Your reader and your writer ⭐️ 🏆
"Writing for me is thinking, and it’s also a way to position myself in the world, particularly when I don’t like what’s going on. . . I wrote the first book because I wanted to read it. I thought that kind of book, with that subject—those most vulnerable, most undescribed, not-taken-seriously little black girls—had never existed seriously in literature. No one had ever written about them except as props. Since I couldn’t find a book that did that, I thought, “Well, I’ll write it and then I’ll read it.” It was really the reading impulse that got me into the writing thing." — Toni Morrison
Well, I'll write it and then I'll read it.
This is a simple reminder that there is no reason more important to create. There is no calling more necessary. When you don't like what's going on, listen to yourself. Write what you want to read. Speak what you need to hear. Build what you crave experiencing. Bring into existence what you know should exist. The stories you are looking for are worth telling.
I write these words when I need to hear them. Chances are, if you are seeking it someone else is too, but you are enough. Oh, and when someone else seemingly reads your mind and creates the thing you've been wanting to see — cheer her on. Ideas are not finite resources. Success is not zero sum. Amplify the work you love and let it motivate you. Do your thing, especially when it's just for you. Let the dead ends and wrong turns happen as they will.
And when it's not your moment to be the creator, be the best damn supporter you can be. Support loudly.
Sometimes ~ especially as a woman ~ I have felt like saying that we created The Assembly because I was searching for it is not a big (or entrepreneurial) enough reason. In fact, it's all the reason in the world. The Assembly's future is so exciting only because its origin is that simple. I wasn't able to find my wellbeing until I very literally built space for it. For all of ours.
Write it and then read it. As always, thank you for reading this.
xo,
Molly
Permission Granted
...to embrace the weird little things that bring you joy because they are what make you you. 😘
Truly nothing exemplifies embracing weird little things like My Favorite Shapes, the new comedy special from "space prince" Julio Torres. I watched this twice in one day.
I thought I didn't want/need/understand the OV Exercise Dress. I was wrong. It's the best. They just relaunched a new version...so I now have two (navy and polka dot, if you're curious).
Speaking of comfortable do-anything-in dresses, love the laid-back vibes of (member founded) Rec Room. Oh look, lucky us. They are also taking over the shop at The Assembly today — come by!
Do your legs deserve a hug? I think the answer is yes. I am *obsessed* with The Assembly's new compression boots. We take rest and recovery seriously around here. Trust me and try them.
Ditch the bag. Over the past couple years, I've been slowly but surely quitting bags. I have a whole handbag collection languishing in my closet, but I feel free of so much *literal* baggage when I step out with just my phone, ID, AirPods, and credit/debit card. I am a backpack person for everyday (currently this Dagne Dover one), but when I'm stepping out to hang with friends or walk around the city...what do I really need? Feel the lightness men enjoy all the time.
Step one: find somewhere near you jazz is being performed soon. Step two: do NOT worry that you don't "understand" jazz because that does not exist. Step three: just go, try it, let it wash over you. Sit or stand and think through something or nothing. If you're local, anything at SF Jazz is worth it because that place is magical.
"Notice what *you* love about a scene before you take out your camera. Decide why & what you’re capturing a photo of — this will allow your image to carry your unique voice." 💛 Great photography advice for your travels and life from our Lummi Island adventure partner My Tiny Atlas.