Perfection is the enemy of good πŸ‘


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#SimonSays...

Coming at you live writing from Watercolor, Florida, this week. Please excuse any typos or rambling since I'm (probably) writing this with a bloody mary in hand... 🍹

Back in the real world, I just started working for a new start-up. And I've been thinking a lot about the idea of "good enough"....

"Perfection is the enemy of good"

We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perfect something before sharing it with the world. But if we get caught in our heads, we end up letting the idea fizzle before it even starts! (Is that you?)

Here's the thing: nothing starts as perfect. Any project or idea you're working on will have its awkward, frustrating, not-so-perfect stage - and that's okay!

The more messy action we can take, the more we can learn by doing.

So go ahead and get started on that blog, business, or a new hobby. It's better than not starting at all. You can always make things better as you go along. Just start 😊

I'm cheering you on...

XO, 😘

Jules


πŸ“– Content I’m Consuming…

πŸ—’οΈ Article - You Are What You Eat (and Absorb) (Sohailla Digsby, RDN, LD)

I wish I had known more about this earlier in my chronic illness battle because, looking back, I suffered from nutrient malabsorption (and didn't even know it!) I ate the healthiest vegan foods, but it didn't matter because my body wasn't absorbing anything. This article highlights the many impacts of absorption, such as gut health, medication use, and age, and how to start healing your gut for maximum nutrient absorption. (P.S. An animal-based diet was the turning point for me!)

πŸ“š Book - Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose (Rebekah Lyons)

We read this book for our summer bible study in July, and I loved the biblical approach while also providing practical tips to help us break free from anxiety and live a life filled with peace, passion, and purpose. In this book, the author shares her journey through depression and anxiety, revealing four powerful rhythms we can use to heal: rest, restore, connect, and create. (It's a great beach read!)

πŸŽ™οΈ Podcast - How Women Should Be Exercising with Dr. Stacy Sims​

Not surprisingly, (insert eye roll πŸ™„) but new research reveals that most workout plans are only designed for men, overlooking the unique physiological needs of women. Dr. Stacy Sims breaks down her research findings and empowers women to train to our unique needs (according to our cycle!) I found her on this TedTalk and have been following her ever since...

πŸ“Ί YouTube - 9 Systems To Build A Life Of Abundance - Sahil Bloom​

I've recently fallen in love with Sahil Bloom, the inspiring Founding Partner at SRB Ventures, a successful angel investor, and a popular content creator. In this video interview, he shares his secrets to achieving success in all aspects of life, from building wealth to maintaining health and strong relationships. I LOVED every minute of it. Especially the part about how often we'll see our parents before they pass.. it's an eye-opener, y'all!


✍️ My Latest Blogs and Guest Posts #SimonSays

I’ve been busy writing on xojulessimon.com about all things gut health because it was such a turning point in my chronic illness healing journey. Here are the most popular articles from the last month!

πŸ“ 5 Gut Health Hacks That Actually Work For Chronic Conditions​

πŸ“ The Best Thing To Drink in the Morning (On an Empty Stomach)​

πŸ“ Top 5 Butyrate Foods for Gut Health You Need To Try Tonight ​

πŸ“ Adrenal Fatigue & Leaky Gut - What You Need to Know ​


πŸš€ Featured in...

πŸ“ What are Zero Drop Shoes? (Frisco Running Company)

πŸ“ 5 Ideas for Introverts to Make a New Friend This Summer (Introvert Dear)

What else do you want to hear or learn about in my blog? Or, looking for a writer for your site? Holler! (Reply back to this email!)


πŸ“±Post of the Week ….

Oh, those summer nights! We are in Watercolor, Florida, this week with our dearest friends. And last night we had a beautiful bonfire on the beach in Seaside... I love making these precious memories. Happy Fourth of July πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ!


β™₯️ Product I’m diggin

πŸ’Ώ Vintage Record Player ​

🎡"Hey, Mr. DJ, put that record on I wanna dance with my baby..."🎡. Yes, Paul and I got a record player and a few vinyls to play at the house. And in case you were wondering, one of our first records was Simon & Garfunkel. Wink! 😜


πŸ€” Did you know?

😴 According to the National Sleep Foundation, women are significantly more likely than men to report challenges falling and staying asleep because of our hormonal fluctuations throughout our cycles.

If you feel your sleep patterns are off track, check out tips and tricks from experts here.


πŸ€” Quote I’m pondering…

"Life rewards action, not intelligence.

Many brilliant people talk themselves out of getting started, and being smart doesn't help very much without the courage to act.

You can't win if you're not in the game."

– James Clear ​


πŸ’­ Final thoughts

Go ahead and release the need for external validation and commit to living authentically, even if that means diverging from a certain societal expectation.

As you go through your month, notice what feels good and speaks to your soul. What makes you feel a sense of joy, excitement, and fulfillment?

On the other hand, notice what depletes you and doesn’t feel right. What makes you feel drained, anxious or disinterested?

Let this awareness guide you in making choices that align with your true self... I'm working on this too...

Till next time,

XO 😘

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Hi, I’m a creator

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