Jessica's Friday Five

Hi Reader, I want to say a big thanks to those of you who joined me on Zoom earlier this week to brainstorm about this idea. It was so fun to chat with you and get your reactions and feedback. If you're in the US and heading into a long weekend to celebrate Dr. King's legacy, here are some ideas for how to spend Monday that will be both helpful and a balm for your spirit during tough times. Let's get into your Friday Five! 5 mins of your time could save a life: Did you know that signing up to...

Hi Reader, This week was a rollercoaster. I celebrated my birthday on Monday (escape room, nap, dinner!), my son got la rosca baby on Día de Reyes, and my government here in the US lied about the sedition that happened five years ago at our Capitol, despite primary source evidence showing exactly the opposite. They also lied about the circumstances surrounding a woman who was murdered by ICE agents this week. Oh, and also this. Damn. I wish I had all the advice for us about how to somehow...

Hi Reader, Happy New Year, friends. Let's hope that, at all levels, this year is joyful, easy where we need it to be, and caring for all of us. Today I'm thrilled to be sharing several practical tips and tools to help us create that reality. Also, I had an idea the other day - I've been building something behind the scenes, and I really need some input to finalize it. If you're up for hearing my ideas and getting some input (I'll also be giving out some prizes), check this out and see if...

Hi Reader, A few weeks ago, sickness and then travel took me away from my regular exercise routine (which, these days, is reformer Pilates classes). I am back at it now that I'm well and at home, and I have noticed that I feel a lot less irritated and grumpy. If I made the rules, exercise probably wouldn't be required for mental health, but alas, I don't make the rules. I'm learning again and again that taking care of my body pays significant dividends. Looking back, I would have likely...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but the last few weeks of work have felt like a struggle for me. While there have certainly been many moments of being really energized (like doing this analysis of my year), there has also been a lot of "why do I have to do X when all I really want to be doing is reading a book under a cozy blanket?" kind of vibes. The biological pull towards hibernation and slowness as the cold weather descends is a real one. Let’s get to your Monthly Management Memo - as...

Hi Reader, I had a chance to get away this week for two nights to a city nearby - it was a time to reflect on 2025 and dream for 2026 (and I'm publicly sharing some of that data/reflection here!). I also got the lovely chance to see friends and sleep a bit later than my regular school drop-off routine allows. I like to set a theme for the year, and I think I've decided on it, but I'm letting it marinate for a bit longer before fully committing. Once I do, I'll look back on my own advice here...

I'm excited to share more with you about Joyfully Managed Worklife over the next week or two. If you know you're not interested in this program at this point, I get it! Click here to manage your preferences and unclick the button next to Joyfully Managed Worklife. That'll mean that I won't email you again about this topic, but you can stay on my list for Jessica's Friday Five and other topics you enjoy! Hi Reader, One thing that often goes unmentioned is how overwhelming modern work life can...

Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but goodness gracious, this week has been a struggle to stay motivated to get work done. It's become a predictable pattern for me: around this time of year, when the days are short and the holidays are approaching, I'd much rather be reading a good novel or watching a Hallmark movie than working through a to-do list. So if you're feeling that way, you're not alone, and it's natural for living things to slow down and rest during this season. Unrelatedly but...

Hi Reader, This week has been so, so interesting. I've been documenting what I'm up to from the time I wake up until the time I fall asleep, and sharing it with y'all in a Google Doc. I have really enjoyed connecting with you in the comments, and I think it's made a positive impact on my focus for the week. I'll keep it up throughout the rest of today - keep the questions and comments coming! Oh, and thank you to everyone who joined me for my live workshop yesterday (replay here for a few...