Every week on Friday, I share a list of the most interesting and inspiring content I’ve read lately here on my blog. You can expect thoughts on productivity, happiness, balance, spirituality, politics, and more. Subscribe here to get updates. See archives here.

The best thing that happened to me this week was that I discovered Anchor, a service that hosts podcasts for free. And they import your podcast from any of the overpriced podcast-hosting services you might be using, for free and so quickly. Honestly, this is a game-changer. I had been using SoundCloud disgruntedly, but I switched everything over to Anchor in just a few minutes and am so much happier and saving so much money. You can read the founder’s article about why podcast hosting is a scam here.

I had listened to an episode or two when Seth Godin’s podcast first launched, but this week I got into it with a vengeance and binged most of the episodes while cleaning my apartment. So good – I love the way he thinks and the ideas he shares.

Trying (and failing) to implement this simple rule: Don’t think too much about your life after dinnertime. I always find myself getting into existential dilemmas after sunset: no more!

This week I launched my business blog! For those of you who don’t know, I freelance as a creative consultant. My first article is all about my favourite Google Chrome extensions…exciting right? Well it is if you’re me.

10Q is starting soon! Every day for 10 days you answer a question about your life, and then your answers go into the ‘vault’ until next year. I did this for the past couple years, and this week they sent me all my answers from 2017. It was so fun/emotional/cool to read them!

Nurture is happening again this November and applications are now open! I am proud to be the consultant working with the founder Sonja to plan and implements the systems of the retreat, and I’ll be the on-site support that weekend too. It’s a magical experience, and we only have a few spots left.

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We had a short week here in Canada because of Labour Day, so that was a nice treat even though it compresses the work week. I also had my mastermind group this week which was immensely helpful in letting me work through some of the mental knots I’d gotten myself tied up in. It is so helpful to talk to a group of peers who understand business and can call you on your limiting beliefs. Lastly, the podcast will be back from summer vacation next Tuesday! Talk to you then. Hope you have a wonderful weekend too. xo.

Every week on Friday, I share a list of the most interesting and inspiring content I’ve read lately here on my blog. You can expect thoughts on productivity, happiness, balance, spirituality, politics, and more. Subscribe here to get updates. See archives here.

One of the best things I’ve read in a while: Claim her, or leave. (Thanks Sonja!)

There were some SERIOUS truth bombs in last week’s episode of Dear Sugars. I listened to the last 10 minutes about 3 times on the same day because they were so good.

I am so happy that I found out this week that Magic Mockups exists. It’s like the Canva of mockups! If you don’t know what I’m talking about you don’t care, but if you do know, then you understand.

A lovely rundown of podcast recommendations! Some of my faves are on here so I’m curious to try the others.

Love this reframe of being inspired by others. “In seeking out inspiration from others I’m not a sell-out or shallow. I’d argue the opposite. I find pieces of myself in others.”

I discovered the What Should I Read Next? podcast this week and I am a very happy person because of it. Amazing book recs for days!

This week I went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream in High Park and it was pure magic. I left feeling so happy and like my cup was filled.

I love the idea of this email app.

Last but not least, I was inspired by the process of creating this video of my Grandma’s 90th birthday party. I love having these memories, they make me so happy.

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As I write this I just got back from playing hooky on Toronto Island – my first time there since I was a kid. It was so magical to get away for the day and remember how lucky I am to set my own schedule and get to go on adventures during the week. It’s what makes the fact that I have an unconventional job so much more worth it, and I should do it more often! It’s a long weekend and I’m looking forward to taking it easy in the city for the first time in a while, reading lots of books and spending time with my beloved friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! xo.

Every week on Friday, I share a list of the most interesting and inspiring content I’ve read lately here on my blog. You can expect thoughts on productivity, happiness, balance, spirituality, politics, and more. Subscribe here to get updates. See archives here.

How to be a better bystander.

Real wealth is not having to work with assholes.

A super-comprehensive and helpful guide to inclusive language in any industry. Hat tip to Laura for sharing this with me!

Reminder that you don’t owe anyone an interaction.

I absolutely adored this Ask Polly column: “I like myself, but I hate being single.” So powerful, so relatable, such great advice. Thanks for sharing, Sonja!

I enjoyed revisiting this oldie but goodie blog post: 7 questions I ask as a minimalist business owner. 

Such a lovely newsletter sharing some thoughts on making time for fun again.

My team at With/out Pretend launched The Vault last week, our new online magazine. I am so incredibly proud of this project and so inspired by the stories inside. Go check it out and we’d love you forever if you became a member!

Hey all my personality test/astrology-loving people! I have been getting into the woo world of Human Design lately. You can get your chart here, and learn more about the framework here or here.

Sarah has been doing a #nogrocery challenge on Instagram and it’s been so fun & inspiring to see what she makes with whatever’s in her fridge!

I bought two adorable pairs of earrings from my friend Bri’s jewelry company Keona last weekend at Riverfest and am loving them.

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I’m back from summer blog vacation! It feels good to be sharing here again after a few very restful weeks off. I was in New York, then Montreal, then dealing with some personal issues, then having a boudoir photoshoot (!!), and now I am back and feeling great. It’s beautiful weather here in Toronto, I am finally back into a work rhythm, and I have been enjoying spending more time with my family lately. I hope you’ve been having a wonderful summer too! xo.

Every week on Friday, I share a list of the most interesting and inspiring content I’ve read lately here on my blog. You can expect thoughts on productivity, happiness, balance, spirituality, politics, and more. Subscribe here to get updates. See archives here.

I appreciated this reminder to check my privilege and not assume that what I think is best is actually best for everyone. There is nuance to almost every situation!

I already linked to this in my shownotes for my episode with Kate, but I actually did my own activity audit this week and found the process really helpful. You can also do it with Trello if you prefer a digital format!

Interesting new feature coming to Instagram – removing followers!

I have been working on a super-secret project for With/out Pretend and while I can’t tell you what it is, I can tell you that you’ll want to be in the loop when it launches. I cried on the streetcar about it this week! So meaningful! So good!

Friendly reminder if you (like me!) forgot that you can get free audiobooks through your library. And in great news, Overdrive now has an app just for ebooks and audiobooks called Libby, which works much better than Overdrive. An easy way to get more reading in when life is stressful.

Seth’s blog got a makeover! Cute. And I liked this post a lot: “Quitting merely because you’re behind is a trap, a form of hiding that feels safe, but isn’t.”

My friend Kim & I went to a workshop on Queer & Trans Inclusivity for Entrepreneurs at Make Lemonade, a local coworking space here in Toronto. It was great, and whether or not you’re in Toronto I’d encourage you to look for a class that could help you brush up on the right language to use and how to be authentically inclusive in your business.

In case you missed it, this week on the podcast I shared a story that reminded me that my core desired feelings are often much easier to come by than I might think, and share some resources that help me remember to prioritize joy.

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Another whirlwind of a week! I had lots of work to do because I go away to New York on vacation on Tuesday! I like to go at least once a year to visit my kindred spirit Katie, who I wish I saw more often. In the spirit of vacation vibes, I’ll be taking a summer break from the blog and podcast for the next couple of weeks, but will be back soon with more inspiration and more thoughtful conversations with my friends & colleagues, because I can never stay away from my blog for long! I hope you have a wonderful few weeks of summer and soak up the sun in every single minute. Feel free to follow along on Instagram @stephpellett where I may share the occasional update over the next few weeks! Sending you lots of love, xo.