10 Affirmations to Boost Your Confidence + Are Prebiotic Sodas Healthy?
Plus, advice for journalists just starting out—or professionals switching into the field.
Happy Monday, What’s Good crew!
The past 7 days have fully loaded with…
Delicious eats, including a la carte masterpieces at Proof and a spot-on seasonal farm-to-table dinner by Crafted Food Services.
Salon time. Hat tip to Carly at elevencherry for the new ‘do!
Hot topics. See below for my latest research and reporting.
Soul-feeding walks. ICYMI, walk and talks are my new favorite alternative to coffee meetings. They’re so rejuvenating, ideal for sparking creative ideas and who couldn’t use more fresh air while the temps are so stunning?
A visit to my alma mater. To guest speak to junior and senior level student editors about all things lifestyle writing.
It was an honor to be asked to return to Iowa State University to coach their journalism students about all of the opportunities available within the magazine space—especially digitally. When I was in their shoes circa 2009, I certainly never could have imagined that I’d be writing for TIME Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Runner’s World, Allrecipes, EatingWell and beyond. (Most days I still have to pinch myself!) Nor did I think I could make a serious living on a writing salary.
During the Q&A portion of the seminar, one student asked: “What were some of the secrets that helped you evolve and grow your career so much over the past decade?”
It would take far more than an hour to share them all, but here were a few key points that I shared with them—and wanted to pass along here in case they might be helpful for anyone reading; writer or not.
Be agile. When I graduated, not all magazines had websites or a brand social media presence. That means I learned everything I know about search engine optimization, social media, digital writing, content management systems, website building, etc. on the job. Attend trainings. Ask how you can lend a hand. Be open to trying and failing and learning. All of this will help you eventually master what’s new.
Be kind. My business would be 0 percent possible if not for the incredible editors and expert sources I have the opportunity to team up with each day. Creating, building and maintaining these relationships will not only benefit your business, but also makes every aspect of it more fun. Even though I’ve met very few IRL and communicate with the vast majority of them via phone or email, I absolutely treasure the connections I have with each editor, dietitian, trainer, doctor, chef, sommelier, psychologist I work with. It sounds silly to say, but I feel like I’m BFFs with many at this point! Think of these relationships as friendships rather than transactional exchanges and your soul and business growth potential will expand.
Do the work. Beat the deadlines. Complete the tasks asked of you, giving each your all. Make your clients’ lives easier and chances are high you’ll be presented with more chances to contribute.
Did any of these resonate? Sound off in the comments below, and I’d also love to hear one tip you’d tell your college self!
What to Read…
As for that work, here’s the latest nutrition, health, dining and cooking news I’ve had the joy of covering. Find out if those trendy prebiotic sodas like Poppi or Oliopop actually live up to the wellness hype, discover one flour everyone should steer clear of for the time being, plus local restaurant deals and more.
EatingWell: Are Prebiotic Sodas Actually a Gut-Friendly Choice?
EatingWell: What Is Tara Flour—and Is It Safe?
EatingWell: Choosing Salt Substitutes May Lower Risk for Heart Disease by 13%, According to New Research
EatingWell: The Best Time to Get a Flu Shot This Year, According to Health Experts
Southern Living: The Best Cooking Tips We've Learned From the Pioneer Woman
Better Homes & Gardens:What is Dragon Fruit? Here's Your Complete Guide to How to Shop For, Slice, and Savor the Showy Produce Pick
LIVESTRONG: 7 Vegetarian Heat-and-Eat Meals With 15 Grams of Protein or More
dsm Magazine: 7 Restaurant Week Items for Your Must-Try List
What’s Inspiring Me…
Speaking of what you’d tell for your younger self, I spotted this image on Instagram this week, shared it in my stories and had dozens of people respond noting how it resonated with them too. The caption reads “Which of these affirmations do you wish you could have told yourself 5 years ago?”
I think that's a terrific question—and also recommend that if one really hits home, it might be a good idea to jot it down on a sticky note to position on a bathroom mirror or door you walk through often. Or make it the background of your phone or computer desktop to give your soul some positive ✨spark✨ early and often!
