IT'S A VIBE...

…Or at least I hope that’s your impression of the “rebrand” of my e-newsletter. My career certainly isn’t stagnate, thus it was time for me to elevate the visual aesthetic of the monthly content I drop into your inbox too. To be clear, RWL is a mood — not solely about how much cash one’s creative passion is pulling in. Y’all know I am not one to shy away from talking about money. But a true RWL should be equally as rooted in celebration, collaboration and community.

Speaking of the latter, The Loft is launching a digital platform (Lit!Commons) next month for creative writing enthusiasts craving opportunities to work on storytelling, revision and mapping out a path to publishing that align better with their schedule — and budget. There will be new content like generative prompts, audio recordings and video lessons added weekly, in addition to live Q&A sessions with teaching artists.

And if your physical body could use a bit of TLC as much as your creative life, vegan chef and Meridian Yoga practitioner Victoria Andrews and I are leading a 2-hour Yogic Nutrition class next Saturday (3/31) at Inner Fire Yoga. Learn how to eat like a yogi and enjoy some healthy, seasonal and allergen-friendly snacks after a 75-minute flow class focused on digestive wellness.

I also will be drinking health-forward “in motion” as spring begins to bloom thanks to my new Beast Mini Blender. Now if your memory game is strong, you likely recall that I already own a Ninja. But this appliance is more versatile due to The Beast’s ability to grind, chop, mince, whip, juice, and more. Plus my fave feature (so far) is that the main blending vessel is portable because of its leak-proof drinking lid and straw-cap.

I haven’t slacked on tending to my mental health either during Q1 of 2024. In January, I committed to meditating every day, followed by a 30-day yoga challenge that took all of February (and the first day of March) to complete. This month, daily reading for "self-care” has been my focus. So “Happy Days” by Gabby Bernstein and G. Michelle Goodloe’s “I Own My Magic: Self-Talk for Black Women: Affirmations for Self-Care and Empowerment” journal have remained within arm’s reach of my bed and desk.

Have a book to recommend that soothed your soul? Let me know when you have a free moment as I am considering committing to this particular reading habit for the remainder of the year.

May we all make it our mission to wrap up March on a marvelous note! ~Rachel

PS: ICYMI on social media, my latest book deal was publicly announced a few weeks ago!