Seeking Inspiration
I will never have
this version of me again
Let me slow down
And be with her
Always evolving - Rupi Kaur
Six months into 2024.
One of the most challenging six months of my life.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been six months since the start of the year where we were desperate for a new year yet aware that the changing year wasn’t going to actually change the chaos of the world.
And somehow, it’s only gotten worse.
Every time I sit down to work, I feel uninspired. There is so much suffering, pain, trauma and division in the world right now that as much as I love the work that I do, it doesn’t feel as meaningful as it had a year ago.
The Instagram algorithm is only showing me the horrifying antisemitism in my city and around the world and information about the war that feels like it will never end.
The Facebook algorithm is only showing me Facebook groups and pages that I’m not in, that are irrelevant to me and annoying.
The LinkedIn algorithm is only showing me people I haven’t been in touch with in years celebrating career milestones and people I don’t even remember how I’m connected to who are looking for jobs.
And then there’s me…
I truly love the work that I do.
I really, really do.
I love helping clients who are really good at their craft build their businesses. And I love supporting companies in creating a more inclusive environment for their employees with invisible illnesses.
And yet, the thought of marketing all of these offerings is more daunting than ever. Last year I recognized that I spent so much time marketing Made Visible (podcast > writing classes > speaking engagements) that many people didn’t know I was still business coaching. In the last nine months I’ve spent so much time talking about Israel, the war, antisemitism and fundraising that many people think about me exclusively as an advocate.
And while I may go through phases of talking about one topic more than another – I am still passionate about all of it. It’s all a huge part of who I am and how I want to spend my time.
So, shameless plug – if you know anyone who:
is looking for support with their business from a business coach
Works at a company who is looking to bring in a speaker about invisible illness (National Disability Employment Awareness Month / NDEAM is coming up in October!)
wants to sponsor Made Visible the podcast to bring it back in the fall
Please reach out as I’d love to connect with you – harper@harperspero.com
In seeking inspiration, I decided to listen to the Good Life Project podcast which I hadn’t listened to in a while yet saw that Emma Gannon was this week’s guest and I was a huge fan of her podcast Ctrl Alt Delete. Every single word that Emma shared on this episode was so relatable to where I’m at right now.
This in between phase. This knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and also having no idea when it will be visible. And what will be there.
Listening to this episode, I was reminded that I had a defunct Substack called "Getting Comfortable in the Discomfort” which I launched as I settled into life in Tel Aviv in early 2022, and here I am…getting settled in Brooklyn in 2024. So, it felt appropriate to revisit this Substack and see where it takes me…
And speaking of Brooklyn…I am in love with my apartment and my neighborhood and being steps away from the promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Every time I am lacking inspiration (which is all too often these days), I go for a walk, get some fresh air, stare at the East River and people watch. I avoid making eye contact with tourists who want me to take their photo with the city skyline behind them.
I’m trying to be patient with myself in not having all the answers. In not having all the motivation that I am used to having. In accepting that I’ve entered a new phase in my life and getting comfortable in the discomfort.
Where are you finding inspiration these days? I’d love to hear.
Email me at harper@harperspero.com
In the meantime, here are some things I’m loving right now – it’s the little things, right?
WATCH: I’ve been counting down the months for The Bear season three to be released and now that it’s here I’m doing everything in my power to savor it. I don’t want to binge it as I usually would. I’m four episodes in and while I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it so far, I also don’t think they can disappoint me. I’m obsessed with the casting, characters, dialogue and plot line. It’s one of the most brilliant shows ever.
LISTEN: In trying to minimize my time on Instagram (not happening so successfully), I’m getting most of my news from podcasts. These are the ones I’m loving right now:
APPLY: I am a Credo Beauty junkie. I have long-time favorites and also have recently discovered some new products I’m loving including:
EAT: I am absolutely obsessed with these frozen Tru Fruit raspberries covered in white and dark chocolate. I don’t even like white chocolate and I am crazy about these.
As I’m figuring out the second half of this year — I’d love to hear from you. What do you want to hear more about from me? Is there a service you’d like me to offer? Is there a program you’d like to go through with me? How can I support you? I’m all ears.