have a lot of ideas and plans for my newsletter (like ideas I've had for YEARS) and on my blog in 2024. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this community! I truly appreciate you 🤍
- Lauren
