Hi there,
I’ve missed you.
I have not been writing my newsletter consistently, but that changes today … with a platform switch (hello, Substack!) + a new schedule (bi-weekly).
First, I insist on thanking you for continuing to read this newsletter - you are a true friend.
But you deserve something useful, something consistent in your inbox.
Going forward, this newsletter (now titled “You, Me, + Iced Tea”) will be published every other Wednesday.
I hope you look forward to it … now, to the good stuff!
Don’t call this a wrap-up edition … but it kinda is.
2021 has been a historical year for many reasons, many of which are obvious on a large scale.
On a personal level, I got a full-time role as an employee, relocated to Colorado, + didn’t write a single word for my new book.
Hey, I thought we were being honest here?
2021 was not the year to write my book. I tried, I truly did, but it didn’t happen. I didn’t make it happen.
And for the first time, I’m OK with that.
Have you found yourself trying to force things into existence, only to be perpetually disappointed that things didn’t turn out even fractionally as you’d hoped?
Yeah, I’m getting really sick of that life.
So, 2022 is going to be the year I write my new book. The first draft is half done - time to bang out the rest so I have something to work with.
While I wasn’t writing my book, I recently tried tequila for the first time. I’m not much of a drinker (not a fan of how I feel the next day), but I am all for trying something at least once.
The same goes for books.
While 2021 wasn’t a banner year for writing (a book or a newsletter, ha), I did read some real gems.
Here’s hoping this list inspires you to read that book that’s had your eye on for a while (it has you captivated for a reason, no?):
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi - It took me 4 months to read this book because it has me THINKING in ways I’d never thought before. Ibram’s perspective is so genuine + honest that you think you’re having a conversation with him about a topic that elicits a lot of tension these days.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant - Speaking of thinking, Adam Grant once again has written a book that I recommend to just about everyone I know. Instead of shrinking away from what we don’t know, Adam helps us embrace it in the best way possible.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman - I’ve read my fair share of time management + productivity books. Frankly, I’m sick of them … but Oliver is my new favorite productivity writer, mostly because he’s not trying to convince you to be productive. That may sound backward, but please, read the book + let it change your perspective on “productivity.”
Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie - My favorite fiction book of all those that I read this year. This globe-trotting, family-drama-blending, Japanese-culture-weaving book is my favorite fiction book I’ve read in years, and I’d read it again.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein - If you’ve fallen into the habit of becoming uber-specialized (especially if you’re an entrepreneur), this book will have you expanding your horizons.
Do Walk: Navigate earth, mind and body. Step by step. by Libby DeLana - This book brought back the joys of taking a simple walk. Since reading it, I’m back to my daily walking habit and I’m REALLY feeling the difference - physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price, Ph.D. - The title says it all. If you disagree with the title, that’s all the more reason to read the book.
I’m not going to get on my soapbox about how 2021 went, or how I hope 2022 will go for you or me. We’ve all had enough of that.
Please, take care of yourself + your loved ones during this crazy time. To the best of your ability, enjoy the holiday season, slow down, breathe … and maybe take a nice walk. See you again in 2022. Maybe that will be the year we have iced tea together.
Gratefully,
VK