Thanks for being here. If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here to join The Root 9 Community.
On Wednesdays, we’ll reflect: See below for some some of what I’ve learned from the week to inspire reflection, a well-being soundbite, and a view of my wish list / recs / things I’m currently obsessing over. 🙂
1/3. W.I.L.T.W (What I Learned This Week)
On the Unconventional Canvas
I really am a fan of Substack, so I am going to highlight another unique post that stood out on my feed this week. This one is from Cara Alwill.
I’m not sure what exactly about the story behind this photo got to me, but I found it so moving and inspiring. It really made me think “dedication knows no excuses".”
As someone who can fall into over-perfecting something I care deeply about, this served as a powerful reminder that our grandest aspirations don't always need a pristine, perfectly arranged stage. We often fall into the trap of waiting for the "right time"—the quiet morning hours, the dedicated home office, the uninterrupted flow. But this flipped the script for me. His workspace is a bar scene, his canvas, a stack of humble napkins. His "writing time" is carved out in fragments, amidst the chaos of a shift.
This story is a testament to the sheer force of obsession and ingenuity. When a goal truly takes root, when you’re deeply committed to it, the "how" becomes an act of creative problem-solving rather than a barrier. You find the time, even if it's in five-minute bursts between duties. You find the tools, even if they're not the conventional ones. The perfect conditions aren't a prerequisite; they're a luxury. The only real requirement is the unwavering will to start, and to keep going.
2/3. Well-being Weapons
Taking Notes On Eggs From the Master Himself
I have an on-again, off-again relationship with eggs. One week, they're my breakfast staple, a quick and satisfying start to the day (or even a lightning-fast dinner). The next, I'm immersed in the comfort of a yogurt bowl. Lately, I’ve been eating a lot of yogurt and I’m feeling the pendulum swing back towards a warm breakfast craving, and that means one thing: eggs are back on the menu.
About a year ago, Dylan introduced me to a scrambled egg technique by Gordon Ramsay, and I was instantly obsessed. For all their versatility, eggs can sometimes just... taste like eggs. This method elevates them.
I'll be honest, it's a bit more involved than your usual quick whisk and pour, but I think it's worth it. You can find the full video tutorial below.
Here’s why I think they truly are a game-changer:
Note: if you don't have crème fraîche, I've found feta works wonders for a salty kick – perhaps that’s the Bulgarian in me.
Using medium heat, constantly stirring with a spatula, and taking the pan off the heat for about 30 seconds intermittently while continuing to stir → prevents overcooking by allowing the residual heat to finish the eggs gently
Adding crème fraîche → gives your eggs an creamy, almost custard-like texture, unlike the drier, chunkier texture of conventionally cooked eggs
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
You heard it here first, fresh sugar snap peas are my new office snack hack.
I've started bringing about two bags of them to the office each week, and they disappear fast. They’re incredibly crunchy, which I think is rare from a healthy snack. For me, they're oddly filling for a vegetable and tide me over. Perhaps most importantly, when my afternoon cravings hit, they steer me firmly towards a healthier alternative.
Want to live with intention and find more joy in your daily life? The Root 9 Community is for you. You’ll get inspiration, reflection, and mindful indulgence straight to your inbox three times a week. Unlock your potential for a more balanced, fulfilling life, one week at a time. Join The Root 9 Community here and find your balance.