This week, I wanted to write about something that I’ve been struggling with as of late, and that is routines.
As an only child and person obsessed with productivity, I have a routine for basically every aspect of my life. My routines have been and are my guiding lights, and when I fall off track with one, it’s a ripple effect of all my routines falling out of sync (yes, I did fight the urge to make a N*Sync reference). This is why I haven’t sent this newsletter consistently in months. The only routine I have been able to keep up with is my Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy viewing every night, which is why I am both very wordy and very smart.
However, here’s my attempt to get back on track (yes, I did fight the urge to make an Amtrak reference). I will hold myself accountable for getting things done, and here are a few things I plan on doing. Perhaps some of these things may be helpful if you’re feeling all over the place.
Using my calendar
I know I’m always talking about planners and organizing, but your girl left those things in the past. I’ve been living on vibes and memory, which I guess, in a way, is a good thing, but I’m just out here thriving and not doing. I have started blocking off time in my calendar to do things I need to do, e.g., writing this newsletter, and am also using setting alerts to remind myself to do them. Also, with my calendar, it goes without saying I will adhere to what’s on my calendar.
Not using hella systems.
I’m solely using my calendar. I will no longer use my Task Managers that I switch every few weeks because they are just creating busy work.
Being flexible and realistic
Getting back to the swing of things won’t come immediately, so I need to be realistic about how long it will take to get on track. Because I’ve been off the wagon, I need to work on getting back in the saddle. However, I’m unsure if a wagon and a saddle go together, but you get what I’m saying. I also need to be flexible because some days, I will feel like spending 10 minutes on TikTok (yes, I came back) before I do anything else, and that’s fine.
Those are the most significant things I will do in addition to a few others, but let me know what you do to get back on track.
In other news, here are a few things I thought were worth sharing this week.
My summer playlist is thriving and growing on both Spotify and Apple Music. In Apple Music news, I am contemplating moving there primarily in the next few months. While I’ve been a Spotify kid for years, and I enjoy that you can listen to podcasts and music all in one platform, I love the stations and curation on Apple. We shall see.
One of my favorites, Mahalia, released her new album IRL, and I love it so much. In addition to “Terms and Conditions,” I also can’t stop listening to “In My Bag” since the album came out.
With more companies adopting hybrid workplaces or encouraging their employees to return to the office, I found this to be a pretty good read about what Airbnb learned after a year of letting employees work from anywhere.
Love these affirmations for women - there are 100.
I’ve been slacking on my reading lately, but in
‘s latest newsletter, she has a pretty good list of books to add to your reading list.I know the masses aren’t really into Amanda Seales, but I watched her interview with Big Sean for her podcast Small Doses, and it was such a great conversation. The pair talked about fatherhood, music, Detroit, and more. Say what you want about her, but when she’s not being preachy, she’s actually enjoyable. Speaking of which, I just finished rewatching Insecure for the second time (since it’s been on Netflix), and what a great show.
I’m still so shocked that Andy Cohen/Bravo got Jenna Lyons to be on RHONY, but I’m excited about it. So far, I’m really enjoying RHONY. I like the people, and the casting just makes sense. In just two episodes, it’s better than the whole season of RHONY last season because who would believe Eboni or Leah would be friends with Ramona?
Many thoughts on Carlee Russell, but I’m exhausted and confused currently. Let’s circle the block on this at a later date.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back on Saturday for my paid crew with a digest. In the meantime, see you later.
Thanks Girl!! 💖