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Hey Reader,

What's one thing you're thankful for right now?

Take a moment to think about it and consider writing it down.✍🏼

Whether you're having a wonderful day or it's a complete shit show, I hope you'll take this moment to embrace that feeling of gratitude. Even if it's for something small (like a cup of coffee), the power of a positive (and grateful) mindset can't be overlooked!

Now onto what I found interesting/inspirational during the month of June. I hope you enjoy!🙏🏼😁

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​Minimal Musings​

I didn't release any full blog posts this month (although I'm in the midst of one I'm stoked about), but I did release thirty Minimal Musings.🥳

​This one stood out because of how the idea came to me. I was brainstorming topics for the day, while, at the same time judging someone else for something that didn't even matter.🤦🏼‍♂️

Voilà.💡

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​Don't let work overwhelm you: top tips from creatives for protecting your mental health​

Although this article was written for creatives, it applies to all of us.

The tip that stuck out most to me was Talk to Yourself. As I alluded to in this Minimal Musing, our mind can be a bully at times. If we don't keep our thoughts in check, it's more than likely that we're doing ourselves harm.

Rather than fall into those negative thought patterns, what if we were to encourage ourselves instead?

"Way to go!"

"You're killing it!"

"You look dope."

Cheesy? Maybe.

Effective? Definitely.

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Creator: Justin Shiels​

I learned about Justin Shiels through attending a Creative Mornings Virtual FieldTrip he hosted.

Justin is a fantastic illustrator and ambassador for positive change - just the type of person to learn from if you're wanting to move your life in the direction of health, joy, and success.

If you like what you see, consider subscribing to his weekly newsletter, The Weekly Reset!

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​Player Piano - Kurt Vonnegut​

I've slowly been reading through the works of Vonnegut, and despite this book being over 70 years old, the themes are eerily relatable.

While not focused on productivity/minimalism, the social commentary tucked into this satire has a way of prompting important existential thought:

• What's the purpose of my work?
• How do I relate to others?
• Do my beliefs around productivity make sense?

Read it if you dare.

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​Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse​

I found this movie inspirational due to the sheer amount of creative ingenuity and work that clearly went into its production.

Even if you're not an animated movie fan, I'd highly recommend giving this (and the previous film) a watch*.

Everything from the voice acting to the art to the storyline is spot on.

*Bonus points if you watch it in a local cinema!🎥🍿

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​Bonus Meme Goodness​

​This article is full of surprisingly accurate memes related to Customer Success and working from home. If those sound relatable, you'll get a kick out of this lineup!

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Heading Into July

It's a big month for me:

• I'll be starting an MBA program.
• It'll be my first full month at a new company.
• I'll be entering the last year of my twenties😱

Heading into those is a mixed bag of excitement, fear, anticipation, anxiety, gratefulness, and a plethora of other emotions.

What's July look like for you, and what are the dominant emotions you're feeling? Let me know - I'd love to hear more!​

This already feels like a packed newsletter, so I'll keep it short. Thanks so much for being here!🙏🏼

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Until next month,

James

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P.S. Notice something cool on the internet? Let me know about it!