Hello My Friends:
First I want to extend my most sincere apologies for the delay for this month's newsletter. Between the release of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, the mercury retrograde, and last week's Total Eclipse the previously written content no longer served its purpose. This month's newsletter contains a bit of personal news, as well as updates to monthly resources and tools. But let me tell you that this year I've been pretty much on schedule, and missing THIS deadline was a complete part of the journey that I needed to experience. As my typical pub day came and then went, I was panicked! My focus for this year is to maintain creative discipline, and missing the publish date for this newsletter messed up my accountability to my readers and myself. But a serene whisper emerged urging, "Girl, please shut up and flow.”
Have you ever found unexpected wisdom in a moment of stillness?
I can't explain it but the Total Eclipse provided me with a spirit of “fuck it” I'd never felt before. The clarity and calm I felt was otherworldly. I took a cleansing bath the night before the Eclipse to prepare myself for any emotional overwhelm, and decided to do something that is very rare for me - I got dressed and went into the office. Like the real office in Downtown Washington, D.C.
The energy of the office space was very heavy, I truly wished I had some sage to clear it out. I was so overwhelmed that, I went home and cried. A reality hit me that I needed to see in person. The job that I once loved, no longer exists.
I write all of this to say, that after 15 years of stargazing alongside the brightest minds at NASA, the time has come for me to embark on a new odyssey.
Can you think back to a moment when the universe seemed to align just for you, offering a clarity so profound it felt otherworldly? The Total Eclipse was such a moment for me.
Welcome to the Brée-naissance!!
I realized that the tears I felt after the Eclipse, were an emotional cleanse. I put a date on the letter of resignation that has sat in my drafts since May of 2023 and turned it in. In this moment, I released the fear of starting over, and the struggle of letting go of my identity as a NASA Social Media Strategist. The vulnerability that I am experiencing isn't weakness. It's a new superpower.
I can also be open to new possibilities by being open to my vulnerabilities. (More on what's next soon! I'm waiting for some ink to dry). In the meantime, I ask for your grace and patience as I learn to show up as my full self.
As I step into the embrace of my personal renaissance, I invite you to reflect on the chapters of your life awaiting your renaissance. What transformations are calling to you? Share your thoughts and let us journey together.
Cowboy Carter
If you’re not a Beyoncé fan, it's okay to skip this part of my newsletter. However, if you love me, and don’t want me to faint dramatically please continue to read.
At the time of writing this article, I have listened to Renaissance Act II: Cowboy Carter 103 times. This is not a thinkpiece but a love letter. She features legends and fresh faces of Country Music. She honored country music in a way that is uniquely her. Listen, let’s talk about this, Cowboy Carter is beautifully produced. My other favorite production on this level is Off The Wall by forever bae, Michael Jackson. The clarity on all of my preferred sound systems is out-of-this-world.
Ok, I’m done fan girling, let’s get to the music. My favorite tracks are:
Ten thousand steps towards the time of your life
Two hands to Heaven, my whiskey up high, oh
Oh, God only, God only knows why, though - Beyoncé
And last but not least is the song II Hands II Heaven. This track has been on repeat a bit more, not only because of my love of whiskey, but because it makes me celebrate where I am in my life - “Ten Thousand steps towards the time of your life, Two hands to Heaven”. Sometimes the art of others will inspire your own. Do you have a song that’s ever inspired change? Do you have a favorite track on Cowboy Carter?
Brée-Sources
Here’s a quick update on the tools and resources I’m checking out.
What I’m Reading
What I’m Hearing
Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé
We Don’t Trust You - Future, Metro Boomin
We Still Don’t Trust You - Future, Metro Boomin
What I’m Watching
What I’m Using
Routine
Routine is a task management tool that is extremely helpful in staying on task and track.
Strut is a new tool for writers, supported by AI. I currently use this tool to brainstorm, outline, and repurpose content. Check it out.
Registration for Journaling Classes and the Synergy Squad Accountability Cohort will open in May 2024. So keep your eyes peeled for notices as I continue getting my shit together over here at Haus Baroness.
Thank you for reading this far and, I send you blessings for peace and clarity for the remainder of the retrograde.
With Love and Possibilities,
Brée
Love. It! Got me thinking now...thank you 🙏
cheers to the Brée-naissance! ✨ you’re doing it!!