There’s a quiet realization that often hits at the end of a long, demanding day. The kind of exhaustion that seeps into every bone, making you question where your energy has gone. For me, that moment came when I arrived home, worn out from the never-ending cycle of work, only to find that the creative projects I once cherished were still sitting idly on the back burner, gathering dust. They were always there, waiting for me to remember them, but I was too busy just trying to make ends meet, to survive.

It’s a paradox, isn’t it? The more time we spend working to pay the bills, the more we tend to neglect the parts of ourselves that truly bring joy and fulfillment. In a world that demands so much of our energy, it can feel almost unfair. The bills keep coming, the responsibilities pile up, and the creative spark that once seemed to define us fades into the background, overshadowed by the daily grind.

But something shifted in me. After months of sacrificing my passions for the sake of external obligations, I came to an undeniable truth: if I wanted to keep growing, both personally and professionally, I had to start saying no to others—and more importantly, yes to myself.

It’s no easy task, this shift in priorities. Being a people-pleaser has its own unique set of challenges, primarily the discomfort of rejection—the look of disappointment on someone’s face when you decline an invitation or a request. For years, I lived in this cycle of agreeing to things that didn’t bring me joy, simply because I didn’t want to disappoint others. But I came to realize that, in doing so, I was betraying myself.

When I finally said no, it wasn’t just about protecting my time. It was about protecting my peace, my energy, and my happiness. It hurt at first. But I saw the reflection of my own discomfort in the act of saying yes to things that drained me. I began to understand that I had spent far too much time living for others, and not nearly enough time living for myself.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

1. Do the Things That Scare You

Fear is a powerful force, but so is the courage to face it. Saying no to others and yes to your own needs is terrifying, especially if you’re accustomed to being the one who says yes to everything. But growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens in the spaces where we challenge ourselves.

2. Push Yourself, But Be Kind

It’s essential to push yourself to take the steps necessary for growth, but it’s equally important to listen to your body and your mind. Creative energy doesn’t come from a place of exhaustion; it flows when you nurture it, when you give yourself permission to rest, and when you create space for it to grow.

3. Listen to Your Heart and Your Body

Your body is your greatest ally in the journey toward self-discovery. It will tell you when it’s time to slow down, when you’re stretching yourself too thin, and when you need to pause and listen. It’s about tuning in, being attuned to your own needs and recognizing the subtle signs of burnout before they become overwhelming.

It has been a long road getting to this point, and I know there is still much ahead of me. There are mountains to climb, moments of doubt to overcome, and hurdles to navigate. But now, I recognize the importance of caring for that creative part of myself—the one that I had neglected for so long.

Think of your creativity like a houseplant. Left untended, it will wither. But when watered, nurtured, and given attention, it thrives. Your creativity is no different. It requires time, care, and effort, and in return, it will nourish you. Like a flourishing plant, it will fill your life with beauty, purpose, and the breath of fresh air that only creativity can provide.

So, if you find yourself burnt out, stuck, or questioning where your passion has gone, take a moment to reflect. Nurture what matters most. It’s never too late to start saying yes to yourself and in doing so, you just might find the energy to live, work, and create with renewed purpose.

Editorial Written by Michelle Noland

Arcane Season 2 is so VERY, VERY Special

Arcane Season 2 is here, and it’s delivering so far. My hope is that the show lands its second and final season and delivers everything fans have been waiting for. So far the first three episodes have been released with the next set of episodes coming out November 16. This season dives even deeper into the fractured bond between sisters Vi and Jinx (aka Powder), as the worlds of Piltover and Zaun collide in stunning, jaw-dropping ways. Every frame feels like art, with visuals that take animation to a whole new level and a soundtrack that amplifies the high-stakes drama. The storytelling feels fresh and not a retread of season one and you get the feeling that so many more changes are coming for each character that will change their lives forever.

Find more information here https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/arcane-season-2-release-date-photos

Will Dune Prophecy live up to the films?

Dune Prophecy, a new show on MAX, is a prequel diving into the origin of the Bene Gesserit. The show begins streaming on November 17th, but will it live up to the hype?

Results from our last poll

Our last poll was a vote on, Which film will perform better at the box office, Gladiator 2 or Wicked? Well the results are in and Wicked won!

About 85% of you (including me) believe Wicked will best Gladiator 2 in the box office. Check out this link for analysis on the financial forecast for Wicked https://www.boxofficepro.com/long-range-forecast-universal-promises-a-wicked-thanksgiving-box-office/

New poll

NaNoWriMo

It’s that time of year to write for 30 days straight! Check out the novel writing in a month website here https://nanowrimo.org/ and if you need an accountability partner there are some of us meeting on Fridays over Google Meet. Send me an email at [email protected] if you want to join.

Final Words

As an honorary Musty, we thank you for taking a gander at this newsletter. We hope that, in some small way, we’ve made your life just a tad bit better.

In our next newsletter, we will discuss what to watch for the Thanksgiving holiday. But until then, keep writing.

Jesús and Michelle