Holiday 🗞️ Slow News Day #20

Hey,

20 newsletters, how cool is that? I’ve spent every week for over a third of a year writing — taking time to reflect on my experiences through the lens of slowness and learning about myself. And a growing number of you are interested in reading it each week. What a joy!

On Sunday, Bex and I leave Cactus Coliving and are heading to Costa Adeje for a five-day holiday in true British style. Hotel, pool, laziness. Not quite all-inclusive, but not far off. After four and a half weeks of intense social connection and communal living, it’s a sweet tonic to look forward to.

And on the topic of holidays, I figured now is a good time to share how I take time off as a freelancer.

In my first year of freelancing, I didn’t. Literally. Maybe five days in the year? It was shit and it made me feel gross and I hated it. So, I copied Bex’s approach…

Some time around November, I take an afternoon to plan every week off that I’ll take the following year. I’m due to plan 2023’s time off any day now.

This approach works perfectly for me. The dates are in my calendar, they go live on my website, and that page gets linked in my email signature. It’s always visible to me, my clients, and anyone else who cares. There’s a kind of accountability and commitment that comes with this. It changes my mentality from “I should take a week off soon, but there’s no good time coming up” to “I have a week off arranged soon and I need a bloody good reason to not take it.”

What are you doing to get a better balance with work and life?

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’m going to be drinking more of that Cafe Ortega roast from a few weeks ago. Not exactly spoiled for choice. That’s something I’m looking forward to about being back in the UK — the chance to buy more beans from the speciality roasters close to my heart.

Your musical accompaniment this week is my favourite band. Pingegrove released their latest album at the start of this year and it was as good as any other they've done. Given today's date, it feels fated that I should suggest 11:11 for your discerning ears.

Take it easy,