Repetition
We're heading to Portland, OR soon to visit family, so my to-do list is long. Whenever we leave town, it's a mad dash to square away work things, pack, ensure someone feeds the cat, and prepare for what we’ll eat upon our return.
The day we get back, the kids have their individual student-teacher conferences at school. I warned the school about our red-eye arrival, and the rest is in God's hands . I'll be heading to another conference a few days after, so our pre-Portland preparations need to account for my additional time away.
Picture of the kids at a playground we found during our Connecticut research. Please, let's all take a moment for the fact that Nico is actively looking at the camera and smiling...dare I say he is taking pride in the moment. Ila's expression illustrated my exact response..."Nico, is that you?!"
This afternoon, Nick and I brought the kids to Connecticut for a work research trip/family outing. A developer recently reached out about opening a store on their properties' main strip. We met them a few weeks back and returned today to assess a typical summer Sunday's vibe. We'll need to crunch numbers to determine if opening a location there makes sense.
But that's not what's important. What mattered to me was sending this email.
Me on a park bench observing all the parents with their kids at the park, plus Nick with our own
When I started writing these missives three years ago, I did it to carve out time to put my ideas down. In the first year, I gave myself a B- for consistency. After opening Sugar Hill Creamery in East Harlem store in 2023, I took a 9-month break to focus on another writing project. Since then, I've been going strong each week with a new reflection that weaves all parts of my life while hopefully supporting you as you strive to be the best version of you.
YouTuber Megan Moon during her Korean hair cleansing experience
I recently discovered YouTuber Megan Moon while researching Black women with coily hair experiencing the 15-step South Korean hair washing routine. As I explored her channel, I saw her metamorphosis as a content creator and internet personality. Her consistency allowed for growth.
Zadie with her new wrestling class friend doing some live wrestling earlier today
Today, watching Zadie in her fourth wrestling class reminded me of consistency's power, even when you're unsure. Showing up, taking action, receiving feedback, and applying the learning moves the needle.
Now, almost two years after my B- grade, I'm standing stronger in my weekly discipline of sending these emails.
As I always say to my coaching clients and myself, consistent imperfect action gets results.
Whatever you're working on, don't give up if you hit a setback. Turn off your inner self-judgment monologue, get back up, and try again.
You'll be somersaulting with ease across your figurative mat just like Zadie was this morning in her wrestling class.
Here's to a wonderful week ahead!
Petrushka
Your Local Ice Cream Lady & Life/Business Coach
P.S. We're launching an Expecting Moms Group designed and facilitated by SHMOM Alumn Molly Rosner. Registrants get 25% off a future New Moms Group series. Tell a friend!