The One about Newsletters, a Yoga Invitation & a Running Milestone.
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good newsletter. No surprise on why I decided to start mine 🙂 I read and subscribe to A LOT of newsletters and they never fail to spark something within me. From Mel Robbins, to Austin Kleon, Ali Abdaal or Mark Manson - I find newsletters to be part inspiration, part reflection but always nudging me to think differently and be more circumspect about my approach to life.
As 2024 winds down, I find myself with a bit more free time to revisit ideas from some of the newsletters that have shaped how I approach life. From drawing boundaries in friendships to embracing quiet moments of recalibration, this post is a quiet jab to get you to consider subscribing to newsletters that inspire introspection, spark creativity, and offer actionable wisdom to help you navigate life with intention and curiosity. And shameless plug here, please start with this one 😊
🤝🏾 The Power of Boundaries in Friendships
Mark Manson’s recent challenge to establish a relationship boundary hit close to home. Earlier this year, I faced a difficult situation with a new friend. This person passive-aggressively questioned my integrity and then tried to gaslight me into believing it wasn’t a big deal. It was a moment that felt both subtle and seismic—a quiet betrayal of trust. Rather than confront the issue, I chose a path that felt true to me: I stepped back. No explanations, no arguments—just a deliberate decision to dial back on the relationship and prioritize my peace. It was hard but necessary, and I’m proud of myself for making the choice. Looking back, I wonder if a more direct conversation could have led to clarity or resolution. But for me, maintaining boundaries worked best. It protected my energy, reduced drama, and allowed me to move forward without resentment.
Have you ever had to set boundaries in a friendship? How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
💤 Embracing the ‘Dead Week’
Austin Kleon’s concept of dead week—a quiet period to reflect and recalibrate—feels especially relevant during this time of year. What is dead week you say? It’s that period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when the days seemingly loop into each other and all, but the most urgent of matters are dealt with. This year, I’m dedicating my own dead week to reviewing 2024’s highlights and lessons. It’s a chance to revisit my target moments—those meaningful milestones I aimed for and achieved—and to think about what I want to create in 2025.
What would a dead week look like for you?
🎯 Celebrating Target Moments
Ali Abdaal’s idea of target moments—those intentional, meaningful milestones—has been a lens through which I’ve reflected on my biggest achievements this year:
✨ Completing my first triathlon, a journey of grit and growth that reshaped how I see myself.
✨ Launching The Splendid Torch, this Substack newsletter, as a way to reconnect with my creativity.
Each of these moments was a deliberate aim—proof that when we focus on what matters, we can create the life we envision.
The goal for 2025? Take these lessons forward. What were some of your target moments this year? What’s next on your list?
🌟This Week’s Delights
🧘🏾♀️ Let’s Yoga Together
I still remember the very first time I stepped into a yoga class. I fell asleep mid-class, and afterward, I swore off yoga entirely. It just wasn’t for me—or so I thought.
Fast forward a few decades, and here I am, a huge fan of yoga and its transformative effects. For the past five years, I’ve kicked off every New Year with 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. It’s become a grounding ritual for me—a way to reset my body, mind, and spirit for the year ahead.
This January, Adriene is doing something new! Alongside her usual 30-day calendar, she’s introducing ENERGY/PRANA, a 7-day yoga program with brand-new videos. I’ll be joining her each morning and invite you to join me on this journey.
Yoga has been an incredible way to start my day, offering balance, flexibility, and a sense of calm. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or trying it for the first time, this is a beautiful way to ease into the New Year with purpose and energy. I honestly wish I did more daily yoga, but I’m putting that on my target list for next year.
If you’d like to join, comment below and let me know if you’re signing up—it’s always more fun with company! Let’s reset, recharge, and embrace the possibilities of 2025 together.
Here’s to starting the year on the mat—see you there!
🏃🏾♀️ My First Negative Split!
If you told me two years ago I’d not only be running but loving it, I’d have laughed you out of the room. Back then, I was firmly in the “I’ll only run if a wild animal is chasing me” camp. (PS. I had run a half marathon in 2005 and I just knew after that race that I would never be running like that again). But here I am, celebrating a running milestone I never thought I’d care about—my first-ever negative splits.
For the non-runners out there (like my former self), negative splits mean running faster with each mile or kilometer. It’s a beautiful blend of pacing, mental grit, and pure determination. And on Christmas Day, I hit an 8:15/km pace and felt like I could keep going forever—a far cry from the wheezing, side-stitch-prone me of the past.
Now, I’m setting my sights on completing a 10k. Not for a medal or a PB (personal best), but for the sheer joy of proving to myself that I can. Running has shifted from a dreaded chore to a time of clarity, strength, and self-discovery.
The biggest surprise? I love it. Running clears my mind, strengthens my body, and teaches me lessons in resilience. The wild animal chasing me now is my own self-doubt, and I’m outrunning it with every step.
Here’s to the miles ahead!
Until next time, keep shining.
XOXO