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Hey Reader,

WELCOME⭐️

If you're new to this newsletter, thank you for being here!

Every two weeks, I send an email rounding up tips, stories, and resources on improving mindset, money, productivity, or other lifestyle matters.

I often draw inspiration for these newsletters from real life conversations.

WEEKLY MUSINGS 🌺

I was recently reading another email newsletter called Downtime and stumbled upon this phrase that resonated:

"Don't pick green tomatoes."

No, it's not gardening advice.

But rather, a metaphor about worry.

Simply put, it's a reminder to not worry about challenges that haven't ripened into reality—some of which may never come to fruition at all.

"Green tomatoes" = situations, problems, or challenges that are not yet mature or ready to be dealt with. These are often issues we build up in our heads that may never even materialize.

"Ripe tomatoes" = actual problems that are currently relevant and therefore, require our attention or action.

I'm heading into a season where I know the next 3 months are going to be intensely busy and probably overwhelming, so reading this phrase was a helpful and timely reminder.

As someone who often finds themselves tangled in worry and anxiety, I've found solace in nurturing the things I can influence.

My mornings begin with a prayer, not just for guidance, but also for the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

I find when I am consistent with focusing on what I can actually control, and setting aside the premature or speculative concerns, I feel much less stressed....(jeez who would have thought).

What are some tips and strategies you use to minimize worrying over things that you can't control?

How do you differentiate between the 'green tomatoes' in your life vs the 'ripe challenges' that require your attention?

ON THE PODCAST 🎙️

This past week, I had the chance to sit down with Jenova Julian Pryor to discuss Blindian (Black and Indian) Relationships. Listen here​

Jenova is a Malayalee Indian woman whose wedding vows went viral in 2022 when her husband, Denzel Pryor, spoke parts of his vows in Malayalam!

It was such a sweet moment that captured all of our hearts.

I had a chance to catch up with Jenova and discuss her relationship journey, the challenges of navigating a Black and Indian relationship, how her and her husband keep the foundation of their relationship strong, and so much more.

🎧Listen to episode 53 of The Brown Girl Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or choose another listening platform here.

ON MY BOOKSHELF 📚

Recently Finished: If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir by John Stamos.

If you grew up in the 90s and have fond memories of watching Uncle Jesse on Full House from your living room, I would recommend giving this book a shot.

It was an interesting and nostalgic read learning about his family bonds, his ascent into television, and some of his personal struggles along the way. My rating 8/10.

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Currently Reading: The Millionaire Next Door: Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley and William D Danko

I put this non-fiction book on hold at the library a while ago and recently got notified it was available. I was going to RETURN IT immediately when I realized it was written in 1996 as I questioned the relevancy of the information today... but decided to give it a chance anyway.

It's been an easy and light read before bedtime.

This book will not provide the hands-on tactical direction you'll find in 'I Will Teach You to Be Rich' by Ramit Sethi, but rather aims to to explore the common traits and habits of individuals who have accumulated significant wealth, often without flashy lifestyles or high-profile careers.

So far, it seems that one of the main goals of the book is to challenge the stereotypical image of millionaires by providing insights into how financial success can be achieved through disciplined financial planning, minimizing unnecessary debt, and making smart investment choices.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 🫶🏽

​Pajama Sutra is a South Asian owned loungewear brand on a mission to inspire women to lounge like a goddess.

They offer an exquisite range of loungewear that includes robes, kaftans, rompers, pajamas (including matching mommy and me sets), that bring luxury to your everyday life. They were even selected as the official robe of the Miss Universe Competitions three years in a row! 🤌🏽

They also carry amazing gift boxes - think bridesmaid proposal boxes, bridal gift boxes, birthdays, and more

Check out www.thepajamasutra.com and if anything piques your interest, you can use code bgpodcast for 15% off.

UPCOMING EVENTS 📅

Attention: Ladies who are single or in the dating phases of life

One of my connections, Syeda Neary is a dating coach, and will be hosting a FREE Dating & Dressing With Confidence workshop, alongside style consultant, Heather Riggs, on Thursday, February 8th at 8 PM EST.

This is a free interactive workshop to deep dive solving your exact dating and style challenges.

I will be in attendance as well, and would love to have you join me.

Sign up below for the 8 PM EST workshop on Feb 8, 2024.

Register for the virtual event

Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

PS: You can always reply directly to this email to reach me.

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