ISSUE NO. 590

EVERY TIME WE VISIT OUR FRIEND AMANDA'S HOUSE ...

she has rearranged her furniture. Witnessing this over the years was a real revelation. In a culture geared toward perfection, the idea that you could change your mind, try out a new layout, or just choose to express yourself differently without explanation or approval felt wildly liberating.

Over time, things in Amanda's house always improved in ways both small and significant, as a result of her commitment to finding creative solutions. She redefined 'success' for me - from a static destination to an active and mindful practice.

At a certain point I vowed to live my life more like Amanda - to prioritize making continual improvements and not stay static for the sake of appearing like I have everything 'put together perfectly'. I realized that faith in trying new things is the very thing that eventually yields the best possible outcome. 

This spirit extends far beyond physical space. The amazing thing about a lesson in vulnerability is how it obliterates the idea of 'one perfect way'. Inconveniently, the uncomfortable process inspires the most meaningful progress. 

We dedicate this week's newsletter to everyone who breathes a little bit of this energy into their own lives and unknowingly inspires those around them. To those who embrace the beauty of diversity, who love in the way that feels most genuine to their hearts, and who work toward a future that they can only yet imagine.


Love grows. Here's to loving ourselves and each other as a continual work in progress,

Tay + Dor


photo by Christine Han

tidbits...

resources on anti-racism, environmentalism and food culture AKA stuff we're reading / listening to / watching / noticing / thinking about / captivated by this Tuesday . . .

Proof that the most powerful stories have you sobbing from the start. Stacyann Chin writes so eloquently about the many ways to love for Modern Love / NY Times. 

Proving that attention is a form of love, the National Audubon Society's 4-day bird count begins on February 18. Are you ready?

Show a Black artist some love. Help Wild Gina reach 5,000 prints sold.  

Re-reading Untamed and it's every bit as entertaining and relevant a year later. Today's episode of We Can Do Hard Things also hit home for us, as usual.

Fred Rogers gets right to the root of it.

View and share this free guide to How to Write a More Equitable Job Post, and stay tuned for new resources to deepen this work.


Read the latest GFJ Story on award-winning British photojournalist Emily Garthwaite and her travels across Iraq. Words by Jehan Nizar, photos by Emily Garthwaite.

got a tidbit? drop it here for us and we'll share it in next week's newsletter.