REGISTER NOW: Uncomfortable Conversations: The Skills Crisis
REGISTER: 8THIRTYFOUR Skills Survival School Founding Cohort

Shit We're Thankful For

Share the goods.

A person hand writing a thank you note.

It’s that time of year where we think about the things we are grateful for as we navigate corn mazes while picking apples and gorging ourselves on turkey and the fixings.
2020 has been a real bitch. There’s no sense in mincing words. However, there is always something to be thankful for. Think real hard. We’ll start.

People

Who knew a pandemic would bring us closer together? We took a lot of things for granted before we were sequestered in our homes. Whether it’s friends, family or co-workers, quarantine makes the togetherness that much sweeter…including the hugs (insert Kim cringe).
Our priorities have been reset due to the weirdness of 2020, but that isn’t a bad thing. Overcommitment is no longer a way of life. We get to be choosy with who we spend our time with, and you realize just how important some of those peeps are.
Since we’re talking about people, how about a shout-out to the essential workers, science-y professionals, and perhaps most importantly, the Shipt shoppers? If you’re reading this, Paul, thank you.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t recognize our roommates, co-workers, spouses and kids. They’re all pretty great.
For real, though, work for a place with a great culture with really cool people. It makes shit way more tolerable, and you don’t feel alone.

Pets

Listen, they’re our constant in times like these. Thank God they don’t judge us for our current work uniforms—sweatpants, overly dry-shampooed hair, slippers and a stained t-shirt.
We’re really killing the runway looks this year.
Thanks for cuddling with us, guys, no matter the time or state of our appearance.

Health

Cycling, yoga, walks and more have kept us centered. Some of us are jumping on the health bandwagon after putting on the COVID 19, but hey, at least we got there.
We’re not just talking about physical health. Our mental health has become a focus for all of us. Our anxiety is off the charts, which is why we’re hella thankful for meditating, reading, reflecting, recentering and unwinding.
We’ve learned so much about what we need for our own mental health, as well as how to best support others in theirs. 2020 has reduced the stigma around mental health, and for that, we are extremely thankful.
P.S. See a therapist, ask for Linda.

Home

When you can’t escape your living space, you start to really take note of the blessings around you. Our houses have really become homes in 2020. Some of us moved into new places, got roommates, adopted a cat or a dog, redesigned a room or updated a cabin.
We realized it’s worth spending the time to make your place cozier while also creating a place dedicated to work time.
2020 has also given some of us introverts an excuse to also never leave our homes. So cool.

Technology

Where the hell would we be without FaceTime, social media, texting and more? Have we ever been more tied to technology?
“Work from home” is the catchphrase of 2020, but for realz, we’d be screwed without chat, AirPods, Facebook (who would we share our election woes with?), and yes, even Zoom.
Here’s the deal…
Slow down, and pay attention to the things that are most important: friendships, family, and taking care of yourself mentally and physically.
This year has thrown curveball after curveball, but it made us reflect and find the things that are most important. So, in a weird way, thanks, 2020.
 
 

Leave A Comment

Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.