8/25/23
I’ve had a few people mention that writing these Newsletters weekly would be too much to sustain and to consider moving it back to monthly. Initially, the sensitive and small man in me thought “You don’t think I can do this?”. Then, I took a breath.
I’ve been stubborn. This was a commitment to myself for a year. But now, I’ve had a couple of missed weeks. Now, I’m asking myself, “Are they right? Should I move to monthly? Where can I solve this separately?” Thankfully, their honesty has led to me looking at the problem in a different light. It doesn’t mean I have to listen to their solution, but their willingness to share a potential issue has helped me be honest with myself about this new habit.
The real issue is my lack of initial preparation - this stresses me on the weeks I don’t have time for indecision or other variables. Leading to a slack in weekly production.
As we go into the fall and the end of the year, we have room to make minor tweaks to feel good moving forward. Today’s overarching topic is about Honesty, both with yourself and across your life in work and relationships.
This is meant to be encouragement towards honesty * if appropriate *. The resources also help shed light on what appropriate may mean to you.
As always, take what you like, and leave what you don’t.
P.S. Today’s music was all shared by friends of the Klouty network. Shoutout to them for knowing we love good music!
GROUNDED
Roots - Acceptance
Jon Brown, my good friend that you previously read about shared this excerpt with me, and although we do not know the original source - it was too good not to share.
Read this picture, then move forward. It not only explains the mentality behind continuous learning - it explains how necessary it is to be honest with yourself about how good you really are.
No matter what, you are likely not the best. If you feel the need to argue that, good. Pay attention and read again.
This mentality isn’t to debunk your ability, but rather to encourage you to keep refining. Remember our previous conversation, do not compare yourself to anyone other than the friend in the mirror.
AND know - you are not alone. No matter what you are doing.
Where do you have room to accept your current state and room for improvement?
No matter the answer, keep going. You’ve got this.
IN THE KLOUDS
Movement - Abundant Friends
Brittany Howard x Childish Gambino - Stay High (Former Lead Singer of the Alabama Shakes with a beautifully ranging entire album)
Snoh Aalegra - Wait a Little Longer (Snoh knows how to make you sway)
Teddy Swims - Lose Control (This man sings from his belly, listen to this)
Tame Impala - Mind Mischief (Bonkers Music Video)
ABOVE KLOUDS
Quote - Vulnerability
“The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or harmed.” -Definition
I share this as a precursor to a 90-second video that sheds light on the 3 levels of truth in our relationships. Although we FEEL like we may be attacked, often when we choose vulnerability we open doors for another human to also be just that, human.
KLOUTY SPOTLIGHT
Truth
https://www.axios.com/2023/06/23/hard-truth-about-truth
Per today’s theme, above is a brief article on the Hard Truth About Truth. It is directed towards honesty in the workplace, and I think the included 5-step process is replicable across our lives, if we choose to consistently try it.
This article opens with, “The biggest lie we tell ourselves is: We crave truth” and I personally love it. I share this because I want to encourage everyone to be welcoming recipients of another person’s truth. Particularly when we ask for it. To not, “shoot the messenger” as they say (of course, delivery from the messenger is key and can be reflected back to them kindly if inappropriate). The 5-Steps:
1 - Tell it.
2- Desire it.
3 - Deploy it.
4 - Deal with it.
5 - Live it.
A lot of us associate the truth with CONFLICT, and I think this helps reframe our minds. Of course it typically takes a Two-Way street, but even when you are not met in the middle, truth does not have to mean negativity.
