It’s April! Can you believe it? This past Saturday in New York was truly magical seeing the city awaken — outdoor markets, tank tops, patio hangs, and picnics. The air is feeling warmer and more vibrant.

In today’s issue, we’re talking feelings and leaving you with a hefty curation of good reads, tunes and resources to help you with your creative block or work stress. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Staying Curious

Reminders from a therapist/things I’ve said in sessions recently that may also help you get curious about how you are feeling lately.

• You are trying something new, and I’m proud of you for doing something different.

• You deserve someone who is kind and respectful to you in a new relationship. Remember how valuable you are.

• How would it feel to express your needs to this person?

• I can tell that you really care about this friendship.

Resting & Recharging

Community events usually local and/or virtual, creative workshops & more to help you recover and find rest.

• Self-Compassion for Work Stress and Burnout, with Kristin Neff: Virtual workshop led by Kristen Neff, self-compassion pioneer herself. She provides self-compassion tools, discussion and lecture to help reduce work stress and burnout. You’ll leave with practical tools to bring into your daily life, how to support yourself through hard moments at work, work with distressing emotions and motivate yourself with kindness.

• The Artist's Way Workshops: In-person in Brooklyn at Recess Grove. A series of drop-in workshops to build your creative practice and develop the artist within. All creative materials included.

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Weekly Feels

If you’re new here — I’ll always include weekly tunes, a recommendation for a show or movie, and something to read and ponder on. Enjoy!

꩜ Listen: A rotation of songs I’ve been listening to. Mostly peaceful, indie, ambient a la Spotify’s genre. Playlist here :)

꩜ Watch: The White Lotus anyone? The trio of girlfriends stresses me out, but they’ve got me thinking if we return to our younger (perhaps more immature) selves with friends we made when we were younger? Similar to how we regress sometimes being around our immediate families? A thought to ponder.

꩜ Read: New York Times Article,“When Someone You Love Is Upset, Ask This One Question”. An informative read on how to be a better listener. I love the idea of asking someone if they want to be helped, heard or hugged. This article does a nicer way of explaining how that’s helpful in relationships.

Monthly Feels

A monthly curation of what I’ve been loving this past month that may be beneficial for a good read, a yummy snack or an album to enjoy and take care of your mental health 💛 here were some monthly favorites from March.

〰️ Blue Sisters was our book club pick by @cocomellors and a fantastic read about grief, substance abuse, and the special bond of sisterhood and family
〰️ the yummiest California dates & strawberry rose water jam from London both from @bignightshop
〰️ @freakslug’s debut album: I Blow our Big Candles (But With a Cherry on Top) is fun, punchy and energetic soundtrack for your commute
〰️ The Making of a Therapist by Louis Cozolino for new therapists with advice for what he wish he had the first months of clinical training. A perfect read for all the new or aspiring therapists out there.
〰️ Zyrtec because it’s heavy allergy season and the cherry blossoms are about to bloom!
〰️ Laid Off Substack newsletter for creating community while sharing stories with smart, cool people who were laid off by @melaniehannah. The coolest place on the internet to feel less lonely about being laid off.
〰️ Chicken katsu and the best egg salad sammies from Japanese bakery, @postcard.bakery

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