The Brightside: December 2020 Edition

WELCOME TO THE BRIGHTSIDE

12/18/20

*on repeat*

Vince Guaraldi Trio (thanks, Stephen :))

How's Your Mind Today?

First of all, it’s been one whole year since the first Brightside went out, so that’s cool. Zach was working late one night, and I was just playing around and sent something out to a few friends. It turned into a really wonderful creative outlet for me this year, and while my relationship with the newsletter has been a roller-coaster - it’s cool to realize I’ve been doing it for a year. It's easy for me to get energized about a project and then lose enthusiasm quickly; and I'm proud of myself!

This year has taught many lessons, but maybe the loudest of all has been that authenticity is one of the most important things you can embrace in this life. This newsletter has been a place for me to practice being my most authentic self, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m working on some cool updates for the new year, and I can’t wait to share them. Thank you for being a part of the journey and letting me know when something here makes you smile.

As we wind down 2020, I’m looking forward to resetting and reflecting. I want to honor all of the growth that’s happened and get ready for all to come in 2021. This year challenged me to think about what’s important to me and who I am, and I think that’s going to serve me well.

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I was catching up with my brother a few days ago, and we were laughing, remembering all of the time we used to spend on Homestar Runner. Does anyone else remember this?!?!

Action > Intention

During class this week, my yoga teacher said, “intentions are great, but the action is what indicates if you’re working towards becoming who you are.” I am such an intention setter and forgetter, so I loved this. It got me thinking about how I will add structure to my new year’s resolutions and stay on track. (Hi Kirra :))

I know this is a significant time and many of you are setting intentions/resolutions. I’d love to know what’s top of mind for you heading into January and how you’re approaching all of it :)

Reflections on coexisting with a partner for the first time

One of the BEST parts of 2020 was moving to Jersey City with Zach and Louie. Living with his parents for three months during the start of COVID-19 was a great crash course in coexisting, and we’ve learned a LOT about each other and our relationship over the past 12 months. Some lessons:

Chores will get done.

Ok, so I’m a little OCD. I like things clean. I like being in charge of “chore assignments,” and I like things done 10 minutes ago. I’ve had to learn to adjust my expectations, let go a little bit, and trust that things will get done and things will all even out. It’s been cool to realize that our strengths complement each other’s weaknesses, and we both contribute in ways that the other wouldn’t want to… we still fight about the dishes sometimes, but we’ve come a long way :)

 It’s SO IMPORTANT to have your own hobbies and interests.

Zach started his own business this year, and it was his life. Because he was so occupied with work, I had to find things to fill my time that were mine - which was REALLY valuable, even though it was hard at times. I developed a really strong yoga practice, I leaned into The Brightside, and I just learned how to share a space while remaining independent, which is vital.

Ya gotta make time for each other.

Being around each other is different than spending time together, which is sometimes hard to remember. It’s essential to make time to sit down and download the day / week / whatever.

Communication is key

This year forced us to communicate. I’ve learned that there’s not always a “right moment” for some things, and challenging conversations are not the end of the world. At this point, we’ve seen each other at our lowest lows, and I think that has helped us be truly vulnerable around one other and has brought some unexpected, beautiful moments.

This is unsexy, but I am eyeing this little humidifier for my office.

Zach and I are heading down to Florida for the holidays, and I’m looking forward to being down there and soaking up the last of this insane year with his family. Officially signing off for 2020, thanks again for reading along and I can’t wait to connect in the New Year.