I woke up this morning and I knew exactly what I need to do: take a social media break.

I had a wonderful, inspiring week seeing Jon Batiste perform live in Paris, hosting my first MYP IRL Paris meet up (it only took 5 years and 15 cohorts), hosted a banana mapping take over as part of the World Wide Wander (sorry if you missed it—my dad and brother even made a cameo!), and guided curious humans through Street Wisdom for an in-person Paris walkshop (also part of the World Wide Wander—check out this reel from one of the participants that beautifully captures why we wander and what can happen when we allow our feet to guide the way rather than our minds).
 

 

And even with all these beautiful, connective experiences, there was something running in the background. THE SCROLL. I keep getting sucked in. I tell myself I need to stay informed (but forget there are other ways to do so). I'm distracting myself. I'm starting to question myself because of the messages being projected onto me. (I so feel for young people who this is the world they know.)

I'm stuck somewhere between knowing I need and want to share my voice (and even getting more clarity on what those messages are), and also wanting out of this game. It's hard to do anything when a large portion of what's coming at us is one giant infomercial telling us we're not enough from appearances to products, it's a rat race we can't win. That doesn't even include all the misinformation and AI generated falsehoods floating around. 

And then a few days ago seeing that the current regime has forced out UVA (my alma mater) president, is just so deeply disturbing. What gives me hope is that his stepping down is the honorable act—an act of care for so many in the university to keep their jobs and funding. And the way the community is rallying behind him. The University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson, who was by no means a perfect human (see: slavery) yet had a vision for an academical village to enrich minds. 

A few weeks ago when "HAMILTON" the musical celebrated its 10th anniversary with a performance by the original cast at the Tonys it was a reminder that “history has its eyes on you.” I see plenty of inspiring things in my scroll too. 

We're in the swirl of all the things. I know I need to take a beat and a break from the online noise and make sure I remember how to think for myself. I'm not checking out from being connect to the world. I'm connecting with myself to better engage with the world. 

My latest hot take is that we as a world don't fully recognize how deep we're in something. Sometimes we need a shake up. I wrote OVERRIDE! and even I forget that nothing will change if we don't do something different in order to have a better outcome. 

So starting tonight I'll be opting to engage my OVERRIDE! button. You're welcome to join me in your own way. (It may be a social media hiatus, or it may be something else—remember, there may be some initial discomfort, but that's normal.)

Here's this week's inspiration: 

This week reminded me and inspired me that I need to get some more in person workshops (Paris to start) on the calendar, starting in September. Please hit reply or fill out this form to let me know you're interested!

I also shared a new sizzle reel I made that I posted on LinkedIn to get a taste of what my workshops feel like if you've never experienced one. Perhaps you or someone you know would love to bring me into your company or team this fall. 

This summer I'll also be in Maine for AIGA Maine's DESIGN FEST 2025! I'll be part of the conference on August 8th at the Portland Museum of Art. If you're in the area or want to make a pilgrimage, be sure to grab a ticket before they're gone!

 I'll be part of the conference on August 8th at the Portland Museum of Art. If you're in the area or want to make a pilgrimage, be sure to grab a ticket before they're gone!

If you're subscribed to my Substack, you know I host free monthly Banana Mapping OVERRRIDE-inspired workshops the first Sunday of the month. The next one is next Sunday, July 6th. 

You don't have to understand it to join. Just BE CURIOUS. It's an amazing opportunity to find new clarity and unblock alongside others (community = super powers). Get curious! Come see for yourself what it's all about.

Mark your calendars now and make sure you subscribe to my Substack. (If you want me to send you a calendar reminder, hit reply to let me know!)

In my year of CONNECTIVITY, I'd love to hear how you're staying connected these days—both to yourself and to others.

I shared a “hot take” on Instagram Stories yesterday asking "Where are all the men? [when it comes to community and participation]. I've joined many wonderful womens groups in Paris, but I'm not sure that men have taken to this kind of gathering (beyond sports). But what confuses me most is even when it's not a female-focused gathering, how few men are showing up these days. (The main reason I ask is knowing connection and clubs are key to sharing democracy; see here.)

On Instagram, I realized I wasn't the only one noticing this. (One friend shared this article.) I think it's part of the deeper phenomenon of people being deeper in something than any of us realize. And the thing is, we're not designed to navigate this alone. It's through community and connection that we get through.

I'd love to know what you've observed in your own communities. 

I've also observed how hard it is to get people to engage and respond these days, but it really would mean a lot if you shared your thoughts on anything in this newsletter. There was no AI used in the creation of this newsletter, and I really do love knowing there's a human on the other side of it. 

 Here's to a week of re/connection! ❤️

P.S. Click below to pick up your own copy of OVERRIDE! What if there was another way?