Eyesight and touch-typing. I often sit and wonder which senses I value more as I age. I strained my wrists too, writing (typing) my first book, where I erased the alphabets off the keyboard (replacement keyboard is already missing e, s, t, i and part of o).
Maybe we tell others because we are busy noticing and seeking for ourselves.
Sleep with the wristguards on for a few nights. It helps.
Great observations, Karena! I worry about my eyesight with all this screen time too.
There's a compounding effect to everything and like my wrist tendons, it can sneak up on you without much warning.
It's a good reminder to be more present in our bodies as we're working, writing, etc. Good posture and form is important. Something I'm definitely prioritizing now.
I hope you're better now, Alexandra. We can only do something well when we are well, and, yes! There's a friend's reference for everything. In your case, it appears you injured your left phalange.
haha, Phoebe Buffay approved (though "Dr" Ross Gellar would probably have his own diagnosis). Thank you for the well wishes, Sairam! You're 100% right about wellness.
Sorry to hear about your wrists Alexandra! You have typed out a thought provoking issue with them though!
Lately, I've realised that I am more of an introvert than I thought. I've been eclipsing the quiet part of myself with the more out-going, trying-to-be-charismatic side of myself. Only recently I have started taking out time to be alone, with my laptop, notebook or sketchbook, and swim in my own thoughts!
Thanks for giving me the vocabulary to describe what I've been going through :)
I loved the concept of Minimum Viable Day. I also relate to the tension you feel between your overachieving and nurturing selves. I hope you feel better and I’m using this as a reminder to stretch more!
Thanks, Camilo! Stretching more is a great idea. A friend of mine actually replied to my email saying she’s been experiencing muscle stiffness since she cut back on doing it. It has a way of creeping up on us!
Such a good piece Alexandra, I love how transparent you are with the ups and downs of solopreneurship. On top of that, you provide great solutions too! I'm going to take a look at my own "minimum viable" workload to help anchor myself in what's a good day vs a never ending to do list. I find I carry my unfinished tasks in a way that is not good for my mental health.
I'm also excited you recorded and shared your session! I have put it into Reader and am very excited to watch.
“I find I carry my unfinished tasks in a way that is not good for my mental health.”
100% with you on the struggle around this. Being physically unable to do much has actually helped me (by force) get better at “signing off” on a positive note each day rather than feeling like I didn’t accomplish enough.
And likewise, I appreciate people sharing their challenges alongside their wins. Motivates me to keep going when I’m struggling!
I never have regret that I spent my time reading your newsletter. There's always something useful I can apply. In this issue, "what students might think/not realize" is not only an awesome development exercise, but I'm thinking it would make great copy for the course. Have you ever used it that way? Re: the self-care, thank you for publicly voicing your process. More of us need to start erring on the side of showing ourselves kindness. (Coincidentally my last article was about exactly the same thing, though a bit more dramatic of a situation.) Keep it coming Alexandra! (As you reasonably can. : )
Eyesight and touch-typing. I often sit and wonder which senses I value more as I age. I strained my wrists too, writing (typing) my first book, where I erased the alphabets off the keyboard (replacement keyboard is already missing e, s, t, i and part of o).
Maybe we tell others because we are busy noticing and seeking for ourselves.
Sleep with the wristguards on for a few nights. It helps.
Great observations, Karena! I worry about my eyesight with all this screen time too.
There's a compounding effect to everything and like my wrist tendons, it can sneak up on you without much warning.
It's a good reminder to be more present in our bodies as we're working, writing, etc. Good posture and form is important. Something I'm definitely prioritizing now.
I hope you're better now, Alexandra. We can only do something well when we are well, and, yes! There's a friend's reference for everything. In your case, it appears you injured your left phalange.
haha, Phoebe Buffay approved (though "Dr" Ross Gellar would probably have his own diagnosis). Thank you for the well wishes, Sairam! You're 100% right about wellness.
Sorry about your wrists. Even though I’m long retired, I always find a ‘gem’ in your articles.
Have a gr8 day :) 😊
Thanks, Mary Lou! That’s so great to hear. Wishing you a gr8 day as well!! 😄
Sorry to hear about your wrists Alexandra! You have typed out a thought provoking issue with them though!
Lately, I've realised that I am more of an introvert than I thought. I've been eclipsing the quiet part of myself with the more out-going, trying-to-be-charismatic side of myself. Only recently I have started taking out time to be alone, with my laptop, notebook or sketchbook, and swim in my own thoughts!
Thanks for giving me the vocabulary to describe what I've been going through :)
Thanks, Ishan! I’m glad you’ve had that realization and love the idea of creating space to “swim” in your own thoughts.
It’s funny how once we get more intentional about doing that, we realize how much *noise* we were enduring beforehand.
Excited to hear how this change impacts you creatively and otherwise! :)
I loved the concept of Minimum Viable Day. I also relate to the tension you feel between your overachieving and nurturing selves. I hope you feel better and I’m using this as a reminder to stretch more!
Thanks, Camilo! Stretching more is a great idea. A friend of mine actually replied to my email saying she’s been experiencing muscle stiffness since she cut back on doing it. It has a way of creeping up on us!
Such a good piece Alexandra, I love how transparent you are with the ups and downs of solopreneurship. On top of that, you provide great solutions too! I'm going to take a look at my own "minimum viable" workload to help anchor myself in what's a good day vs a never ending to do list. I find I carry my unfinished tasks in a way that is not good for my mental health.
I'm also excited you recorded and shared your session! I have put it into Reader and am very excited to watch.
Now, also rest your wrist!
“I find I carry my unfinished tasks in a way that is not good for my mental health.”
100% with you on the struggle around this. Being physically unable to do much has actually helped me (by force) get better at “signing off” on a positive note each day rather than feeling like I didn’t accomplish enough.
And likewise, I appreciate people sharing their challenges alongside their wins. Motivates me to keep going when I’m struggling!
Those easily could have been some exotic French Canadian wrist warmers! *re-reads in Joey's voice*.
Hoping for you swift recovery!
Haha, too good! Many thanks 🙏🏻
I never have regret that I spent my time reading your newsletter. There's always something useful I can apply. In this issue, "what students might think/not realize" is not only an awesome development exercise, but I'm thinking it would make great copy for the course. Have you ever used it that way? Re: the self-care, thank you for publicly voicing your process. More of us need to start erring on the side of showing ourselves kindness. (Coincidentally my last article was about exactly the same thing, though a bit more dramatic of a situation.) Keep it coming Alexandra! (As you reasonably can. : )
Thanks, Rick! Really great to hear. :)
Great idea about using the prompts as marketing copy. I hadn’t thought about it that way. Thanks!
Also, would love to check out your article, so feel free to link it. :)
Thanks for asking about the article. https://couragewriter.substack.com/p/are-you-your-last-bully
“A softening was occurring, which in some ways left me feeling slightly unrecognizable to myself.”
What a powerful piece, Rick. Thanks for sharing!