Dear Subscriber First Name,

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air these days. We hear it in news cycles, word of layoffs and the worry of when and from where the next paycheck will come, and the tightening of our own wallets.

During times of uncertainty and loss (potential or realized), gratitude becomes even more vital. Exercising gratitude helps us to take our minds off of what’s far from ideal, and focus on what helps our lives feel full, warm, and okay.

As I navigate a gray period in my own life, the future feels uncertain, and the present feels like walking through deep water. When things feel hard, some things I frequently give thanks for include:

• a mom who can pick up on my hard times, and offers words of support.

• friends who know just what to say when my belief in myself wavers.

• my morning yoga flows, a reminder of my body and my connection to it.

• food and water, which provide physical strength to get through the day.

Whether it’s for the people in your life, the resources at your fingertips, acts of kindness, good health, or the time you spent in the sun today, I encourage you to take a moment to take stock. Doing so could be your mind’s reminder that though life doesn’t always go to plan, it’s still a worthwhile experience.

Love,
Haemee

💸 With the Biden-Harris administration’s student debt loan relief plan currently blocked and its future uncertain, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare to start paying off student loans again in January 2023.

✈️ Sharing snapshots into our personal lives via social media is common practice these days, but some things are better kept private—like our plane tickets. A Singaporean TikToker explained why sharing a glimpse of our plane tickets is not a good idea.

🥺 That sinking feeling you feel after you’ve shared something vulnerable with someone? It’s called “vulnerability hangover”, and Brené Brown has some tips on how to nurse your next one.

👯 “A best friend is a different kind of home entirely, one that reveals itself to be more miraculous with the passing of time. Even the words best and friend feel like they should have outgrown each other […] something that should have expired with girlhood. But they are the only ones I know that can capture the bewildering magic of being loved as your fullest self just because.”

📵 A gentle reminder to spend some time away from your computer and phone.

Reading: Book Lovers by Emily Henry - This aptly named book is a recommendation from ABG’s Social Media Coordinator, graphic designer, and resident bookworm, Ashley: “a fun work enemies to lovers romance where I really resonated with MC as the eldest daughter.”

Watching: The King’s Jester (Netflix) - “Hasan Minhaj shares his thoughts on fertility, fatherhood and freedom of speech in this follow-up to his award-winning comedy special ‘Homecoming King.’"

Eating: Winter Melon Soup with Meatballs (Omnivore’s Cookbook) - Easy to prepare with a satisfying taste, “winter melon soup is a soothing and comforting dish that is indispensable during the cold winter months.”