hitting pause
just the hits #26
“You’re doing too much. I’m not ending this session until we take things off your plate.”
My therapist did not hold back with me this week. She listened to me unload, vent, and gave me a few moments before she read me like a receipt.
She, of course, was correct.
March tends to be one of my busier months - Rho’s birthday, DCAT (an annual pharma conference in NYC that many of our partners and vendors fly in for). This year, we also have SXSW (I’m speaking on a featured session and doing a book signing), moderating a conversation with the brilliant Sahaj Kaur Kohli, MAEd, LGPC about her equally brilliant book, But What Will People Say? I’m currently in production for a secret project that has me channeling my inner Oprah.
And Rho is turning 10. TEN. So I’m mentally coping with that while planning some special celebrations for him.
I’ve completely fallen out of my routine over the past couple of weeks, and this month is anything but routine. Here’s what I committed to my therapist (and to my husband):
I deleted the Threads and Reddit apps from my phone, and delete Instagram after I post. I’ll engage with comments and DMs on my desktop, where I have a 30 minute limit set on my browser.
Aside from this newsletter (plus March’s plan and a special #5SmartReads), I’m taking some time off from writing and publishing here. I plan to return once I wrap production and have recharged a bit. I’ve paused billing for paid subscribers as well.
I replaced my daily writing blocks on my calendar with “offline time”, and moved them to the afternoon. I might read, finally pick up a half-finished needlepoint project, or just stare blankly at the wall.
Emma Louden called this issue of #5SmartReads her most favorite one yet (I’ve removed the paywall on this one):
I’m really glad to have had the mid-winter break that we did:
No joke - I wear these pants at least once a week (and usually twice). They fit beautifully and hold their shape after multiple wears, are incredibly comfortable, machine washable, and they’re $40 (I first discovered the brand’s pants from an Armoire shipment and bought these pants from my rental).
The only other pants I’ve been wearing are my Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans. If renting them isn’t an option, here are some pre-owned ones under $100.
I’m most definitely a book dragon (speaking of books, have you caught up on Hot & Bothered yet?)
3 little wellness things I travel with every trip - the best shaker bottle that I use as a water bottle as well, Bala bangles for added resistance when I’m on walks (just take these out of your personal item when going through security), and individual protein powder packets.
Now these are some habits I can get behind.
There are some beautiful East-West bags available on Etsy. This one is the most classic, and I love the angular shape and jewel color of this one. I personally am gravitating towards the Boston bag style.
If you enjoyed this weekend’s letter, please consider:
tapping the ❤️ icon below.
tap the 💬 and share what you’ve always wanted to learn.
upgrading your subscription, if budget permits.
As always, take exquisite care of yourself this week.
xo,
HPN
Ten! Omg.
I'm glad you're pausing and need to do the same. Today is my son's 10th birthday and in 3 weeks it's my daughter's 9th...it feels like January lasted forever, February flew by and here we are in busy March!