Hi Friend,
Document, don’t create. Have you heard this phrase before? It’s common in the creator world, but I think it can be applicable in some ways to anyone.
Essentially, for me the true meaning behind that is to stop putting pressure on yourself. So many of us put pressure on ourselves to show up in life a certain way especially when we’re in a season of transition or things aren’t complete yet. We feel like we need a perfect plan or a fully formed ‘next thing’ before we’re allowed to really show up as our full selves. But sometimes the most honest place to start is to just pay attention to what’s happening in your life, in the here and now.
I’m in a season of sharing, with "imperfections," maybe, but really it’s a season of just showing up for myself, no matter what the outcome might be. It could be in the way I share my health updates without knowing or having resolution or it could be in the form of a not-fully-formed Youtube vlog (see this week’s) 😜
This is your life; these are your stories. There’s something freeing about letting your life be witnessed in real time, even if it’s only by you. 🫶
Rachel
📖 Know
Research on expressive writing suggests that putting our experiences into words can help us make meaning from uncertain or emotional seasons. In one study, writing about difficult experiences helped people gain a little distance from what happened, which made it easier to reflect with perspective instead of staying caught in the intensity of the moment. Maybe that’s why documenting your life (even before you have clarity or closure) can feel so grounding. It gives you a way to witness what’s real, without needing to turn it into something perfect.
Source: Stepping Back to Move Forward: Expressive Writing Promotes Self-Distancing
🌱 Begin
Before bed, write down three things: one thing you felt, one thing you noticed, and one thing you’re still unsure about. Getting it down on paper will help clear the mental chatter!
⛰️ Explore
This week’s “document, don’t create” is a vlog from a recent trip to LA. I enjoy vlogging but still definitely getting used to it!
✨ Reflect
“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” — Mary Oliver
What is one part of your life right now that you’ve been waiting to understand before you let yourself fully acknowledge it?
📍 Currently…
A curated collection of interesting articles, interviews, products that are currently on my radar.
👀 You heard it here first! I just started contributing to LiveLong Media! I’ll get a byline soon but for now enjoy the quick write-up I did on how your thighs don’t lie 😛
👀 If you want to set intentions without turning them into another pressure-filled goal, this gentle approach is a great, low-pressure place to start.
👀 I recently shared how Apple Watch can help you better understand your health trends over time — from cycle tracking to sleep and heart health.
👀 If you don’t protect what matters, your calendar won’t either. This is your reminder to make space for the things you say are most important.
👀 For an easy pantry add-in with fiber, omega-3s, and a little extra staying power, I’m keeping these organic chia seeds always in stock.
🤗 Support
Thank you for being here 🫶 If you'd like to support the growth of this free newsletter, here are a few ways below… ⤵️
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💛 Screenshot your favorite part of this newsletter and share on your stories! Make sure to tag me @rachelrhee so I can see 💖