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The Purposeful Pause
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Browse *past* Issues
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polar bears, permission paradoxes, and the mythical average person
My particular edition of neurodivergence meant that no matter my age, I was regularly questioning authority, looked for the best way to do something and not the "way it was always done."
(Made me real popular as a kid... đ
)
And yet I was still deeply conditioned and struggled to let go of the "s...
by Hannah Keyes â
Jan 19, 2025
boundaries
framework + tools
productivity
reflection
research + science
lemon curd, norse words, and the language around limits
Friday was National Quitter's Day, a day that is said to be when most people give up on their resolutions, and I saw lots of posts talking about it like it's some grand revelation about human willpower.Â
But the whole concept of the day is missing the plot: when masses of people 'quit' their reso...
by Hannah Keyes â
Jan 12, 2025
boundaries
energy management
reflection
systems + processes
glow soup, feedback loops, and the art of inner translation
I had planned to announce a new offer this week for a 28-day Energy Discovery Challenge that gives creators and entrepreneurs a personalized roadmap to discover their unique energy patterns, build the foundations for sustainable systems, and break free from burnout cycles through guided energy tr...
by Hannah Keyes â
Jan 05, 2025
chronic illness
energy management
mindset
research + science
seasons + rhythms
system traps, dream maps, and the courage to adapt
HOUSEKEEPING:
Things may look a bit different around here because I've migrated my newsletter to a new platform! I've been working since October to find a way for you to easily access past issues and for them to be shared. I'm excited to finally have that resolved and you can now find all past is...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 29, 2024
energy management
neurodivergence
reflection
systems + processes
winter halos, breadcrumbs, and the language of energy
Originally published December 15, 2024
I spent this week refining the Thoughtful Systems Framework I developed in 2020 when I started this business.
It was a interesting moment of reflection at the intersection of my business's growth, my own growth and increased education, and all the growth a...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
audit
energy management
research + science
seasons + rhythms
system audits
cookie cobbler, default ponder, and the presence of patterns
Originally published December 8, 2024
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It's "review your goals and get excited about new year, new you season." đ¤˘
I love reflection and anticipation as much as the next person... as long as it isn't shoved down my throat with a side of shame, blame, and telling me what box to shove myself into...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
mental health
productivity
reflection
research + science
seasons + rhythms
sustainable systems
plum pavlovas, winter prompts, and the art of surrendering
Originally published November 24, 2024
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Back in October we talked about seasonal rhythms and holiday planning in advance.
But how do we shift from preparation to experiencing?
Our preparation strategies are (and have to be) different from our experience strategies that help manage our energy a...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
energy management
holiday planning
productivity
rest + recovery
seasons + rhythms
procedural dramas, tiramisu or focaccia, and the gift of permission
Originally published November 17, 2024
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I'm returning to holiday hustle support content this week because we are all dealing with more stress than ever (plenty from holidays, year-end work, and other... colorful... places.) Having experienced firsthand how crucial energy management is during d...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
boundaries
holiday planning
mental health
stress management
sustainable systems
tiny rebellions, baking wisdom, and the roots of toxic productivity
Originally published November 10, 2024
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I almost titled today's newsletter "when business as usual feels impossible..." but then I remembered that finding little moments of joy is always worth it and writing subject lines for these notes always makes me smile.
Like many, I've been processing t...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
history
productivity
systems + processes
values
uncrustable dreams, frozen screens, and building stress response strategies
Originally published November 3, 2024
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Stress isn't something you should have to endure.
But rather, it's information your body and mind give you about what is out of alignment or needs to shift in your life.
Yet when we live in a world that glorifies hustle and expects constant productivity, ...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
burnout prevention
frameworks + tools
productivity
reflection
stress
infradian rhythms, versions within us, and the power of protective planning
Originally published October 27, 2024
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While New York state has gotten it's first snow already in September, we just got the first freeze last week and I'm sitting on the patio typing this newsletter in fuzzy socks and sweater while it's a crisp and cool 65 degree morning here in the plains.
T...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
boundaries
change management
energy management
holiday planning
seasons + rhythms
lego talks, cozy socks, and the roadmap to burnout
Originally published October 20, 2024
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I've redefined almost everything I believed about my life, success, and self-care over the last 3 years in burnout recovery.
Even the things I thought would be true when I started full-time recovery, have slowly changed over these years.
There has been so...
by Hannah Keyes â
Dec 23, 2024
burnout prevention
change management
mental health
mindset
research + science