Decisions, Decisions 🙃
You have to spend energy to get energy.
Any decision you make is the right decision.
These two ideas have been rattling around in my brain for the past few weeks.
The first is something my mother has said to me since I was dramatic, lethargic teenager who wanted to stay in bed all day. It turns out, she was right (as moms often are) and believe me, this is coming from a champion procrastinator.
I get energized when I start putting energy into something. This goes for a workout, sure, but also life. Time feels like it is evaporating when I'm in avoidance mode. Time expands when I start making time for what I actually need — and want.
It comes from the rush of pressing send. It's the nudge you're feeling from me right now. The energy you need is awaiting your action. The thing you want to take on is right there, beyond your decision to start.
You have to spend energy to get energy.
Any decision you make is the right decision.
The second of these two ideas is harder for me; I'm still working on it. Decisions, large and small, are scary. Despite the onslaught of options (and distractions) we all face daily with everything we do in the world, we still feel unequipped to tackle the big ones.
Start that business or stay in the secure job? Have kids or wait? Tell the world about that secret project in your head or quiet it for another day? Do your laundry or clean out your closet or hang those pictures or start that new Netflix show?
(Actually, don’t get me started on errand paralysis; that’s a whole topic.)
Say yes. Or say no and let that be a decision you own. As Oprah says, no is a complete sentence. Any decision you make is the right decision. You will not know what lies behind door number 2.
Anywhere you start, you're starting. Any action you take is the right action. Truly, truly. When the list is daunting and the thought of not knowing where to begin makes you want to get back in bed — do something tiny (and then you can get back in bed, but you probably won’t want to). Even the smallest thing is something.
Choosing no, not today, not this year, not right now can be as freeing as the yes, so let it be. You are capable of making the decisions about your life. You are capable of creating the energy you need.
As I head off to spend the Labor Day weekend completely disconnected deep in nature, I'll be pushing myself physically hoping to create creativity. I know that the outdoors will bring me clarity and energy for the decisions that lay ahead. This time I am also hoping that I give myself permission for peace of mind too.
The energy I am putting out is creating more.
The decisions I make are the right decisions.
I think I am actually starting to believe it. Have the best weekend. See you soon, I hope.
xo,
Molly
Permission Granted
...wear the hell out of a $5 crop top, go bold with with color, treat your love to a getaway, and be the *hero* your friends need during wedding szn. This week The Assembly team is sharing the things that changed their summers for the better.
Our Hawaiian queen Sunshine surprised her "surf partner for life" with a pair of board shorts and a card inviting him on a "romantic af" surprise weekend at Surfrider Malibu.
GM Justine has a fresh take on the white tee that has done her very well this summer. "I have worn this $5, extremely versatile, fitted white crop on a weekly basis all summer long. Goes great with high-waisted vintage denim (shorts or jeans!), a flowy skirt, or as a base under a blazer, bomber or jean jacket. It does it all!"
Resident enneagram 7 and boss Lee Anne is spending Labor Day on a solo writing trip, with some help from the best pens (IMHO) and a cute notebook for morning pages.
Head of Content and Insta-master Grace traded her Adidas slides for punchy rubber Birkenstocks. "While my original intention was to use these for the beach, I must admit I wear them all around the city. You just can’t beat that German-engineered arch support! I’m usually a neutrals girl, but bought these in bright pink and love the summery pop of color"
The handiest woman on any team who is literally always on the go Lauren says her handheld steamer made her an MVP with friends. "Say goodbye to the iron and the board... who has room for that in their tiny homes here in SF? NOT ME! Sounds simple, but game changer at every wedding, party, event...all around life saver!"
Anabel, forever in pursuit of a bold print, was inspired by a member who she spotted wearing a Sonnet James Playsuit and snagged the sold out lemon version. "It feels like a cross between PJs & children’s clothing, and I find I smile more while wearing it (which of course means more people smile at you). It’s designed for moms, which I’m not, but works for me too!"
Between teaching Come Alive and running our fitness program, when Dani gets home she is ready to r-e-l-a-x. "We purchased a zero gravity chair for our patio this summer. It was so comfortable we now use it more often than our indoor furniture. I love laying in it after a long day to let my body fully release."
Co-founder Carnet, who is truly making #cookingwithcarnet happen on Insta, is passionate about using good knives. Start with this one: "Great value. Good balance. Well made."
And finally, Shawn can't recommend Gabby De Nigris's new class Source Society enough: "This was one of my favorite moments of the summer b/c she changed my life. I wouldn't be where I am today (what/how I eat, view myself, love others) without her influence. It was very heartwarming for me to be present as she brought her own signature class to life (I literally was in tears w/in the first 5 minutes of class)." Catch it when she returns Sept 21.