The last few weeks have felt busier than ever, though there seems to be a shift in energy.

Maybe it was the early month Full Moon. Maybe it's the desire to hold on to something that feels sturdy while the world around us feels so uncertain. But somehow through the chaos, I've been sensing that some of the noise is giving way to more clarity and what's been interesting.. more community support.

It feels like there is a major desire to get back to basics. To do things in person, and sacrifice massive scale for the sake of real relationships. And above all support neighbors and friends on a local level.

It's busy, and easy to deprioritize these things. Here's what I'm doing to maintain a focus on people, even when it feels like I don't have time:

1) Making an offer for help specific - I'm going to drop off food. I'll leave it on the porch, and text you when it's there (to a friend recovering from surgery). This takes the burden off them to tell me what they need or feel bad asking.

2) Letting go of the perfect follow up email - I'm trying to get out to more in person events, and have been meeting so many interesting new people! Rather than crafting the perfect follow up email (and given how busy everyone is), I've traded lengthy follow ups for quick hit "let's connect" notes to make sure it actually gets done.

3) Non-negotiables that I plan around - This season, it's teaching kids Entrepreneurship lesson at my son's elementary school, leading up to their annual Marketplace in March. I do my best thinking time in the morning, so these early AM sessions cut in to focus work, and at the same time, it brings me so much joy to be teaching kids the skills to start and scale their own business one day. These 4 sessions have become annual non-negotiables.

4) Texting someone right away when I think about them, instead of deferring to when I'm less busy.. (which may never come).

There are so many weeks when none of these things happen, and I can barely respond to texts that come to me. So if that sounds like some version of what you've been feeling, you're not alone. And at the same time, you can always restart. Pick a micro-moment of connection you want to prioritize next week, and either schedule it in or reach out to someone to make a plan.

Thanks for being part of my extended community. It means so much. I hope you have a fun Valentine's Day in whatever way you're celebrating and a wonderful week ahead. 🫶

All the best,

Alison

Keep reading for new announcements including:

💻 International Women's Day - Virtual Panel on March 9th at 12pm ET

🎧 Purpose Profit Shift Podcast - Out today!