Dear Subscriber First Name,

Late April going into May is one of my favorite times of the year. Nature’s blooms pepper sidewalks and front yards with every palette imaginable—bold, pastel, even neon. Sometimes, on the warmer days, I can almost smell summer in the air.

Each year as the weather warms in New York, my dad turns over the soil, plants new seeds for his beloved snapdragons and sangchu (lettuce), and waits.

As buds bloom, he snaps photos and texts them to me with encouraging messages in Korean. As I’m drafting this letter, I see my dad just texted a picture of red tulips with a yellow center and the note, “Aren’t the flowers beautiful. Have a beautiful day today, our lovely daughter”. #imnotcryingyouare

As May approaches, I’m counting down the days to my biannual visit home, so my dad and I can admire the garden together (but please don’t ask me to pull weeds).

Our last issue focused on growth, which by nature has a connotation of movement and momentum. This issue, we’re considering the value in stillness. Taking in this moment and its colors, textures, scents, and whatever is coming up for you. For me, today, it’s gratitude for one of the purest loves I have ever known.

Best,
Haemee

P.S. - to suggest a theme for an upcoming issue, message us at: newsletter@asianbossgirl.com.

When your manager or boss leaves the company, it’s a good idea to allow yourself time to process. Some questions to ask yourself include: how are you feeling, do you feel supported at work (especially if your manager was your advocate), and what should you do next? 

The future of work is increasingly remote, impacting how we look for jobs, and ensure a new opportunity and team are the right fit. Here are some questions to ask to get a sense of the team’s remote working style and soft skills.

Did you know that 40% of AAPI LGBTQ youths have considered suicide in the last year? That number gets higher with those who also experienced racism. Staying aware of these issues is an important step in taking better care of our youth.

Picking the “right” college major or career can feel so stressful, especially when your parents’ vision and yours don’t align. One Vietnamese TikToker shared her in-the-moment reaction as her parents questioned how she’ll support herself with her art degree, and how she later processed her parents’ concern.

Starting a new job? While you focus on a strong start, don’t forget to also consider how to set healthy boundaries, too. Now’s the easiest time to do it!

I’ve often wondered why naps are acceptable and scheduled into the day for kids but adults are expected to muscle through the day fueled by copious caffeine. What if we listened to our bodies, work culture adjusted, and naps may be just what we need?

Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear - “If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.” By focusing on process and getting 1% better each day, Clear helps readers reshape how they perceive progress, habit formation, and personal transformation. Positive change is more feasible than we may lead ourselves to believe!

Watching: Everything, Everywhere All at Once - perhaps Michelle Yeoh’s most moving performance yet. This wacky, funny, and emotional story takes us literally, everywhere. At the core of this journey is a story about an immigrant woman & mother, her husband, and their daughter (Stephanie Hsu), existential meaning, the healing of intergenerational trauma, and the ability to grow as a person at any age.

Eating: Stinky Tofu - This Taiwanese dish is one of Mel’s favorites, a delicious reminder of her motherland that you can also try at home.

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