This email is about work

Offline Recess is a newsletter that invites you to pause from digital distractions and rediscover the joy of finding inspiration on your own terms, away from the algorithm.

A quick summary: It’s Sunday and today we’re exploring:

• How my quest for inspiration has evolved as a business owner

• Offline moments last month

• How many organizations are trying to operate in a very unnatural way

I did not have anyone edit this so if you see a typo, be relieved that I’m a human and not a robot.

Intersections

things that are connecting during my recess

I have owned my own business for 13 years now. When I write this newsletter, I tend to avoid work talk. But work is such a huge part of my life that it feels disingenuous. Maybe you’re a small business owner yourself or maybe someone you’re close with lives this life. My business offers creative services. We sell work that is subjective and time consuming. We receive feedback every day. We learn the ins and outs of other businesses. We must tap into inspiration at the right moments, consistently and daily. 

As Wonderly has grown to the size it is now, I’ve had to find different kinds of inspiration for the different parts of my job. I’ve had to work really hard to find leaders within business that I look up to and respect; ones that operate with a similar worldview and approach to leadership. 

The other day, I was asked, “What are some of the most impactful books or articles or concepts that have helped you grow into the leader you are today?” I thought about it for awhile and then shared my answers:

• The Art of Communicating was 

• Leadership And The New Science and Braiding Sweetgrass have taught me about the natural world (and how unnatural our workplaces can be).  

• Ari from Zingerman's books and newsletter helped me see examples of successful, intentional work culture

• Reading or watching about peoples’ craft or how things are made helps me slow down in our work, hold a standard, and learn that it takes a lot of smart people doing their thing (together): music, tv, film, kitchens, political movements 

• Therapy!!!!

• Hiring coaches has been incredibly instrumental to my own growth as a leader.

• Books like Design is a Job, CAPSLOCK, and Ruined by Design helped me understand the power that designers have. And that we have a responsibility to yield it positively/ethically.  

Sure, finding design inspiration (or related to our service and craft) is important. But we don’t make things in a vacuum. Wonderly is a living organization with humans and clients and many other external forces. I can’t control it all but I can do my best to make the current or stream run in the right direction.

March Offline

little things add up to life

Many things that I do offline don’t really come up in this newsletter but it’s fun to do a little reflection after a month is over and observe:

• Went to a nature center with my niece and read the quote, “Look deep, deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” (Albert Einstein)

• Returned to my tolerance (and sometimes preference) for cold food like salads and smoothies and smoothie bowls now that it’s getting warmer (and thanks to this cookbook)

• Discovered you can make your own emoji when you’re on your iPhone

• Ate a lot of Lebanese food

• Moved some plants around the house. It’s a version of rearranging that I enjoy.

Freedom + Order

a quote that stuck with me

P.S. You’ve enjoyed this newsletter over the years, you can help contribute to the cost of publishing. I don’t have any intention of putting up a paywall but you can Venmo me @alliepal or send a tip via Paypal (this account is under my maiden name Jocson because Paypal makes it nearly impossible to change your name). Thank you to all who tip me!