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On Fridays, we’ll take a breath: See below for a food for thought as you enter your weekend to reground on what matters most 🙂
Food for Thought
What is something (even if it seems small or "irrational") that makes you feel like you? How can you prioritize doing that thing this weekend or in the coming week?
Hey everyone! Brief sidebar from me before I get into it. Feel free to scroll if you’d like.
The purpose of these Fridays has always been to give us a second to breathe and ask ourselves something worth reflecting on.
Candidly... I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. Not just about The Root 9, but about how I show up here with you. It’s no surprise (to me at least) that I tend to write a lot more formally than I actually speak.
I don't really remember when I developed a writing style like this, but one of the most memorable pieces of feedback I received on my writing was back when I was writing my senior thesis in college. My advisor told me my writing was just too formal and honestly, a little bit difficult to digest because of it.
In a world full of AI-generated noise, I’m realizing my formality can start to feel a little less authentic. A little less like the Yoana you’d have a conversation with if we want on a walk in the Marina.
So, I’m reeeeaally trying to push myself. Going forward, I’m going to write to you smilar to how I speak (with a proofread, so this doesn’t just seem like a ramble, haha). It’s harder for me than organizing this and then writing, but I want this to feel more human, and, well, more ‘Yoana’ in voice. I’d love your feedback. Let me know what you think (whether thats via text or email reply).
Anyway... onto the Food for Thought.
I got my car towed in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. If you know, you know... it’s PAINFULLY expensive. To try and come back from that hit, I told myself I’d cut back on some of the "indulgences" I give myself for a bit. That meant (trying to) skip getting my nails done.
I usually get them done every three or four weeks. It’s a hefty investment, but I love them long.
For the last two weeks without them... I’ve felt "out of body." It sounds a little silly to say I don't feel like myself without a long black nail... but it’s the truth. They just make me feel like me.
I finally went and got them done today. Walking out of that salon, I let out this massive “AAaaahhh”... it felt so great. I was giggling in the chair.
It reminded me that sometimes the things that make us feel grounded don't need a "rational" explanation. They just matter.
I'm so grateful you've taken the time to read and engage with the newsletter. To help me make it better, I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback you have. Feel free to send any requests, ideas, or suggestions to [email protected]!
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