This Q4, I've fully embraced my Elizabeth Bennet era.
Straight from the pages of Pride & Prejudice, I read instead of scroll.
I take long, misty walks across the rolling hills of Hertfordshire Providence.
I cook in silence. (No podcasts, no music, just the sound of my thoughts processing.)
We use beeswax candles at the dinner table. (Even when it's boxed mac 'n cheese.)
I wave to my kids from the sidelines of the YMCA pool instead of scrunching over my laptop, precariously balancing ¾ of a bum on the world's most uncomfortable bleachers.
I play Uno in the waiting room with my youngest while my oldest completes her drum lessons. (Instead of looking at emails on my phone.)
I sign off two days a week at 3pm and don't go a minute past 5pm the rest of the week. (And when the sun sets at 4pm (😭) I turn on a soft-glow lamp.)
I remember when I started Big Picture six years ago, and how I wondered if it was really possible to build a business that earns enough money to help support my family and gives me the autonomy and creative freedom my corporate/tech jobs could never —and here I am. I did it!
But dang it, if that pesky thing called "evolving perspective" didn't walk into my office this year.
The intrusive thought-monster said, "Your P.O.V. and how you want to serve clients and fellow solo business owners have changed---what are you going to do about it?"
But like Elizabeth Bennet, I am stubborn, prideful, and let old beliefs get in my way. (Oh, to be human! Le sigh.)
It's trite to say, but let me say it anyway: Sometimes you need to get quiet before you can get loud again.
I haven't created any resources, offers, or programs this year. According to my website, I wrote eight blog posts---but I don't remember writing any of them.
But the silence has been good. Healing even.
Part of getting quiet has meant being way more intentional about what I let into my brain. I've started curating my inbox with a rotation of newsletters/Substacks/bloggers that make me think creatively, wonder why, and feel inspired.
Here are a few that have earned their spot---I think you'll dig them too.
Chris Loves Julia - Make no mistake, CLJ is so much more than brass switchplate covers and moody room renovations. These two are brand strategy geniuses. I subscribed two years ago with every intention of bopping off after reading their welcome sequence (#research), but once I started watching what they're doing from a marketing and branding perspective, I was as hooked as an heirloom coat rack.
The Evange List - I sat next to Taylor Davies when we were college interns at Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Magazine (R.I.P.). I was an oh-so-serious editorial nerd, and she had both really great outfits and a killer writing style. She is probably the seed of inspiration I needed to develop a more conversational writing style and ditch the collegiate-essayist-speak. (Shoutout to the time we ran into each other on the F Train in NYC, and I giddily told her all about this British boy I was dating. 10 years and two kids later, we're still going strong.)
The Strategic Leader's Toolbox - Seven years ago, I signed up for something called "coaching" with someone I'd never heard of to help me figure out what I wanted to do next in my career. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why Big Picture Copywriting exists. I have no business being on Carole Ann's leadership newsletter anymore, except, yes I do, because nobody can reframe a business leadership problem and remind you of your purpose like she can. 10/10 if you need bi-weekly perspectives on leadership mixed with the most excellent book and podcast recommendations.
The Community Libraries of Providence Newsletter - I’m not going to link this one, but you should find your local library and join their list because do you have any idea how awesome libraries are??? Free workshops, kids’ events, adult lectures, craft tables, game nights, business resources, a seed library, free passes to museums and sports events, and you can check out any book you’ve ever wanted to read (even e-books) for FREE. Do you know how much money the library system has saved my family? I do, because they print the amount on my checkout receipt.
Wonder Work - The adult version of the Charlie Brown Encyclopedias I read as a child. I'm an interesting facts hoarder, and Nancy at Clew Strategy has my number. Her newsletter explores empathy, creativity, and critical thinking through small ideas and stories. (Fun fact: Nancy is a Copy Tune-Up client and also appreciates a good Roman/Grecian brand element.)
Protect Your Magic - Katherine de Vos Devine is an IP lawyer specializing in creative industries, and if you like falling down a Wikipedia black hole, you'll love her endlessly fascinating newsletter. She brings a feminist lens to intellectual property, art history, and cultural economics. Start with You're Hearing Phantom Copies in Taylor Swift's Music: An Art Historian Explains and make your way from there.
A few more that have been hitting my inbox (and earning the open):
Finocchio - A newsletter chronicling the adventures of freelance writer Mike De Socio, a queer American living in Italy. Mike helps publications and organizations tell true stories about social justice and solutions, and I just love him. Divertiti!
Business & Balance - Each week, Sammi (founder of Bohannon Virtual Solutions) sends you one idea for building systems your way, a quick win, and a challenge to make time for something you love. I love the simplicity.
Cookie Crumbs - Beyond being sunshine in human form, Stacey of Space Cookie Designs takes web accessibility seriously—something we can all be better about. Stacey keeps me up to date on what's possible in the Squarespace realm (because I need to know platform capabilities if I'm dictating the copy layout!) and has helpful tips for making simple site updates without the stress.
The Co-Pro Club Insider - This one is pure value and an instant open the moment it lands in my inbox. The CoPro newsletter drops practical tips and actionable insights for building a strong referral partner network that supports your business—and you as the human behind your work.
Kelsey Rae Brasher is a Graphic Designer - Because sometimes I want to connect more with the human behind the business, KRB features the adventures of a graphic designer in Nashville, sharing projects, thoughts, and connections.
Peaceful Pocket - As a fellow highly sensitive girly, I love being a fly on the wall as Aneisha explores her neurodivergence and how we work as neurodivergent business owners.
The Radical Marketer - How can we better navigate online marketing as community-oriented humans who are trying to survive under capitalism and cope with extractive online culture? Sarah has thoughts. I am here for all of them.
The Sustainable Solopreneur - I’ve talked about Jenni’s book (The Sustainable Solopreneur), but each week she writes about sustainable business strategy (with a touch of psychology) for solopreneurs and creative souls who want more out of life than the status quo. I've had the joy and delight to talk with Jenni Zoom-to-Zoom, and let me tell you, she walks the talk and has so much wisdom to share.
Phew, that was a lot! 😮💨 December was all about quiet curation, but January will be all about paring down...more on that soon.
🇬🇧 T-11 days until I'm back in Blighty for the holidays (Mr. Darcy's family calls.)