This is my first time coming back to writing freely. There’s no book I need to review, no topic I need to research and clarify. It’s just me, my keyboard, and my brain. I’ve brainstormed for a long time about the kind of newsletter I want to write that would bring value to readers, but this only delayed my comeback. So, I decided to freestyle it. Hopefully, you, reading this, can perhaps tell me more about how I can be of help to you.
Looking back at my newsletter habits, I’ve noticed that I enjoy reading from businesses that offer value on their other accounts but share more personal stories, thoughts, and behind-the-scenes insights in their newsletters.
From now on, I’ll be taking you on a tour of my mind each week, and I hope you enjoy it.
These past few weeks have been tough. Since returning from travel, I’ve been hit with a heavy workload in my day job and expected myself to jump back into my old routine easily. I struggled to wake up, stick to my usual gym routine, and often felt sluggish. I took a step back and decided to give my body a week to reset: no fixed wake-up times (I usually wake up before 8 anyway, so it wasn’t a problem), no obligation to stick to my gym plan, and no need to be consistent with anything. Aside from real emergencies and deadlines, everything else was optional. And it helped me tremendously.
The week after, I got back to my usual routine—juggling work obligations, my side hustle, the gym, and trying to be a normal human being. Each week, one or more of these feels hard and painful to stick to, but that’s to be expected when you’re trying to do a lot.
This week, it’s been my side hustle, thethinkinglab. I’m struggling to grow it organically. Since the beginning of June, I promised myself to give it a serious shot by being consistent. So far, the growth has been slow and painful. I keep reminding myself not to be discouraged: analyze the data, post what works, and just keep going—the results will come. But, I’m only human, and sometimes I feel like this isn’t worth it, that I’m wasting my time. That’s exactly how I’ve felt these past few days: discouraged, tired, frustrated, and in need of a good cry.
Yet, I’m still determined to keep going, despite how I feel. Two years ago, I would have given up entirely and drowned in sorrow, convinced that I suck and that nothing ever works for me. Now, I realize that these emotions are normal. I invite them in, feel them, and then just do what has to be done. I had a little cry, edited a reel, and now I’m finalizing this newsletter. And I still hold onto the hope that one day, all this will be worth it.
If you’re going through a similar situation, remember that what you’re feeling is normal. Cry if you need to, scream if you have to, but do what has to be done. Your future self will thank you.
What have you been struggling with lately? Let me know!
