Thanks for this list, Jenna. Cannot agree more about assembly line + doing something for someone else!
I do such high-level, strategic work every day, it's really draining. There's something really soothing about disappearing into a repetitive, hands-on task. A way to lose yourself in the work for a little bit. And there's nothing like the tiny brain chemical hit of making someone else feel good!
I love this entire article! It’s #5 that landed most for me:
“5. Intentionally write cards & send them
Once a week, set a timer for 30-60 minutes and write a thoughtful card to 3- 5 people. It could be for an upcoming birthday, a thank you, or just because.
Speak to things you appreciate about them, qualities you admire, or memories you share. Think of people who are going through a big change, have been working really hard under the radar, need a boost of hope, or have recently experienced a loss.
Our words hold more power than we know. People are hurting more than we know. Use your words to pour life into others. Putting them on paper makes them a permanent comfort that a person can revisit countless times. With every envelope in the mail, your passion for the people in your life will glow a bit brighter.”
This post is full of so much joy and such thoughtful, valuable ideas. I'm in a pretty zesty place these days but I love the idea of taking some of these actions and spreading my zest around! Thank you for sharing <3
The idea of making something big and bold for someone else, purely for the absurdity of delighting them? That's the one. It's such a simple antidote to the self-focus spiral. This whole list is a good reset. Saving it :)
What a fun read - bringing zest to life is really what stays at the foreground of my mind a spring rolls back around every year. Seeing the flowers start blooming on the trees and the birds start chirping more with the days that get longer and longer - it just feels like the perfect time to bring color back into my own life. Love this list so much - and love the layout of your magazine! Such a fun read end to end :)
Speaking on bringing back a zest for life. Some of my friends and I just started an art club where we meet once a month work on creative projects and drink wine without having to worry about our young children running under foot! I’m really excited to finally get back to painting after a very long hiatus!
Amazing advice! Will be incorporating the assembly line into my life. I love doing things that are repetitive and with my hands.
Really loved reading this and it put into stark perspective how little I do for other people… must try to remedy that 👀 Thankyou for the reminder
This happens for all of us! You are in good company.
Bring back the zest!!
Yes. 🖤
Such a breath of fresh air to my heart!
That’s the goal! Thank you 😭
would definitely get the magazine if it was physical one day! love it now too
Working on that dream! 🖊️
Thanks for this list, Jenna. Cannot agree more about assembly line + doing something for someone else!
I do such high-level, strategic work every day, it's really draining. There's something really soothing about disappearing into a repetitive, hands-on task. A way to lose yourself in the work for a little bit. And there's nothing like the tiny brain chemical hit of making someone else feel good!
Absolutely perfection! I love the idea of the assembly line! Could be fun with starting seeds and friends!
I love this entire article! It’s #5 that landed most for me:
“5. Intentionally write cards & send them
Once a week, set a timer for 30-60 minutes and write a thoughtful card to 3- 5 people. It could be for an upcoming birthday, a thank you, or just because.
Speak to things you appreciate about them, qualities you admire, or memories you share. Think of people who are going through a big change, have been working really hard under the radar, need a boost of hope, or have recently experienced a loss.
Our words hold more power than we know. People are hurting more than we know. Use your words to pour life into others. Putting them on paper makes them a permanent comfort that a person can revisit countless times. With every envelope in the mail, your passion for the people in your life will glow a bit brighter.”
This post is full of so much joy and such thoughtful, valuable ideas. I'm in a pretty zesty place these days but I love the idea of taking some of these actions and spreading my zest around! Thank you for sharing <3
Thank you for reading, Lauren! Really appreciate your feedback
Loved this advice and thank you that none of the steps included buying things!!
;) the stuff of life often does not include shopping for it
The idea of making something big and bold for someone else, purely for the absurdity of delighting them? That's the one. It's such a simple antidote to the self-focus spiral. This whole list is a good reset. Saving it :)
Yay! Glad it's save-worthy!
What a fun read - bringing zest to life is really what stays at the foreground of my mind a spring rolls back around every year. Seeing the flowers start blooming on the trees and the birds start chirping more with the days that get longer and longer - it just feels like the perfect time to bring color back into my own life. Love this list so much - and love the layout of your magazine! Such a fun read end to end :)
Thank you, Cristina! I truly appreciate this.
My mom always told me that if I was overwhelmed I needed to do something for others! I love how community-centric your list is! So beautiful.
That idea came from my mom too!
Ugh moms are the BEST
i really loved this, thank you for sharing sharing 🩵🩵🩵
i also plan to become a paying subscriber sometime soon!! you are by far my favorite substack (and any form of media i consume!)
just got to straighten a few things out first…
You are so kind to say so!
Speaking on bringing back a zest for life. Some of my friends and I just started an art club where we meet once a month work on creative projects and drink wine without having to worry about our young children running under foot! I’m really excited to finally get back to painting after a very long hiatus!
Wow, this is absolutely lovely. What a great example for the kids to show the adults prioritizing time in a vivid creative community.
Needed this read! Desperately craving a Phineas and Ferb summer. 🎢
SAME