🎁Get Free: The FAM Mail Edition, Vol. 2

Hey Get Free Fam - welcome to Issue 21! In the spirit of celebrating our wins (as we talked about in Issue 15 ) it feels important to mark this milestone. If you were here last week, you’ll know there was a plan for a Fam Mail edition full of your thoughts and comments over the past few issues. But life was life-ing and airport WiFi ain’t always the best, so we’re celebrating The Get Free Guide being eligible for an adult beverage instead (OK, 21 issues, not 21 years, but again, celebrate where you can!)

More than 200 of you from many corners of the world have joined the community since the launch in June, and we continue to grow. THANK YOU for taking time to read, share the ways you’re getting free and help other GFFs with their questions. It means so much, and we’re just getting started! 

Let’s get into it!

So: since our last FAM Mail issue back in August we’ve covered all kinds of topics: Why it’s important to cut yourself some slack, how you can find the power in your story and why it’s OK to try again when things don’t quite go to plan. But three issues in particular got y’all talking.

Conversation #1: Weight Ain’t Nothing But a Number

From a brunch gathering in Ghana to family dinner tables in the US and beyond, Weight Ain’t Nothing But A Number really got under the skin. The many (many, many, many) numbers attached to our bodies - height, weight, BMI, A1C, blood pressure to name a few - all create tension when it comes to getting free. GFF Sylvie reached out and started out with this:

Gym memberships are fueled by all of us trying to take care of our future selves. Just be sure you’re doing more than making a monthly donation. I said what I said. 

But it’s not just adults who can feel trapped by our body metrics: kids can, too. For GFF Sylvie, living in a country where most young women are thin is a real challenge for her daughter:

If you’re a parent or have young folks in your life, how are you navigating conversations about all the numbers that come with taking care of our bodies? Or how did you deal with it as a kid and what advice can you share with GFF Sylvie? Email [email protected]. 

A few of you reached out with stories about interactions with doctors and fears around not being heard. GFF Debbie said:

And staying with doctors, a number of messages came in with various takes on managing relationships with health care providers. Everything from meticulous journaling to prove to doctors that food and exercise routines are balanced and consistent, to the use of home blood pressure monitors, glucose readers, and sleep trackers to measure every metric possible.

GFF Natalie wrote that she measures ALL numbers and has made some changes to her exercise, nutrition and vitamin regimen as a result. But, there’s one number she says none of us can get away from: 

So here’s another conversation spark: how is age showing up in your get free journey? Are there things you’re choosing not to do, or doing differently because of your age (whether older OR younger?) Aaliyah said Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number, but how’s that working out for you? Email [email protected] or just hit reply to this email!

Clearly there’s much to discuss here. I’ll have details about a Get Free event on Friday December 5 - Your Body, Your Numbers - where we’ll really dig into this topic. RSVPs open next week. More soon!

Conversation #2: Time Is All We Have

This issue was written while spending time with my dad as he turned 86. He’s fit and healthy, but perhaps for the first time it really dawned on me that he won’t be here forever. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Ultimately, none of us will be here for eternity, and time - today - is really all we have.

A few of you wrote in about how you’re reclaiming your precious seconds, minutes and hours, especially when it comes to work. GFF Kirsty shared: 

And similarly GFF Elise wrote about leaving her role because it was no longer a fit for her time or her values:

This conversation around work also played into our chat about layoffs and how they are not your fault (Issue 17). A number of you wrote in expressing relief at being reminded that you are not to blame for your role being eliminated or for telling people they no longer have a job. As one GFFer wrote: “Thank you for the reminder that I did nothing wrong and I am employable. My confidence took a knock after being laid off and I wondered for a long time if I was let go because I wasn’t good at my job. I needed these words to give me a boost.”

Conversation #3: The Chokehold of Scarcity

A recent issue, but one that struck a cord. With layoffs and socioeconomic struggles in so many places, it makes sense that scarcity is top of mind. A few of you shared how side hustles are becoming more urgent and taking more time because of fears that the 9-5 will soon be gone. The feeling of abundance isn’t there. But GFF Paulina shared how Issue 19 and some conversations with her spouse made her think differently about a recent side hustle opportunity: 

And the last submission I’d like to share took us to church - literally! The Chokehold of Scarcity was posted on October 10 - 1010 and I mentioned that:

Looking at 10.10 today - or any matching number sequence - to me feels like a nod and a wink from the universe, a sign that we’re on the right path and that - in time - order returns to everything. Even a broken clock is right twice a day!

GFF Kim sent this message by return:

Getting free shows up in so many ways and places. Thank ALL of you for taking the time to reach out and share. I could write a VERY long post with all of the messages and questions and wisdom - y’all have a lot to say! We’ll do another edition of FAM Mail next year

In the meantime, please keep your questions, comments and advice coming in. What are you trying to get free FROM? Or what are you getting free to DO? Email [email protected] or press the button below and we’ll be in touch. Don’t be shy!

And if you made it here, please take five minutes to complete this survey for a chance to win an original Get Free Guide tote bag!

🚀Get Your Life: Things to read, listen to, enjoy🚀

📚What I’m reading: I’m still working my way through 107 days by Kamala Harris. My review? Giiiiiiirrrrrrrlllllllll. Grab yourself a copy from a local bookstore. My favorite is Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, CA.

🎧What’s on the TV: You know I’m not ashamed of trash TV guilty pleasures, so this week I inhaled the latest Love Is Blind. No spoilers in case you’re still working your way through episodes, but holler back once you’re done…

🎵 Soundtrack for the week: Work To Do by the Isley Brothers. The opening piano is fierce!

✨ If you’ve got a recommendation drop me a line. ✨

THANKS FOR READING!

👋🏿Before you go, if you're enjoying this newsletter, please share with three friends who might get something out of it (like, tell them you like it and why, don’t just forward with no context!). And if someone forwarded this to you, go ahead and subscribe. Come on in, and GET FREE! 🙏🏾

See you next Friday!