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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)
Beyond Output: Creating Value That Resonates
I think writers feel entitled to an audience because they feel like writing is a craft that they've practiced, a skill that they've learned, and that should entitle them to an audience of readers. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. And I see creating content as a way to kind of run experiments and to learn what your audience is looking for.
No one owes you attention for the content you create. Attention is earned by creating value for others.
That feels incredibly blunt, but it’s true. Just because I’ve posted that I’m working on developing and sharing TR9 with you, it doesn’t mean you owe me a read every week or even to be a subscriber, even if you’re a friend! You have the right to decide this isn’t interesting to you, regardless of whether I put days of effort into one newsletter or 30 minutes. If the motive was to accelerate subscriber growth as fast as I can, this could be pretty demoralizing.
The same applies to other forms of social media (posting reels on Instagram, uploading a TikTok, etc.). But, growth aside, focusing on actually having fun with what you’re creating and putting your energy into delivering something you're proud of, no matter if 30 or 30K people engage with it, feels like the most authentic way to grow an audience that is engaged. I think this principle extends far beyond the content creation realm.
We don’t owe it to a baker to visit their new bakery and taste their desserts, no matter how much they poured their heart into it. We don’t owe it to a director to watch their new film, no matter how much effort they invested in bringing the screenplay to life. Nor do we owe brands or corporations purchases of their products, regardless of the time, effort, and resources put into production.
But, when we see the a glimmer of hope in the eyes of a small business owner that you’ll appreciate their craft, we pause. This is similar to our enthusiasm to support brands that align with our values. If we focus on fueling our work with earnest attention and thought, we’re more likely to establish lasting organic bonds over fleeting ‘virality’.
True praise and genuine engagement aren't owed; they're a result of creating something that resonates, that offers a benefit, a solution, or a spark of inspiration to those who choose to engage with it. Ultimately, the world rewards value, not effort alone.
To read the full article from Creator Spotlight, you can find it here.
2/3. Well-being Weapons
Cottage Cheese Hard boiled Egg Protein Plate
I know…cottage cheese…how original! Look, I’m not saying I am reinventing the wheel with everything that I share here. However, I am someone who is typically rushing from the gym to get into the office or trying to pack a quick snack in between meals when I work from home. Having staples I love makes life easier for me & this is one of my go-tos. for a speedy breakfast or a perfect quick snack in between meals to keep the hanger at bay.
I do tend to fixate on things I love. Whether that’s a clothing item (I own 4 pairs of “We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans” in different colors), podcasts I listen to (I subscribe to and regularly listen to new episodes from 3-4 main ones), or snacks (like this one). I scrolled through my camera roll for the bit, and the sheer number of photos I have of this exact cottage cheese creation is pretty comical.
Anyway, give this a try and maybe you'll find it to your liking!
Cottage Cheese Hard boiled Egg Protein Plate
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5-7 minutes
Required Ingredients:
1-2 servings of cottage cheese (I prefer blending the whole tub with a handheld mixer to make it smooth & creamy)
2-3 hard-boiled eggs
Optional Toppings & Seasonings:
Toppings: Sliced cucumbers, avocado or tangy pickles
Seasoning: flaky Maldon sea salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and / or freshly chopped parsley (if you are feeling fancy!)
I did try adding ham and carrots on two occasions. Definitely funky and I’d stick to the basics above. BUT, if you find a fun new topping, let me know!
Directions:
(Optional) Blend your cottage cheese right in the container using a handheld mixer
Lay the foundation: Spoon your blended (or not, you do you!) cottage cheese onto a plate
Chop chop: Slice up your chosen vegetable toppings – cucumbers, avocado, pickles, whatever your heart desires
Seasoning layer #1: Sprinkle a generous layer of your favorite seasonings over the cottage cheese
Add the egg: Crack those hard-boiled eggs and chop them up however you like – sliced, diced, quartered - and arrange the chopped eggs on top of the seasoned cottage cheese
Seasoning layer #2 (optional but recommended): If you like extra flavor like me, add another little sprinkle of your seasonings over the eggs
In case you want to save this for later - here’s a simple screenshot:
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
Similar to how those close to me know my love for Kings of Leon runs deep (nod to Monday), the one item I don’t think I could ever give up eating is nuts. Sure, I can cut out a carb, a protein, or even protein bars - if I had to - but tell me I had to eat a nut and seed-free diet, I’m toast. But, hazelnuts officially sit at the top of the pyramid. (Put them in your freezer and they are even more addictive - I warned you!)
As a result, I’ve made going to the Farmers Market on a Sunday to pick up my favorite hazelnut nut butter a religious experience, at this point. I look forward to it every week, and if it’s Thursday and I’m running low, I ration out my portion to make sure it lasts until I buy more the upcoming Sunday. My favorite nut butter is from a small family & woman-owned business based out of San Benito County, California - Wise Goat Organics.
So, if you are looking to buy another fellow nut butter lover a treat - I’d highly recommend buying a jar of the Chocolate Hazelnut Butter (or a couple to say the least).
And just for giggles - here’s my personal and (very) biased pyramid ranking, since I nodded to hazelnuts being at the top.
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