with light

Dear friends,
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A concept that's been on my heart this week is the beauty of accountability. On a phone call with a friend, it became clear that we were both really struggling to stick to a disciplined writing plan; both of us are working on creative writing projects, but neither was having much success at consistently making time to write. We eventually agreed to try out an experiment.
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For one week, we sat down between 7:30-8:30am (in our respective time zones) and wrote. When finished writing, we sent each other a simple 🧜🏽‍♀️ emoji of a mermaid – no deep meaning here, we just love mermaids. It's been almost two weeks now, and we've organically continued the experiment. Dozens of mermaids swim in our WhatsApp texts. Were there days maybe one of us was sick, or missed an alarm clock? Sure. But the overall trend remains, and I'm happy to say I've made more progress in my novel in two weeks than in the last two months, and she's just submitted her poetry for an award.
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When we find the right people in our lives that can hold us accountable to the visions we want to step into for ourselves, the people that help us step into our dreams until they become reality, that's true empowerment. Solidarity in life's climb lightens the load, and so gives us energy to go farther, longer. Anyone who tells you that success is the story of an individual is either lying, or delusional; we can only go so far when we go alone.
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Try asking yourself this week: what is a weight I've been carrying alone, that I would find lighter if I could just share it with someone else? Start small. Maybe you'd like to get into the habit of drinking a tall glass of water every morning, or maybe you'd like to apply to more jobs. Find one human in your life with a similar goal, and hold each other accountable for one week; let's see how many mermaids can swim in your texts 🧜🏽‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️

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with light,
Jasmine

fresh soil

🌍 Why self-compassion works better than self-esteem: More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients. Dr. Kristin Neff, who has researched the subject for years, explains what self-compassion is, including what it isn’t, and why self-compassion works better than the high self-esteem we seem to always be chasing. → Podcast
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🌍 Most advanced full female anatomy 3D model released: About two years ago a (not quite accurate) model of the “female muscle system” and “milk ducts” went viral over social media. And even though not accurate, the discussion that emerged was an important one. In order to address this lack of representation of female anatomy, a research publisher recently released the most advanced digital 3D female model.→ Graphic
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🌍 A comedyish science show: Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists' obsessions. Humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life.→ Podcast

water your soul

🦜 In the tradition of Peruvian ancestors.
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🍞 Wisdom in a piece of toast.
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🔥 Languages blending in song.
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🧠 The greatest interviewer EVER.
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🍕At home with an Italian grandma.
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🦋 Why she chose to be visible.

community garden

Because we know our community is full of book lovers... welcome to our first book giveaway ✨ Lucky winners will get a digital copy of an amazing book outlining 6 essential keys to unlock your dream career in social impact. Participating is simple: to get a free copy, all you have to do is refer The Bloom to 3 new friends who you think will love the newsletter. The first 40 people to get 3 lovely humans to subscribe will get a free copy. Send us an email (💌info@readtobloom.com) once you've completed the challenge!

And... because we know you love a good interview, you will get the chance to hear from one of the authors of the book in our new Coffee with Changemakers Newsletter 🎊 Sign up for long-form interviews with award-winning podcast hosts and authors, human rights influencers, and impact career coaches. Spoiler alert: you will actually get the chance to MEET the humans we interview 👀

branch out

🧠 EXPLORE
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​Why you should schedule time for serendipity.
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Explore becoming antifragile.
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If you ever freeze up when asking for help.
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What it takes to be a successful content creator.
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An impact workshop by one of our Bloomers.
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​How to overcome the negative voice in your head - solutions from a neuroscientist who studies introspection.

sponsor seed

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Coral ❤️ With a team that includes leading sex-positive researchers, they're on a mission to help you boost confidence, find deeper intimate connections, and new frontiers of enjoyment. For those of you passionate about mental health, and looking for creative ways to build inner resilience, this is certainly a safe space to find that empowerment in a unique way. Oh, and if (like me) you're not particularly fond of the ultimate capitalist complex that is "Valentine's Day", they're hosting a special one hour event with an intimacy coach, leading participants through a sensual – not sexual 😉 – partner massage.

grow new roots

ASIA + OCEANIA​
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🌱Gradate fellowship – Teach for Pakistan
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​EUROPE ​
🇬🇧
🌱People & culture intern – The New Humanitarian
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​AFRICA + MIDDLE EAST ​
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🌱Community education manager – Sonke Gender Justice
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​LATIN AMERICA
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​🌱Senior human resources officer – Women's Link Worldwide
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​NORTH AMERICA​
🇺🇸
🌱Story editor – The 19th
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REMOTE
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🌱Finance associate part-time – The Young Feminist Fund

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