I recently shared on Instagram that I’ve been writing a novel! Can you say that if you are only 1/3 of the way through a first draft and don’t know what the next step is?! Not sure, but here I am!
It’s a fictional story that I’ve been “writing” in my head for the better part of six years…but finally started putting down on paper about 18 months ago. I quickly churned out the first 6,000 words but then it sat relatively untouched while I focused on other things (like caring for my terminally ill dog).
But the story was still there — and I’d often brainstorm ideas and write scenes in my head on my slow morning walks around Copenhagen during Walter’s final months.
It’s been great to feel my creativity return over the past few weeks. During the month of May I added another 10,000 words and just passed 24,000 words today:
Telling you this feels really vulnerable (😅), but I know sharing is a good way to keep myself motivated and accountable, so all cheerleading and advice for first-time novelists is welcome!
TGIF,
ASK ME ANYTHING 🎤
At the beginning of the year I fired my podcast back up after a hiatus and have had a lot of fun interviewing some of my favorite experts over the past six months! You can find the show on Substack, Spotify, or iTunes.
As we enter the midway point of the year, I’ve marked this month off for a solo episode to answer some of your questions So it’s time to play a good ol’ fashioned round of “Ask Me Anything” 💁🏻♀️
Got something you’ve been wanting to ask? Personal, professional — whatever you’re curious about! Pop it into this Google Form and I’ll get back to you in the episode coming out later this month:
📚 READ: Do repeat Covid infections increase your risk of cancer? Can Covid activate dormant cancer cells in survivors? Scientists have been asking these questions for a long time — and some research suggests connections do exist. This week The Washington Post (finally) published an article about the increase in unusual cancer cases that have emerged since the pandemic and they summarized the current concerns and findings. Read the article here.
📺 WATCH: By now I’m sure you’ve heard the rave reviews for Baby Reindeer on Netflix. I loved it — even though it wasn’t at all what I expected (there are, for example, no baby reindeers). Based on the true story of the show’s creator, Richard Gadd, it follows a bartender who is stalked and harassed by a female patron. TW for sexual assault, stalking. Watch the trailer here.
Ready to master digital organization?! My next group program is opening soon! Join the launch list to learn more about it + stay in the loop.
🎧 LISTEN: This neuroscientist wants us to stop asking “What’s wrong with you?” and instead ask, “What happened to you?” I loved this episode of the 10% Happier Podcast featuring Dr. Bruce Perry, which explains how trauma manifests in various ways — but they also talk about how things like travel help us increase resilience and how politicians use fear to control people. You can learn more and listen here.
🧡 ENJOY: I *finally* found a natural deodorant that I love! The formula has a really smooth texture and goes on easily, unlike some natural deodorants — but most importantly, it comes in a reusable metal container that you simply add refills to (keep reading for 50% off your order!). I’ve always been so confused by “earth” friendly, natural brands that still put all their products in plastic?!
The brand is called Wild — and I’ve been using it for about 5 weeks. Since we finally got temperatures nearing 80F last weekend, I feel like it has officially earned my stamp of approval!
Wild sent me a little kit to try out (it’s available in the US, UK, and Europe!) — but I’m now a fan girl and plan to purchase my own refills going forward. This recommendation is *not* sponsored, but I’m including their general “refer-a-friend” link below, which will give you 50% off your order (and gives me some credits for future purchases). Of the stuff I tried, these are the things I loved:
The chic metal containers — I love the gold one but also adore the limited-edition seasonal one with bees 🐝 You can add custom engraving to add your name or initials to your case 😍
Deodorant refills in the Sandalwood & Patchouli scent- This scent is so so so damn good. It’s subtle, and works as either a feminine or masculine scent. My other favorite is Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt. Note that when choosing refills, there are tabs for “limited” “classic” and “sensitive” so switch between them to check out all the scents. The refills are also plastic-free — made from bamboo pulp! 🌱
These tiny travel deodorant sticks! Got a couple and am already crazy about how convenient they are for a minimalist traveler like me (also handy to keep in your gym bag, car, purse, etc.).
You can set up a Starter Kit for only $15.20 and can get 50% off your entire order using my link (or use Danielle Bruflodt as a code when you check out). Hit reply if you have any questions!
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Love the weekly page - always so many goodies 🥳 I am especially psyched to try out Wild! I live in Florida & will be happy to report on effectiveness in these tropical climes 🤪