On my heart this week.🕸️ dusts cobwebs from the screen 🕸️Hey, beautiful people 👋🏾!  Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of From Holley, With Love on Substack 🥳🎊🥂. Thank you for choosing to commune here with me! I’m back after a slightly abrupt but much-needed spring hiatus. A lotttttt has transpired since March. I took my propensity for doing the most to new heights and the message waiting for me when I realized I was in the exhausting pattern of overachieving again was — “stop collecting things to do and make yourself at home.” In this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top ☝🏾 to listen), I share more about my time away and what it taught me about finding focus, relational integrity, minding my business, and what it means to make myself at home. I’ve been clearing my plate to settle in and tend to the places calling me to do that the most like…Our budding homestead here in Winston Salem. The summer garden is in bloom and we’re praying for a fruitful harvest. We’ve got some design and renovation projects in the works, too. Non-client-facing creative projects that I’ve put on the back burner for far too long like my MSc coursework and venturing into TV with a docuseries I’m developing. Relationships with my Beloveds! That means more trips to visit them and break bread, kiking on the phone for hours, and enriching moments of deep vulnerability. This space, here, with you. I’d like to show up more consistently and better manage things falling through the cracks. So, I got myself organized and created an editorial calendar and project plan through the end of September that’ll help me stick to a biweekly cadence. How y’all been? What’s calling you to make yourself at home right now?Come talk to me in the comments (or in my inbox), I’d love to hear from you.Gifts for your growth.🌱 Some of you are new here and some of you have been kickin’ it for a few months or more ( 👋🏾💐 and thank you!). Either way, I’m dreaming up new ways to tell stories that add a little value to your world through this publication, and I’d love to get to know you better. Got a few minutes to answer a short survey about FHWL? If so, click here. 📖 Back in March I did an interview with Authority Magazine for their “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Began Leading My Company” series. It was a couple of weeks before the 7-year anniversary of my creative studio, and it felt amazing to reflect on and share what got us here. 📺 Esther Perel’s CreativeMornings talk is one of my favorites. She shares her lens on how relational intelligence can guide us in nurturing our well-being and success both at home and work. I’ve been ruminating on this one for a while. Fuel for the week ahead. 🍿Can we talk about Everything Everywhere All at Once for a second? IT’S. SO. GOOD. The best movie I’ve seen in a while. I’m still thinking about it weeks later. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, watch it in theaters, if you can.In celebration of Juneteenth earlier this month, I connected with Black entrepreneurs on the Upwork platform in a conversation about freedom, interdependence, and the future of work. And I got to share some reflections on work, time, and meaning-making. You can watch the sneak peek below and check out the full discussion here.I’ve been sitting with this edition’s Seven Bops playlist since April. It’s a sexy, sultry, watery vibe that I really enjoy losing myself in. I hope y’all do, too. Listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify. See you in July ❤️,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. 🕸️ dusts cobwebs from the screen 🕸️ Hey, beautiful people 👋🏾! Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of From Holley, With Love on Substack 🥳🎊🥂. Thank you for choosing to commune here with me! I’m back after a slightly abrupt but much-needed spring hiatus. A lotttttt has transpired since March. I took my propensity for doing the most to new heights and the message waiting for me when I realized I was in the exhausting pattern of overachieving again was — “stop collecting things to do and make yourself at home.” In this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top ☝🏾 to listen), I share more about my time away and what it taught me about finding focus, relational integrity, minding my business, and what it means to make myself at home. I’ve been clearing my plate to settle in and tend to the places calling me to do that the most like… Our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/celieandsqueak/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">budding homestead</a> here in Winston Salem. The summer garden is in bloom and we’re praying for a fruitful harvest. We’ve got some design and renovation projects in the works, too. Non-client-facing creative projects that I’ve put on the back burner for far too long like my MSc coursework and venturing into TV with a docuseries I’m developing. Relationships with my Beloveds! That means more trips to visit them and break bread, kiking on the phone for hours, and enriching moments of deep vulnerability. This space, here, with you. I’d like to show up more consistently and better manage things falling through the cracks. So, I got myself organized and created an editorial calendar and project plan through the end of September that’ll help me stick to a biweekly cadence. How y’all been? What’s calling you to make yourself at home right now? Come talk to me in the comments (or in my inbox), I’d love to hear from you. Gifts for your growth. 🌱 Some of you are new here and some of you have been kickin’ it for a few months or more ( 👋🏾💐 and thank you!). Either way, I’m dreaming up new ways to tell stories that add a little value to your world through this publication, and I’d love to get to know you better. Got a few minutes to answer a short survey about FHWL? If so, <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. 📖 Back in March I did an interview with Authority Magazine for their “<a href="https://medium.com/authority-magazine/holley-m-kholi-murchison-of-oratory-glory-5-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-before-i-began-leading-f9f3e98b7fad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Began Leading My Company</a>” series. It was a couple of weeks before the 7-year anniversary of my creative studio, and it felt amazing to reflect on and share what got us here. 📺 <a href="https://creativemornings.com/talks/esther-perel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esther Perel’s CreativeMornings talk</a> is one of my favorites. She shares her lens on how relational intelligence can guide us in nurturing our well-being and success both at home and work. I’ve been ruminating on this one for a while. Fuel for the week ahead. 🍿Can we talk about <a href="https://www.fandango.com/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-2022-226636/movie-overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everything Everywhere All at Once</a> for a second? IT’S. SO. GOOD. The best movie I’ve seen in a while. I’m still thinking about it weeks later. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, watch it in theaters, if you can. In celebration of Juneteenth earlier this month, I connected with Black entrepreneurs on the Upwork platform in a conversation about freedom, interdependence, and the future of work. And I got to share some reflections on work, time, and meaning-making. You can watch the sneak peek below and <a href="https://www.upwork.com/interdependent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out the full discussion here</a>. I’ve been sitting with this edition’s Seven Bops playlist since April. It’s a sexy, sultry, watery vibe that I really enjoy losing myself in. I hope y’all do, too. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jun-27-jul-3/pl.u-2aoqPByS9e6pN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0LXzl7NsKxyIiMc1byTlCv?si=LPxekTTjS0aKPtveFN8Nuw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. See you in July ❤️, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Wednesday, 062922

On my heart this week.Monday I submitted my answers for an upcoming magazine interview and one of the questions was: Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?We’ve been down that road here in FHWL before and the first thing that came to mind was that the best way to thrive and not burn out is to remember that we are not workers, labor, talent, we’re human. Life gives work meaning. So instead of rehashing old guidance, I phoned an ancestor — Toni Morrison. In my response I shared an excerpt from her 2017 essay, The Work You Do, the Person You Are. Recounting advice from a conversation with her father about a troublesome job, she wrote: 1. Whatever the work is, do it well—not for the boss but for yourself.2. You make the job; it doesn’t make you.3. Your real life is with us, your family.4. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are.As I wrap up my yearlong stint as Creative Researcher-in-Residence at WeTransfer, get back into dissertation writing mode, and prepare for the next big leaps in my career, Morrison’s prose is heavy on my heart this week. So much so that in lieu of one of my normal reflections, in this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top to listen ☝🏾), I read the full piece aloud so we can chew on it together. Give it a read (link below) and meet me in the comments or my inbo with your thoughts! Gifts for your growth.💎 Here’s the Toni Morrison piece I referenced above and in the micropodcast.💡 My good friend and all around gem of a human, Alice Grandoit-Sutka, sat down with the Creative Independent to discuss “defining your social practice, making time for what you want to do, the value of print media, and learning through ritual and repetition.” Read the full convo here. Fuel for the week ahead.🕺🏿💃 This Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach performance from Dancing With the Stars lives rent-free in my head. I don’t know Iman personally but I adore the way he centers interdisciplinarity in his pursuits. Not solely husband…or father…or rapper…or athlete and NBA champion…or clothing designer…or entrepreneur — but all of those “titles” (and more) at once. 🎧 🎶 I’ve been carving out a lot more intentional time for music discovery lately and this installment of Seven Bops is a sweet little genre mashup. Listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify.See y’all in two weeks for the next edition!Love always,  HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Monday I submitted my answers for an upcoming magazine interview and one of the questions was: Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”? <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/p/from-holley-with-love-monday-122021?utm_source=url" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We’ve been down that road</a> here in FHWL before and the first thing that came to mind was that the best way to thrive and not burn out is to remember that we are not workers, labor, talent, we’re human. Life gives work meaning. So instead of rehashing old guidance, I phoned an ancestor — Toni Morrison. In my response I shared an excerpt from her 2017 essay, The Work You Do, the Person You Are. Recounting advice from a conversation with her father about a troublesome job, she wrote:  1. Whatever the work is, do it well—not for the boss but for yourself. 2. You make the job; it doesn’t make you. 3. Your real life is with us, your family. 4. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are. As I wrap up my yearlong stint as <a href="https://wetransfer.com/corporate/197482-wetransfer-announces-holley-m-kholi-murchison-as-creative-researcher-in-residence" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Researcher-in-Residence</a> at WeTransfer, get back into <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/p/can-i-interview-you-for-my-dissertation?utm_source=url" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dissertation</a> writing mode, and prepare for the next big leaps in my career, Morrison’s prose is heavy on my heart this week. So much so that in lieu of one of my normal reflections, in this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top to listen ☝🏾), I read the full piece aloud so we can chew on it together. Give it a read (link below) and meet me in the comments or my inbo with your thoughts! Gifts for your growth. 💎 <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/06/05/the-work-you-do-the-person-you-are" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here’s the Toni Morrison piece</a> I referenced above and in the micropodcast. 💡 My good friend and all around gem of a human, Alice Grandoit-Sutka, sat down with the Creative Independent to discuss “defining your social practice, making time for what you want to do, the value of print media, and learning through ritual and repetition.” <a href="https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/publisher-and-editor-alice-grandoit-sutka-on-how-to-generate-new-possibilities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Read the full convo here</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. 🕺🏿💃 This Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach performance from Dancing With the Stars lives rent-free in my head. I don’t know Iman personally but I adore the way he centers interdisciplinarity in his pursuits. Not solely husband…or father…or rapper…or athlete and NBA champion…or clothing designer…or entrepreneur — but all of those “titles” (and more) at once. 🎧 🎶 I’ve been carving out a lot more intentional time for music discovery lately and this installment of Seven Bops is a sweet little genre mashup. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-feb-21-feb-27/pl.u-GgA5YEzHmp4yZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wS7fI5gLNDn6atKBdnn0R?si=TffvuvcyRCmsqgari8k1zw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. See y’all in two weeks for the next edition! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Wednesday, 022322

On my heart this week.“If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to live the life which they’ve imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." —  Henry David ThoreauI’ve been reciting this quote aloud for the past couple weeks. Letting it make a home in my body, in my heart. Especially in light of Dad’s near death experience with COVID.  Though sometimes jarring AF, it’s interesting how grounding the idea of endings can be. You know they’re coming…but you don’t when…and then one day you’re reminded that it could be any day now. It reorients you to what’s really important. Makes it simple to separate the urgent from the trivial. Lights a fire under your ass. Challenges you to consider what it’ll take to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. I’m in the thick of that challenge now and it has me unpacking three big questions:What am I doing with my time and where am I placing my bets?Are those bets worth the wager?  How do I gracefully close the chapter(s) on the ones that aren’t? In this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top to listen☝🏾), in the spirit of telling the most honest stories I can, I share more about how I’m answering those questions, what’s coming up for me in the process and how I’m channeling the courage to bet on myself.What about y’all — how are you betting on yourselves this week, month, year?Meet me in the comments and let’s talk about it! Gifts for your growth.Getting to work on projects with my life partner is such a blessing. Today our new Skillshare Chroma Course launches and there’s still a few seats left. Over the next 4 weeks we’ll guide a cohort of creators through the process of moving from idea to execution. It includes weekly live sessions, individualized feedback, and a Slack community to problem solve with.  Mailchimp teamed up with Kin to put together this really dope digital magazine called Bloom Season to “help entrepreneurs of color realize their ambitions and rewrite the blueprint for small business success.” Fuel for the week ahead.❤️ Me and Kholi chopped it up about love on the latest ep of our boo Katie’s podcast. We got into all the different layers of our relationship as married business partners, moving from codependency to interdependency, and how + why we continue to make a way. Listen on Apple or Spotify.💐 Paper Monday recently released a short story experience called Halfway North and it’s so damn gorgeous and inspiring. I’ve been texting the link to the homies since I saw it so you know I had to share it with y’all, too. Check it out.🎧 🎶 Seven Bops playlist is back! Sticking with the theme of betting on yourself, this one is curated to put a battery in your back in any moments when you find yourself doubting your gifts or calling. Listen to it on Apple or Spotify. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead.See you in two weeks for the next edition!Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. “If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams, and endeavors to live the life which they’ve imagined, they will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." —  Henry David Thoreau I’ve been reciting this quote aloud for the past couple weeks. Letting it make a home in my body, in my heart. Especially in light of Dad’s near death experience with COVID. Though sometimes jarring AF, it’s interesting how grounding the idea of endings can be. You know they’re coming…but you don’t when…and then one day you’re reminded that it could be any day now. It reorients you to what’s really important. Makes it simple to separate the urgent from the trivial. Lights a fire under your ass. Challenges you to consider what it’ll take to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. I’m in the thick of that challenge now and it has me unpacking three big questions: What am I doing with my time and where am I placing my bets? Are those bets worth the wager? How do I gracefully close the chapter(s) on the ones that aren’t? In this edition’s micropodcast (press play up top to listen☝🏾), in the spirit of telling the most honest stories I can, I share more about how I’m answering those questions, what’s coming up for me in the process and how I’m channeling the courage to bet on myself. What about y’all — how are you betting on yourselves this week, month, year? Meet me in the comments and let’s talk about it! Gifts for your growth. Getting to work on projects with my life partner is such a blessing. Today <a href="https://skl.sh/chroma_km" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our new Skillshare Chroma Course</a> launches and there’s still a few seats left. Over the next 4 weeks we’ll guide a cohort of creators through the process of moving from idea to execution. It includes weekly live sessions, individualized feedback, and a Slack community to problem solve with. Mailchimp teamed up with <a href="https://workwithkin.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kin</a> to put together this really dope digital magazine called <a href="https://mailchimp.com/bloomseason/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloom Season </a>to “help entrepreneurs of color realize their ambitions and rewrite the blueprint for small business success.” Fuel for the week ahead. ❤️ Me and Kholi chopped it up about love on the latest ep of our boo Katie’s podcast. We got into all the different layers of our relationship as married business partners, moving from codependency to interdependency, and how + why we continue to make a way. Listen on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/135-love-is-a-verb-with-dr-carrie-kholi-murchison/id1031793292?i=1000548437839" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Kn5rlveQdLlsEnPpYvkjf?si=DbEfV7qbS2W2SmO51G2kAg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. 💐 Paper Monday recently released a short story experience called <a href="https://papermonday.com/halfway-north" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halfway North</a> and it’s so damn gorgeous and inspiring. I’ve been texting the link to the homies since I saw it so you know I had to share it with y’all, too. <a href="https://papermonday.com/halfway-north" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out</a>. 🎧 🎶 Seven Bops playlist is back! Sticking with the theme of betting on yourself, this one is curated to put a battery in your back in any moments when you find yourself doubting your gifts or calling. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-feb-7-feb-13/pl.u-gxblM41F6Z9r5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3lHAMEHyJfR0OV0G1FM8Xh?si=z65vwhkLQS-yvRD5-0MDIQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. See you in two weeks for the next edition! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 020722

On my heart this week.Whew. I lost myself quite a few times over the past eight weeks but I’m finally out of the woods and it’s so good to be back, y’all. The last time we spoke in October, I told you about my decision to defer my graduate school studies. That choice gave me some much needed breathing room and the space to slow down and establish a healthier, more sustainable life pace. The thing is — I didn’t breathe deeply or slow down much at all. In fact, I did quite the opposite. I accelerated. PEDAL TO THE FLO 🏎️. A week after I deferred, I went to Amsterdam to visit my colleagues at WeTransfer and regroup on a big endeavor we’re conjuring. While I was in town, I did the absolute most. Across four days, I had 20-ish meetings, coaching calls, lunch catchups, ideation &amp; strategy sessions, and my first solo presentation at the company All Hands. Mix that with jet lag, minimal hydration, late nights romancing the city and no exercise, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for burnout. And burn out I did. I was a wreck.⁣In the FHWL survey, many of you asked that I share more about my growing pains and ins and outs of my creative practice. So, this week on the micropodcast (press play up top ☝🏾 to listen), I shed light on my run-in with burnout, the road to recovery, the clarity stillness is bringing me and how I’m shifting my habits to operationalize my life.I’d love to hear from y’all on this, too.How have you avoided, navigated or recovered from burnout? And how are you designing the life that you want?Meet me in the comments and let’s talk about it! P.S. — Going forward, I’ll be publishing the FHWL newsletter biweekly instead of every Monday. The next edition will be in your inbox on January 3, 2022 ❤️. Gifts for your growth.I was talking to my friend Wes today about betting on myself and my ideas more. PRAXIS. is one I’ve been sitting on for a few months. I shared this image for it on IG the other day:Through a combo of lightning talks &amp; special guest interviews, hot seat coaching, intimate breakout rooms and moderated Q&amp;A, I designed it for us to do more of what we did as children: get messy, ask questions, get feedback, show &amp; tell, throw ideas on a wall, take them apart, see what sticks and grow without fear of ridicule or failure.⁣If you’re not on holiday break yet, and you’re interested in getting strategic guidance on your career and creative growth while co-working and moving ideas forward in a nurturing environment, click this link to come practice with me. And use the code FHWL for 25% off 🎁.While we’re on the subject of burnout this week, here’s a convo I filmed with Skillshare that’s applicable for not only entrepreneurs but anyone who works. ⚡This blog post (thanks, Malori!) about the four energy zones helped me rethink what my days look like and how I’m devoting time.   Fuel for the week ahead. ✨ Moses Sumney’s new album Blackalachia released earlier this month with a full-length live conceptual performance film. It’s breathtakingly good and premiered on WePresent with a beautiful interview by Doreen St. Félix.✌🏾I love reading and hearing stories about why people quit jobs. No Sugar, No Cream magazine has an interview series on the theme and this one with Ashley Johnson is a great read.🎧 🎶  One more playlist to round out the year. You can find this week’s Seven Bops on Apple Music or Spotify. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead and a satiating wrap to 2021. See you in the new year! Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Whew. I lost myself quite a few times over the past eight weeks but I’m finally out of the woods and it’s so good to be back, y’all. <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/p/from-holley-with-love-monday-101821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The last time we spoke in October</a>, I told you about my decision to defer my graduate school studies. That choice gave me some much needed breathing room and the space to slow down and establish a healthier, more sustainable life pace. The thing is — I didn’t breathe deeply or slow down much at all. In fact, I did quite the opposite. I accelerated. PEDAL TO THE FLO 🏎️. A week after I deferred, I went to Amsterdam to visit my colleagues at WeTransfer and regroup on a big endeavor we’re conjuring. While I was in town, I did the absolute most. Across four days, I had 20-ish meetings, coaching calls, lunch catchups, ideation &amp; strategy sessions, and my first solo presentation at the company All Hands. Mix that with jet lag, minimal hydration, late nights romancing the city and no exercise, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for burnout. And burn out I did. I was a wreck.⁣ In the <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FHWL survey</a>, many of you asked that I share more about my growing pains and ins and outs of my creative practice. So, this week on the micropodcast (press play up top ☝🏾 to listen), I shed light on my run-in with burnout, the road to recovery, the clarity stillness is bringing me and how I’m shifting my habits to operationalize my life. I’d love to hear from y’all on this, too. How have you avoided, navigated or recovered from burnout? And how are you designing the life that you want? Meet me in the comments and let’s talk about it! P.S. — Going forward, I’ll be publishing the FHWL newsletter biweekly instead of every Monday. The next edition will be in your inbox on January 3, 2022 ❤️. Gifts for your growth. I was talking to my friend Wes today about betting on myself and my ideas more. PRAXIS. is one I’ve been sitting on for a few months. I shared this image for it on IG the other day: Through a combo of lightning talks &amp; special guest interviews, hot seat coaching, intimate breakout rooms and moderated Q&amp;A, I designed it for us to do more of what we did as children: get messy, ask questions, get feedback, show &amp; tell, throw ideas on a wall, take them apart, see what sticks and grow without fear of ridicule or failure.⁣ If you’re not on holiday break yet, and you’re interested in getting strategic guidance on your career and creative growth while co-working and moving ideas forward in a nurturing environment, <a href="https://workwithholley.as.me/praxis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click this link</a> to come practice with me. And use the code FHWL for 25% off 🎁. While we’re on the subject of burnout this week, here’s a convo I filmed with Skillshare that’s applicable for not only entrepreneurs but anyone who works. ⚡<a href="https://strongerhabits.com/energy-quadrant/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This blog post</a> (thanks, Malori!) about the four energy zones helped me rethink what my days look like and how I’m devoting time. Fuel for the week ahead. ✨ Moses Sumney’s new album Blackalachia released earlier this month with a full-length live conceptual performance film. It’s breathtakingly good and <a href="https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/story/moses-sumney-blackalachia/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">premiered on WePresent</a> with a beautiful interview by Doreen St. Félix. ✌🏾I love reading and hearing stories about why people quit jobs. No Sugar, No Cream magazine has an interview series on the theme and <a href="https://www.nosugarnocreammag.com/post/why-ashley-quit-i-m-taking-an-ancestral-rest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this one with Ashley Johnson is a great read</a>. 🎧 🎶 One more playlist to round out the year. You can find this week’s Seven Bops on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-dec-20-dec-26/pl.u-NpXmYAmF97obm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1vF3AnjCgf8IgNL8esJtJY?si=Ktxg1oBDQsSi-1tPcFQRhQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead and a satiating wrap to 2021. See you in the new year! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 122021

On my heart this week.After a best of three rounds wrestling match with my ego, my Higher self took the wheel last Sunday when I made the decision to defer my graduate studies. I’d been resisting the choice for weeks because somewhere along the way, I started to believe that postponement was synonymous with failure but that couldn’t be further from the truth.It’s fascinating how no matter the cost, if you’re not careful, blind ambition can trick you into racing toward impossible finish lines for the promise of a prize it can’t deliver on. Because I’m clear that I am so much more than what I produce, there is no reward (or sense) in competing in the validation olympics. The minute I hit send on the email to my programme director to let him know that a good old fashioned come to Jesus moment brought me back to what was real, I felt immediate relief. It was liberating and challenged me to zoom out and look at all the pieces of the puzzle that have made this dissertation journey fun and worthwhile thus far — and all the moving (and often neglected) parts of my life that my fixation on the end result instead of the process made it difficult to be fully present for. Needless to say, I’m excited to be present again while taking my time to make and share the behind the scenes of something I care deeply about. This week in the micropodcast (press play up top), I shared more about my choice to defer and invite you to consider this with me — what does it look like to honor the process as the prize and how are you making space to do more of that as we round out the calendar year?Gifts for your growth.🌱 Please keep the FHWL survey responses coming! I’ve been sinking my teeth into all the candid answers and I love hearing from y’all, learning about what you’re up to, and getting your feedback for the next iteration of the newsletter. If you’ve got 10-15 minutes to weigh in, click here to take part in the survey. 🔥 A Profession Is Not a Personality — a beautifully timely essay on the dangers of self-objectification and reduction in the workplace.Fuel for the week ahead. 📥 I spotted this post on IG last week and absolutely love this email auto-reply. I hope it serves as inspo for you to reclaim your time (+inbox) and help steer us all away from a “culture of irrational immediacy.”💎 Shout out to my friend Wes for putting this interview on my radar. Music executive and entrepreneur, Ibrahim ‘IB’ Hamad, takes us behind the curtain of his journey to building Dreamville Records with J. Cole and the lessons learned along the way about self-belief, execution, partnership, creative confidence, succeeding/defining success \ and more. So many gems!“Every time something feels scary, it’s usually where the best idea is at. There’s magic in that risk. And there’s magic in that fear.”🎧 🎶  The Seven Bops playlist is back and I’ve been spinning this set of songs for the past couple days. Perfect for a pensive mood or a barefoot slow dance. Find it on Apple Music or Spotify. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. See you next Monday! Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. After a best of three rounds wrestling match with my ego, my Higher self took the wheel last Sunday when I made the decision to defer my graduate studies. I’d been resisting the choice for weeks because somewhere along the way, I started to believe that postponement was synonymous with failure but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s fascinating how no matter the cost, if you’re not careful, blind ambition can trick you into racing toward impossible finish lines for the promise of a prize it can’t deliver on. Because I’m clear that I am so much more than what I produce, there is no reward (or sense) in competing in the validation olympics. The minute I hit send on the email to my programme director to let him know that a good old fashioned come to Jesus moment brought me back to what was real, I felt immediate relief. It was liberating and challenged me to zoom out and look at all the pieces of the puzzle that have made this dissertation journey fun and worthwhile thus far — and all the moving (and often neglected) parts of my life that my fixation on the end result instead of the process made it difficult to be fully present for. Needless to say, I’m excited to be present again while taking my time to make and share the behind the scenes of something I care deeply about. This week in the micropodcast (press play up top), I shared more about my choice to defer and invite you to consider this with me — what does it look like to honor the process as the prize and how are you making space to do more of that as we round out the calendar year? Gifts for your growth. 🌱 Please keep the <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FHWL survey</a> responses coming! I’ve been sinking my teeth into all the candid answers and I love hearing from y’all, learning about what you’re up to, and getting your feedback for the next iteration of the newsletter. If you’ve got 10-15 minutes to weigh in, <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a> to take part in the survey. 🔥 <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/09/self-objectification-work/620246/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Profession Is Not a Personality</a> — a beautifully timely essay on the dangers of self-objectification and reduction in the workplace. Fuel for the week ahead. 📥 I spotted this post on IG last week and absolutely love this email auto-reply. I hope it serves as inspo for you to reclaim your time (+inbox) and help steer us all away from a “culture of irrational immediacy.” 💎 Shout out to my friend <a href="https://www.patreon.com/Wespendleton" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wes</a> for putting this interview on my radar. Music executive and entrepreneur, Ibrahim ‘IB’ Hamad, takes us behind the curtain of his journey to building Dreamville Records with J. Cole and the lessons learned along the way about self-belief, execution, partnership, creative confidence, succeeding/defining success \ and more. So many gems! “Every time something feels scary, it’s usually where the best idea is at. There’s magic in that risk. And there’s magic in that fear.” 🎧 🎶 The Seven Bops playlist is back and I’ve been spinning this set of songs for the past couple days. Perfect for a pensive mood or a barefoot slow dance. Find it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-oct-18-oct-24/pl.u-jV89e5Wum3xzd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6baworWwBLshSswMQXMvff?si=6c21ed10530147ac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. See you next Monday! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 101821

On my heart this week.Goodness gracious. It took me a couple weeks but I’m finally back in the swing of sending out FHWL on Mondays! This week’s micropodcast is a little longer than normal so I’m keeping the written brief short and sweet because I’m 4 days away from submitting my dissertation (insert body roll here) and I reallllly need to focus!On the heels of an incredible birthday celebration that I won’t soon forget, this reminder greeted me today...  The message came earlier this month and something told me to write it down and place it somewhere highly visible, so it’s been living on a post-it on my desk. If spring is the season for cleaning out closets to make room, fall is an opportune time for tightening up for the harvest. With regard to family, friends, work, play and all that finds itself at home in between, I’m being called to reexamine and act on what it means for me to do just that.  What I do know for sure is, in all that I choose to devote myself to, who I choose to serve and be in community with, see and be seen by — all of those choices need to be made with love, integrity, care, presence, honesty, consistency, discipline and vulnerability. I’m excited to reinforce how my actions can continue to align with and speak louder than these words.And you know I’m not gonna chew on a question without offering you a bite as well so, this week I invite you to consider — where can you stand to tighten up a little (or a lot)?Gifts for your growth.🌱 Thanks to those of you who’ve completed the FHWL survey thus far! As I conjure up the next iteration of the newsletter, I would love to get to know you better and design it with you in mind. If you’d like to weigh in, the survey is still open, just click here. 💎 On being available for the work you were meant to make. Writer Casey Gerald discusses not worrying about defining yourself, memory as palimpsest, the importance of having a variety of jobs before you make creative work, and the ways in which our lives are our biggest projects.Fuel for the week ahead. 🕋 I never need to look too far for inspiration. Powered by the belief that “archiving is a statement of value,” my friends over at the Gates Preserve have been producing some multimedia projects that are changing the way stories are told and culture is preserved. I tried to pick one of my favorite projects but nah — just check out their archival, experiential, and media portfolio and choose your own adventure.🎧 🎶  The Seven Bops playlist will be back next week but lemme tell youuuuu about this jazz album that’s my “tighten up” soundtrack right now. Theo Croker’s BLK2LIFE // A FUTURE PAST released on Friday and my God, it is delightful. It feels like sonic encouragement. Find it here on the streaming platform of your choice. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. See you next Monday! Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Goodness gracious. It took me a couple weeks but I’m finally back in the swing of sending out FHWL on Mondays! This week’s micropodcast is a little longer than normal so I’m keeping the written brief short and sweet because I’m 4 days away from submitting my dissertation (insert body roll here) and I reallllly need to focus! On the heels of an incredible birthday celebration that I won’t soon forget, this reminder greeted me today... The message came earlier this month and something told me to write it down and place it somewhere highly visible, so it’s been living on a post-it on my desk. If spring is the season for cleaning out closets to make room, fall is an opportune time for tightening up for the harvest. With regard to family, friends, work, play and all that finds itself at home in between, I’m being called to reexamine and act on what it means for me to do just that. What I do know for sure is, in all that I choose to devote myself to, who I choose to serve and be in community with, see and be seen by — all of those choices need to be made with love, integrity, care, presence, honesty, consistency, discipline and vulnerability. I’m excited to reinforce how my actions can continue to align with and speak louder than these words. And you know I’m not gonna chew on a question without offering you a bite as well so, this week I invite you to consider — where can you stand to tighten up a little (or a lot)? Gifts for your growth. 🌱 Thanks to those of you who’ve completed the <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FHWL survey</a> thus far! As I conjure up the next iteration of the newsletter, I would love to get to know you better and design it with you in mind. If you’d like to weigh in, the survey is still open, <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">just click here</a>. 💎 <a href="https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/writer-casey-gerald-on-being-available-for-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/?ref=ksr_tci" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On being available for the work you were meant to make.</a> Writer Casey Gerald discusses not worrying about defining yourself, memory as palimpsest, the importance of having a variety of jobs before you make creative work, and the ways in which our lives are our biggest projects. Fuel for the week ahead. 🕋 I never need to look too far for inspiration. Powered by the belief that “archiving is a statement of value,” my friends over at <a href="https://www.thegatespreserve.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Gates Preserve</a> have been producing some multimedia projects that are changing the way stories are told and culture is preserved. I tried to pick one of my favorite projects but nah — just check out their <a href="https://www.thegatespreserve.com/archive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">archival</a>, <a href="https://www.thegatespreserve.com/experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">experiential</a>, and <a href="https://www.thegatespreserve.com/media" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">media</a> portfolio and choose your own adventure. 🎧 🎶 The Seven Bops playlist will be back next week but lemme tell youuuuu about this jazz album that’s my “tighten up” soundtrack right now. Theo Croker’s <a href="https://theocroker.lnk.to/blk2life-AFPMW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BLK2LIFE // A FUTURE PAST</a> released on Friday and my God, it is delightful. It feels like sonic encouragement. <a href="https://theocroker.lnk.to/blk2life-AFPMW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find it here</a> on the streaming platform of your choice. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. See you next Monday! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 092721

Note: Though this week’s edition of FHWL was published on Saturday, 092521, the micropodcast was recorded on Monday, 092021.  On my heart this week.On Monday I celebrated my 38th birthday and got a visit from a praying mantis. I’m always curious about the wisdom that nature and the animal kingdom bring, so I flipped through my Animal Speak book to figure out what the mantis symbolizes — the power of stillness. In this edition’s micropodcast I read the full passage that goes into more detail and this particular part has been holding my attention:…it teaches how to still the outer so that when it is time to act in any form, it is done with surety, accuracy and great power…Mantis comes from a Greek word meaning Prophet. If we learn to go into the stillness, we can open ourselves to prophecy. Since the mantis sighting and the mesmerizing Full Moon on Monday, I feel like I entered a portal to a new dimension. In the stillness within it, I’m finding so much clarity and peace. I’ve been flooded with these vivid visions of what’s to come, I’m recalling memories I’d buried, and have transported to moments across timelines that are helping me make sense of the human experience.To say the least, it’s been a lot. And as I lean into my annual ritual of birthday reflection, it’s making me very present to two big questions that I’m journaling on over the weekend: What am I cultivating for the year to come?How am I savoring the moment?Gifts for your growth.🌱 This edition of FHWL marks 3 months (!!!) since I switched to this format. A full quarter. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in conversation with you every week. As I dream up new ways to tell stories and (hopefully) add a little value to your world through the newsletter, I would love to get to know you better. Can you click here and take a few minutes to complete a short FHWL survey? I'm looking forward to learning more about you!💎 After winning an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (I May Destroy You), Michaela Coel’s acceptance speech gave big praying mantis energy. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth the watch.  Fuel for the week(end) ahead. 🎞️ Back in April, this brilliant writer and musician named Topaz Jones released one of my favorite projects of the year, Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma (an album + Sundance award-winning short film). The rollout had me and Adrian like…The short film was only showing for a limited time but now it’s available via the New York Times’ OpDocs channel here. Please take 30~ish minutes to indulge.🎧 🎶  Now that Aaliyah’s full catalog is streaming on all music platforms, this week’s playlist is inspired by my favorite song of hers, It’s Whatever. The tracklist is full of some 90s and early 2000s R&amp;B bops. Listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify. Have a great weekend and I’ll see y’all on Monday ❤️. Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

Note: Though this week’s edition of FHWL was published on Saturday, 092521, the micropodcast was recorded on Monday, 092021. On my heart this week. On Monday I celebrated my 38th birthday and got a visit from a praying mantis. I’m always curious about the wisdom that nature and the animal kingdom bring, so I flipped through my Animal Speak book to figure out what the mantis symbolizes — the power of stillness. In this edition’s micropodcast I read the full passage that goes into more detail and this particular part has been holding my attention: …it teaches how to still the outer so that when it is time to act in any form, it is done with surety, accuracy and great power…Mantis comes from a Greek word meaning Prophet. If we learn to go into the stillness, we can open ourselves to prophecy. Since the mantis sighting and the mesmerizing Full Moon on Monday, I feel like I entered a portal to a new dimension. In the stillness within it, I’m finding so much clarity and peace. I’ve been flooded with these vivid visions of what’s to come, I’m recalling memories I’d buried, and have transported to moments across timelines that are helping me make sense of the human experience. To say the least, it’s been a lot. And as I lean into my annual ritual of birthday reflection, it’s making me very present to two big questions that I’m journaling on over the weekend: What am I cultivating for the year to come? How am I savoring the moment? Gifts for your growth. 🌱 This edition of FHWL marks 3 months (!!!) since I switched to this format. A full quarter. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in conversation with you every week. As I dream up new ways to tell stories and (hopefully) add a little value to your world through the newsletter, I would love to get to know you better. Can you <a href="https://oratoryglory.typeform.com/to/xmqzJYUN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a> and take a few minutes to complete a short FHWL survey? I'm looking forward to learning more about you! 💎 After winning an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (I May Destroy You), Michaela Coel’s acceptance speech gave big praying mantis energy. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUB-Jg3oMFS/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">worth the watch</a>. Fuel for the week(end) ahead. 🎞️ Back in April, this brilliant writer and musician named Topaz Jones released one of my favorite projects of the year, Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma (an album + Sundance award-winning short film). The rollout had me and Adrian like… The short film was only showing for a limited time but now it’s available via the New York Times’ OpDocs channel <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/14/opinion/dont-go-tellin-your-momma-sundance-topaz-jones.html?smid=rd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Please take 30~ish minutes to indulge. 🎧 🎶 Now that Aaliyah’s full catalog is streaming on all music platforms, this week’s playlist is inspired by my favorite song of hers, It’s Whatever. The tracklist is full of some 90s and early 2000s R&amp;B bops. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-sep-20-sep-26/pl.u-NpXmYBaI97obm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Y7CiGLpLxhcmEKfoOqr46?si=A5i7SK5NTRe7vV4kE4TlxQ&amp;dl_branch=1&amp;nd=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Have a great weekend and I’ll see y’all on Monday ❤️. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Saturday, 092521

On my heart this week. My friend Brian and I made this video back in 2016 to start to tell the story of my creative studio, Oratory Glory. The business has gone through about six iterations since then, but my intent has always been to produce work that inspires people to deliberately champion their gifts, apply those gifts to spark change, and savor and share the fruits of those choices.With the help of a fellow wordsmith (hi, Ariana!), OG’s tagline became own your voice, leave your mark. A not so subtle mantra and call to action that I’ve danced  with regularly over the years but even more so lately as my most cherished relationships (and my capacity for love) continue to expand.Work used to be my primary source of love. In my early stages of entrepreneurship, I convinced myself that work would never let me down. I charged up there and rationed how much I was willing to offer in relationships outside of it. Not the most sustainable way of existing in the world, I admit. It worked really well though, until it didn’t. I started to feel empty in places that inanimate objects could never fill. And it forced me to reinvest in human connection with genuine trust and vulnerability. Now that I’m no longer a cyborg and am well-practiced at being emotionally available to more than just the insentient, I’m attracting and giving the most profound love of my life to date. Whewwww, it’s juicy, y’all. My relationships all across the board — platonic, romantic, familial and otherwise — are an overflowing well of generative love. And because I want my legacy to be a reflection of that love; how I work, when I work, who I work with, and what I work on/for is shifting dramatically.  As I explore what it looks like for me to further own my voice and leave my mark, this week I’m leaning deeper into the question: How can love be the catalyst and currency for how I make choices around work? Gifts for your growth.🌑 Yesterday ushered in a fresh new moon in Virgo. It’s the perfect time to plant seeds for the month and season ahead. In my own creative and spiritual practice, I feel the most grounded and on purpose when I’m setting intentions in alignment with the phases of the moon. If that sounds even a smidge intriguing to you, Chani Nicholas always puts together a dope synthesis of the moon’s theme(s) paired with affirmation horoscopes. Check it out here.🤝🏾 As I wrap up with my dissertation in the coming days, I’ve been thinking about the work I’m most excited about returning to. I really miss supporting folks 1-on-1 with creative ideation, personal narrative development, and charting pathways for the work of their dreams. So, I’m currently scheduling strategic coaching sessions for October and November 2021. My style is hype woman, meets creative &amp; analytical thought partner, meets radically transparent mirror. If you’re interested in learning more about session options, click here. Fuel for the week ahead.We’re doubling up on the music this time around:🎸  One of my favorite musicians, Tom Misch, released an EP called Quarantine Sessions on Friday. It’s the most beautiful project I’ve listened to this summer. I couldn’t choose just one song to add to Seven Bops so I’m sharing the entire thing. Click here to find it on your favorite streaming service. 🎧 🎶  Shout out to my wife, Kholi, for co-curating this week’s Seven Bops playlist with me. Listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify. Until next Monday, I’m wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. Love always,HMKMP.S. - All past Seven Bops playlists have officially been added to Spotify (thank you, Malori ❤️). Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. My friend Brian and I made this video back in 2016 to start to tell the story of my creative studio, Oratory Glory. The business has gone through about six iterations since then, but my intent has always been to produce work that inspires people to deliberately champion their gifts, apply those gifts to spark change, and savor and share the fruits of those choices. With the help of a fellow wordsmith (hi, Ariana!), OG’s tagline became own your voice, leave your mark. A not so subtle mantra and call to action that I’ve danced with regularly over the years but even more so lately as my most cherished relationships (and my capacity for love) continue to expand. Work used to be my primary source of love. In my early stages of entrepreneurship, I convinced myself that work would never let me down. I charged up there and rationed how much I was willing to offer in relationships outside of it. Not the most sustainable way of existing in the world, I admit. It worked really well though, until it didn’t. I started to feel empty in places that inanimate objects could never fill. And it forced me to reinvest in human connection with genuine trust and vulnerability. Now that I’m no longer a cyborg and am well-practiced at being emotionally available to more than just the insentient, I’m attracting and giving the most profound love of my life to date. Whewwww, it’s juicy, y’all. My relationships all across the board — platonic, romantic, familial and otherwise — are an overflowing well of generative love. And because I want my legacy to be a reflection of that love; how I work, when I work, who I work with, and what I work on/for is shifting dramatically. As I explore what it looks like for me to further own my voice and leave my mark, this week I’m leaning deeper into the question: How can love be the catalyst and currency for how I make choices around work? Gifts for your growth. 🌑 Yesterday ushered in a fresh new moon in Virgo. It’s the perfect time to plant seeds for the month and season ahead. In my own creative and spiritual practice, I feel the most grounded and on purpose when I’m setting intentions in alignment with the phases of the moon. If that sounds even a smidge intriguing to you, Chani Nicholas always puts together a dope synthesis of the moon’s theme(s) paired with affirmation horoscopes. <a href="https://chaninicholas.com/affirmation-horoscopes-for-the-new-moon-in-virgo-2021" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>. 🤝🏾 As I wrap up with my dissertation in the coming days, I’ve been thinking about the work I’m most excited about returning to. I really miss supporting folks 1-on-1 with creative ideation, personal narrative development, and charting pathways for the work of their dreams. So, I’m currently scheduling strategic coaching sessions for October and November 2021. My style is hype woman, meets creative &amp; analytical thought partner, meets radically transparent mirror. If you’re interested in learning more about session options, <a href="https://holleymurchison.com/coaching" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. We’re doubling up on the music this time around: 🎸 One of my favorite musicians, Tom Misch, released an EP called Quarantine Sessions on Friday. It’s the most beautiful project I’ve listened to this summer. I couldn’t choose just one song to add to Seven Bops so I’m sharing the entire thing. <a href="https://tommisch.ffm.to/quarantinesessions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find it on your favorite streaming service. 🎧 🎶 Shout out to my wife, Kholi, for co-curating this week’s Seven Bops playlist with me. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-sep-6-sep-12/pl.u-GgA5YYVcmp4yZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kgq49iwL7dSzxoVqjcvRn?si=eQRx-RrhRgifB8XKfCDueg&amp;dl_branch=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Until next Monday, I’m wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. Love always, HMKM P.S. - All past Seven Bops playlists have officially been added to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/holleymonelle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> (thank you, Malori ❤️). Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Tuesday, 090721

On my heart this week. “She was trained to win.” I let those words sink in during couples therapy last tonight. My wife was referring to the way that I sometimes approach our disagreements or communication blindspots like territories to be conquered. It’s one of my growing edges that I’m actively working on. I grew up competing through physical and intellectual sports: chess, basketball, 24 game (math tournaments), track, debate. I was indeed trained to win … and think critically … strategize vigilantly … rally with/for a team …become intimately close with process … sweat the details … and push my body to (and sometimes past) the limit for the W.All of that training works magnificently when a trophy or prize is on the line. But in inter+intrapersonal relationships? With the exception of the teamwork part, it doesn’t translate so well. Because relationships aren’t about keeping score. If I’m honest, I don’t care about winning in the rivalry sense anymore. I’m unmoved by it. The real win in relationships is in the camaraderie cultivated, understandings reached, worlds co-created, the savoring and sharing of fruits. As I witness my relationships expand — from reconciling with old friends to flourishing creative collaborations to blossoming love — I’m exploring how I can more intentionally give my competitive spirit a new job. Instead of defaulting to a “ready for combat” stance, I’m approaching moments of discomfort and conflict as occasions worth showing up for the highest good of everyone involved.What growing edges are y’all working on in your relationships right now?Gifts for your growth.🔑 Scottie Beam talks about the necessity of quitting and saying “no”. 💻 Simon Sinek talks about how to work without burnout. ✨ I’ve been thinking a lot about Casey Gerald’s 2019 essay, The Black Art of Escape. Tackling the question where do we go from here?, he weaves his way through the history of the first enslaved Africans arriving in America before proposing a new vision for Black Americans in the 21st century. Fuel for the week ahead.💎  I’m feeling really inspired by the way Elsa Majimbo and Mohamed Kheir are building partnership and challenging dated systems along the way. In a recent conversation with Forbes, they shared their perspective on controlling your narrative, building legacy, and playing the long game.📷 My new favorite instagram account: @filmtourismus. A reminder that the simplest creative ideas can spread wings their wings with a little passion and consistency.  🎧 🎶  I bounced to this week’s Seven Bops playlist on my bike ride this morning and two-stepped 💃🏽 my way through it in the shower yesterday. You can listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify. Until next Monday, I’m wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. “She was trained to win.” I let those words sink in during couples therapy last tonight. My wife was referring to the way that I sometimes approach our disagreements or communication blindspots like territories to be conquered. It’s one of my growing edges that I’m actively working on. I grew up competing through physical and intellectual sports: chess, basketball, 24 game (math tournaments), track, debate. I was indeed trained to win … and think critically … strategize vigilantly … rally with/for a team …become intimately close with process … sweat the details … and push my body to (and sometimes past) the limit for the W. All of that training works magnificently when a trophy or prize is on the line. But in inter+intrapersonal relationships? With the exception of the teamwork part, it doesn’t translate so well. Because relationships aren’t about keeping score. If I’m honest, I don’t care about winning in the rivalry sense anymore. I’m unmoved by it. The real win in relationships is in the camaraderie cultivated, understandings reached, worlds co-created, the savoring and sharing of fruits. As I witness my relationships expand — from reconciling with old friends to flourishing creative collaborations to blossoming love — I’m exploring how I can more intentionally give my competitive spirit a new job. Instead of defaulting to a “ready for combat” stance, I’m approaching moments of discomfort and conflict as occasions worth showing up for the highest good of everyone involved. What growing edges are y’all working on in your relationships right now? Gifts for your growth. 🔑 Scottie Beam talks about the necessity of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSW7mg9n-Om" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quitting and saying “no”</a>. 💻 Simon Sinek talks about <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CShG531NVBi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how to work without burnout</a>. ✨ I’ve been thinking a lot about Casey Gerald’s 2019 essay, <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/08/the-black-art-of-escape.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Black Art of Escape</a>. Tackling the question where do we go from here?, he weaves his way through the history of the first enslaved Africans arriving in America before proposing a new vision for Black Americans in the 21st century. Fuel for the week ahead. 💎 I’m feeling really inspired by the way Elsa Majimbo and Mohamed Kheir are building partnership and challenging dated systems along the way. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/karineldor/2021/08/25/the-new-age-of-talent-development-elsa-majimbos-secret-weapon-mo-kheir/?sh=7783a5eb4b5b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In a recent conversation with Forbes</a>, they shared their perspective on controlling your narrative, building legacy, and playing the long game. 📷 My new favorite instagram account: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/filmtourismus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@filmtourismus</a>. A reminder that the simplest creative ideas can spread wings their wings with a little passion and consistency. 🎧 🎶 I bounced to this week’s Seven Bops playlist on my bike ride this morning and two-stepped 💃🏽 my way through it in the shower yesterday. You can listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-30-sep-5/pl.u-NpXmYYgF97obm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0IrLEuDxj2AjbFS9GRmYbl?si=ITxCsSF_QTKtwbUF_q9XzQ&amp;dl_branch=1&amp;nd=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Until next Monday, I’m wishing y’all an abundant week ahead. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Tuesday, 083121

On my heart this week. I’m two weeks away from submitting my masters dissertation and my home studio walls are covered in 25” x 30” easel paper and post-its from synthesizing research. Sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head and in other moments, I can clearly hear God saying — “you didn’t make this choice alone, I got you fam!” (I’m paraphrasing.)This morning when my wife walked into the bathroom before our shower, I looked at her and said, “I feel so small in the bigness of my assignment. Have you ever felt that way?” She immediately asked for more context, lol. I believe we’re all here on Divine assignment(s), so when I said small, I didn’t mean insignificant or incapable. I meant small like…wow I’m a piece in a gigantic pie of cosmic happenings and I am genuinely humbled by how far God has brought me. Like, have you ever taken a moment to think about all that’s happened along your journey? All the obstacles surmounted, wins celebrated (big and small), doors opened (and closed), and forces that aligned for you to arrive in this very moment? So this week I’m feeling immensely grateful, prepared and reassured that I’m not in this alone. And I never have been. Neither have you. What blessings are you counting this week? Reply back and let me know or share them in the comments. Gifts for your growth.🔑 Freedom &amp; Balance is an art college for the artist in everyone. I adore the experiences, products, and resources they put out into the world. This card deck is one of them. It includes 56 exercises that challenge you to think through “what our version of a creative industry could look like, how to build it, and what it could offer our world.” Fuel for the week ahead.💎  This video changed my life. In it, Michael Beckwith unpacks a series of “questions to ask the Universe to help unfold your biggest gifts to the world.”🎧 🎶  This week’s Seven Bops playlist is for the lover in you. Listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify. See y’all next Monday.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. I’m two weeks away from submitting my masters dissertation and my home studio walls are covered in 25” x 30” easel paper and post-its from synthesizing research. Sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head and in other moments, I can clearly hear God saying — “you didn’t make this choice alone, I got you fam!” (I’m paraphrasing.) This morning when my wife walked into the bathroom before our shower, I looked at her and said, “I feel so small in the bigness of my assignment. Have you ever felt that way?” She immediately asked for more context, lol. I believe we’re all here on Divine assignment(s), so when I said small, I didn’t mean insignificant or incapable. I meant small like…wow I’m a piece in a gigantic pie of cosmic happenings and I am genuinely humbled by how far God has brought me. Like, have you ever taken a moment to think about all that’s happened along your journey? All the obstacles surmounted, wins celebrated (big and small), doors opened (and closed), and forces that aligned for you to arrive in this very moment? So this week I’m feeling immensely grateful, prepared and reassured that I’m not in this alone. And I never have been. Neither have you. What blessings are you counting this week? Reply back and let me know or share them in the comments. Gifts for your growth. 🔑 <a href="https://www.freedomandbalance.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freedom &amp; Balance</a> is an art college for the artist in everyone. I adore the experiences, products, and resources they put out into the world. This card deck is one of them. It includes 56 exercises that challenge you to think through “what our version of a creative industry could look like, how to build it, and what it could offer our world.”  Fuel for the week ahead. 💎 This video changed my life. In it, <a href="https://michaelbeckwith.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Beckwith</a> unpacks a series of “questions to ask the Universe to help unfold your biggest gifts to the world.” 🎧 🎶 This week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-23-aug-29/pl.u-8aAVoV6HYrzbo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> is for the lover in you. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-23-aug-29/pl.u-8aAVoV6HYrzbo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Wp4fGFsJ7Jew8zJcze1Cp?si=d65643a7d9f34b3d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. See y’all next Monday. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Monday, 082321

One part micropodcast, one part written digest, one part playlist, FHWL is a biweekly newsletter of practical stories, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. New editions drop every other Monday on Substack. Subscribe here:  fhwl.substack.com

On my heart this week. I was on the phone with a new friend yesterday and she asked about my dissertation. It made me think about how I ended up in grad school in the first place. The short story is, the COVID-19 pandemic. After thwarted plans for a multi-city experiential tour in the Spring of 2020 brought me back to the drawing board, I was still craving a playground to test some assumptions around the next phase of my work. I chose the academy to grow as a writer, have a container to unpack ideas I’d been considering about learning and talent development, and deepen my capacity to conduct and apply innovative research that’s useful to society. Thinking about that choice brought me back to December of 2020 when the gracious team at WeTransfer invited me to share a few words “to live by, to create by, and to see off 2020” at their annual Big Ideas Salon. I opened up about my 5-word mantra -move from isolation to intimacy - and how it helped me begin to build the foundation for an honest, graceful, non-judgmental home inside of myself. A haven where I’ve cultivated even deeper intimacy with my craft, heightened my creativity, and fundamentally shifted how I define it. That talk felt like the perfect three for one special to share with y’all today — what’s on my heart, gifts for your growth and fuel for the week ahead all wrapped in one package (plus the Seven Bops playlist down at the very bottom ❤️). So as promised in the micropodcast, here’s the transcribed version 👇🏾. Like many of you, I had grand plans coming into 2020. My 2019 theme was “sow the seeds.” All last year, I focused energy on planting and nurturing my boldest ideas. This year’s theme was “rally the people”…in person. So picture this: Me and a team of my closest friends and collaborators…traveling around the world producing a multi-city experiential tour.Each stop would include a smorgasbord of events designed to inspire and equip marginalized creators with skills to both fulfill their potential and thrive at work they love. But the Universe had a different set of plans. After months of brainstorming, strategy sessions, negotiations, and God knows how many post-it notes scattered around my workspace, it all came to a halt when we got confirmation that what was previously dismissed as “just a little virus”…was in fact a global pandemic brewing. On top of the glaring inequities it shined a spotlight on, it triggered a raincloud of doomsday language… words like isolation, quarantine, lockdown, shelter-in-place. It was within that language and the uncertainty of the moment that I found a 5-word mantra to help me weather the most difficult parts of the storm: move from isolation to intimacy.At first I thought, yea yea - I can get creative and find new digital and safe in person ways to stay intimately close to the communities and relationships I was in. But when I interrogated the origin of the word intimacy — I knew there was much more work to do to honor the mantra.When we consider the etymology, intimate comes from the latin word intimus — meaning, inmost — the very deepest within; farthest from the surface or external part.For a long time, I used external intimacy as an escape from internal intimacy — literally isolating from myself. The pandemic forced me to accept two realities I’d been avoiding 1. choosing isolation over intimacy was  stunting my creative capacity, and 2. I would never find the closeness I was seeking outside of myself. So I decided, 🤷🏾‍♀️ intimus it is. We all have varying gifts and growing edges, so cultivating self-intimacy looks different for each of us. For me it’s been 9 months of tending to my deepest mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs: Sometimes it looks like audio journaling, somatic therapy, and childhood hobbiesIn other moments it’s creating for the sake of expression, Kundalini yoga, and deep belly laughter And in most recent months I’ve met with astrologers, mystics, shamans, and psychics to better understand what parts of me require undoing, embracing, and fine tuningThrough these actions I’ve experienced a new closeness. One that’s helped me build an honest, graceful, non-judgmental home inside of myself. A haven where I’ve cultivated even deeper intimacy with my craft, heightened my creativity, and fundamentally shifted how I define it. Where I once got caught up in the hype of creativity being validated by whether or not it could be consumed or bought, I now define it as the use of imagination as an engine to visualize and realize new possibilities. The cherry on top? Externally, I’ve noticed that my relationships are much healthier, conversations have more depth, and I’m making what feels like my best work yet. Right now I’m:   Dreaming up new talent development experiences, products and multimedia content at my creative studio. Gearing up for a research residency with one of my favorite companies and Writing a dissertation that will help imagine a more equitable future of work that champions self and communal actualizationIt’s funny reflecting on this because culturally, we talk a lot about interior work and self care. And still, I would have never imagined that devoting this much time to Holley would drastically change the ways in which I engage with and contribute to the world. But it has. So, given the volatility of the reality we’re living in, as you consider how you’ll lend your creative gifts and talents to leave your mark, I encourage you to first find one activity where you can create a practice of intimacy with yourself. That’s where the impact truly starts - within us. What are you willing to do (from where you are, with what you have) to get intimately close to yourself?  Fuel for the week ahead. 🎧 🎶  This week’s Seven Bops playlist is my favorite one to date. Had me dancing extra hard in my kitchen while I made lunch this afternoon. And in case you’re wondering, yes, my two-step is stellar 💃🏾. Listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify. Have a brilliant week and I’ll see y’all next Monday.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. I was on the phone with a new friend yesterday and she asked about my dissertation. It made me think about how I ended up in grad school in the first place. The short story is, the COVID-19 pandemic. After thwarted plans for a multi-city experiential tour in the Spring of 2020 brought me back to the drawing board, I was still craving a playground to test some assumptions around the next phase of my work. I chose the academy to grow as a writer, have a container to unpack ideas I’d been considering about learning and talent development, and deepen my capacity to conduct and apply innovative research that’s useful to society. Thinking about that choice brought me back to December of 2020 when the gracious team at WeTransfer invited me to share a few words “to live by, to create by, and to see off 2020” at their annual Big Ideas Salon. I opened up about my 5-word mantra -move from isolation to intimacy - and how it helped me begin to build the foundation for an honest, graceful, non-judgmental home inside of myself. A haven where I’ve cultivated even deeper intimacy with my craft, heightened my creativity, and fundamentally shifted how I define it. That talk felt like the perfect three for one special to share with y’all today — what’s on my heart, gifts for your growth and fuel for the week ahead all wrapped in one package (plus the Seven Bops playlist down at the very bottom ❤️). So as promised in the micropodcast, here’s the transcribed version 👇🏾. Like many of you, I had grand plans coming into 2020. My 2019 theme was “sow the seeds.” All last year, I focused energy on planting and nurturing my boldest ideas. This year’s theme was “rally the people”…in person.  So picture this:  Me and a team of my closest friends and collaborators…traveling around the world producing a multi-city experiential tour. Each stop would include a smorgasbord of events designed to inspire and equip marginalized creators with skills to both fulfill their potential and thrive at work they love.  But the Universe had a different set of plans. After months of brainstorming, strategy sessions, negotiations, and God knows how many post-it notes scattered around my workspace, it all came to a halt when we got confirmation that what was previously dismissed as “just a little virus”…was in fact a global pandemic brewing.  On top of the glaring inequities it shined a spotlight on, it triggered a raincloud of doomsday language…  words like isolation, quarantine, lockdown, shelter-in-place.  It was within that language and the uncertainty of the moment that I found a 5-word mantra to help me weather the most difficult parts of the storm: move from isolation to intimacy. At first I thought, yea yea - I can get creative and find new digital and safe in person ways to stay intimately close to the communities and relationships I was in. But when I interrogated the origin of the word intimacy — I knew there was much more work to do to honor the mantra. When we consider the etymology, intimate comes from the latin word intimus — meaning, inmost — the very deepest within; farthest from the surface or external part. For a long time, I used external intimacy as an escape from internal intimacy — literally isolating from myself. The pandemic forced me to accept two realities I’d been avoiding 1. choosing isolation over intimacy was  stunting my creative capacity, and 2. I would never find the closeness I was seeking outside of myself.  So I decided, 🤷🏾‍♀️ intimus it is.  We all have varying gifts and growing edges, so cultivating self-intimacy looks different for each of us. For me it’s been 9 months of tending to my deepest mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs:  Sometimes it looks like audio journaling, somatic therapy, and childhood hobbies In other moments it’s creating for the sake of expression, Kundalini yoga, and deep belly laughter  And in most recent months I’ve met with astrologers, mystics, shamans, and psychics to better understand what parts of me require undoing, embracing, and fine tuning Through these actions I’ve experienced a new closeness. One that’s helped me build an honest, graceful, non-judgmental home inside of myself. A haven where I’ve cultivated even deeper intimacy with my craft, heightened my creativity, and fundamentally shifted how I define it.  Where I once got caught up in the hype of creativity being validated by whether or not it could be consumed or bought, I now define it as the use of imagination as an engine to visualize and realize new possibilities.  The cherry on top? Externally, I’ve noticed that my relationships are much healthier, conversations have more depth, and I’m making what feels like my best work yet. Right now I’m:    Dreaming up new talent development experiences, products and multimedia content at my creative studio.  Gearing up for a research residency with one of my favorite companies and  Writing a dissertation that will help imagine a more equitable future of work that champions self and communal actualization It’s funny reflecting on this because culturally, we talk a lot about interior work and self care. And still, I would have never imagined that devoting this much time to Holley would drastically change the ways in which I engage with and contribute to the world. But it has. So, given the volatility of the reality we’re living in, as you consider how you’ll lend your creative gifts and talents to leave your mark, I encourage you to first find one activity where you can create a practice of intimacy with yourself. That’s where the impact truly starts - within us. What are you willing to do (from where you are, with what you have) to get intimately close to yourself? Fuel for the week ahead. 🎧 🎶 This week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-16-aug-22/pl.u-GgA5Y7zSmp4yZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> is my favorite one to date. Had me dancing extra hard in my kitchen while I made lunch this afternoon. And in case you’re wondering, yes, my two-step is stellar 💃🏾. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-16-aug-22/pl.u-GgA5Y7zSmp4yZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZvkLRM56LyNnegBqNUQPu?si=5296957007e7478b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Have a brilliant week and I’ll see y’all next Monday. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 081621

On my heart this week. About 100 of you have joined the community since last week’s edition. If you’re reading or listening for the first time, thank you for being here! From Holley, With Love (FHWL) is one part micropodcast, one part written digest, and one part playlist. Every Monday I share insights, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. I almost wrote y’all on Monday to say “Hey, not today.” but I was honestly too distracted and exhausted going through the motions to find my way to a screen. I’ve been enraged for days navigating a complicated season with my family that I’m so grateful to being turning a corner on. I kept telling myself I’d record when I cooled down and felt more loving. As seductive as the idea of staying mad was, I knew the toxicity of that feeling was no place to call home. I had to find my way back to love.  A random yellow jacket attack (listen to the micropodcast for the full story) sparked an epiphany that helped me return to my personal definition of it:The act of vulnerably, courageously, and unconditionally championing that which you are deeply committed and connected to.And so here I am on Thursday, showing up and repurposing that angry energy into something heart-centered and honest while I chew on these questions:What are you willing to vigorously fight for in the name of love?What have you been vigorously fighting for that no longer serves you and it’s time to let go of? Gifts for your growth.📖  I mentioned two books in today’s micropodcast:Thich Nhat Hanh’s Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames; highly recommended if you’re interested in practical ways to transmute anger and relieve suffering. Tell Me About Yourself Six Steps for Accurate and Artful Self-Definition, my first published book (it turns 4 next month!). TMAY is an action guide for unearthing, articulating, and championing the stories of your gifts, talents, pursuits, and ideas with confidence and authenticity. ⁣If you’d like a signed copy with a personalized message, I have a handful left on my website. You can also find it where books are sold online or order it at your local bookstore. 🤲🏾 I also mentioned Shirley Johnson, a brilliant medicine woman, therapist, kundalini &amp; hatha yoga teacher and intimacy coach committed to restoring intimacy and vulnerability to humankind. I’m wrapping up Day 5 of a communal accelerator she’s hosting — 7 days of kundalini yoga and meditation for self-love and courageous love — and felt called to share her work with y’all. You can learn more about Shirley and her offerings here.Fuel for the week ahead.💎 On my flight home from a family trip last weekend, I listened to this interview with Tyler, The Creator waxing poetic about the courage to be yourself, not being too cool to care about the details, connoisseurship and his overall growth and maturation through his career thus far.Watch or listen to the full interview: YouTube • Soundcloud🎧 🎶  This week’s Seven Bops playlist is the melancholia edition. It’ll tug at your heart strings so if you’re in need of a good cry and/or emotional purge, listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify. ❤️‍🩹 Enjoy the weekend ahead and I’ll see y’all on Monday.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. About 100 of you have joined the community since last week’s edition. If you’re reading or listening for the first time, thank you for being here! From Holley, With Love (FHWL) is one part micropodcast, one part written digest, and one part playlist. Every Monday I share insights, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. I almost wrote y’all on Monday to say “Hey, not today.” but I was honestly too distracted and exhausted going through the motions to find my way to a screen. I’ve been enraged for days navigating a complicated season with my family that I’m so grateful to being turning a corner on. I kept telling myself I’d record when I cooled down and felt more loving. As seductive as the idea of staying mad was, I knew the toxicity of that feeling was no place to call home. I had to find my way back to love. A random yellow jacket attack (listen to the micropodcast for the full story) sparked an epiphany that helped me return to my personal definition of it: The act of vulnerably, courageously, and unconditionally championing that which you are deeply committed and connected to. And so here I am on Thursday, showing up and repurposing that angry energy into something heart-centered and honest while I chew on these questions: What are you willing to vigorously fight for in the name of love? What have you been vigorously fighting for that no longer serves you and it’s time to let go of? Gifts for your growth. 📖 I mentioned two books in today’s micropodcast: Thich Nhat Hanh’s <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/290963/anger-by-thich-nhat-hanh/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames</a>; highly recommended if you’re interested in practical ways to transmute anger and relieve suffering. <a href="https://holleymurchison.com/shop/tmay-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tell Me About Yourself Six Steps for Accurate and Artful Self-Definition</a>, my first published book (it turns 4 next month!). TMAY is an action guide for unearthing, articulating, and championing the stories of your gifts, talents, pursuits, and ideas with confidence and authenticity. ⁣If you’d like a signed copy with a personalized message, I have a handful left <a href="https://holleymurchison.com/shop/tmay-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on my website</a>. You can also find it where books are sold online or order it at your local bookstore. 🤲🏾 I also mentioned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soulisticwellness/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shirley Johnson</a>, a brilliant medicine woman, therapist, kundalini &amp; hatha yoga teacher and intimacy coach committed to restoring intimacy and vulnerability to humankind. I’m wrapping up Day 5 of a communal accelerator she’s hosting — 7 days of kundalini yoga and meditation for self-love and courageous love — and felt called to share her work with y’all. You can learn more about Shirley and her offerings <a href="https://www.soulisticwellness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. 💎 On my flight home from a family trip last weekend, I listened to this interview with Tyler, The Creator waxing poetic about the courage to be yourself, not being too cool to care about the details, connoisseurship and his overall growth and maturation through his career thus far. Watch or listen to the full interview: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn4kg3cMcfk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube</a> • <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hot97ny/ebro-in-the-morning-tyler-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Soundcloud</a> 🎧 🎶 This week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-9-aug-15/pl.u-NpXmYqmC97obm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> is the melancholia edition. It’ll tug at your heart strings so if you’re in need of a good cry and/or emotional purge, <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-9-aug-15/pl.u-NpXmYqmC97obm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listen to it on Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Nb7YvjtmXjG3Q9HPA5VHa?si=c99c31347f914c03" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. ❤️‍🩹 Enjoy the weekend ahead and I’ll see y’all on Monday. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Thursday, 081221

On my heart this week. First, I’ve gotta echo the micropodcast and say - thank you so much. I appreciate all the email replies and comments lending a kind word after I mentioned that I was taking a mental health day yesterday. I woke up feeling much more alive and capable this morning and just grateful for the chance to begin again. With all life’s twists, turns and moving parts, care is on my heart this week. So here’s to:Stillness.Taking a break when you need it. Resting when your body signals that it’s time. Exercising the freedom to have it your way. Cherishing moments of being not doing. Deep belly laughter.Long hot baths.Home-cooked meals. And whatever else care might look like for you. Gifts for your growth.🧠  Slow Factory Foundation released the schedule for their Open Edu Summer Camp and it’s fire!This season is focused on the disposable culture of fast fashion. All classes are free to attend (though donations help to keep it that way) and are taught by Black, Brown, Indigenous and minority ethnic scholars, thinkers and educators. Register here.💎 I saw a few clips from author/performer/speaker ALOK’s interview on the Man Enough Podcast a couple days ago and was blown away by how timely and necessary their message was on compassion, humanity and the gender binary. Please carve out time to watch or listen to the full interview when you can.📖 “A Black activist reflects on intergenerational trauma, community, and coming to terms with death in movement building.” Read it here: Grief Belongs in Social Movements. Can We Embrace It? Fuel for the week ahead.🎧 🎶  I think it’s impossible not to get up and dance to this week’s Seven Bops playlist (at least the first half of it). Listen to it on Apple Music or Spotify. ❤️‍🩹 I tapped the brain trust (aka you and my community on Instagram) and asked: What are some of the ways you care for yourself when you’re feeling out of sorts?⁣ Y’all were super generous with your responses - thank you for weighing in! In case you find yourself feeling vibrationally low this week, as promised, here’s a compilation of some of what you shared… From Instagram:“You know I love to do a good absolutely nothing. Or sleep in the guest room bed with the picture of my granny looking over at me.” - @dr.kholi“Visualization practice always centers me back.” - @saraannkellypr“I just look at the dried herbs and choose 2 to steep with a Lil bit of dried rose. Trusting that spirit will give me the medicine I need. My spirt usually goes to valerian and damiana.” - @notyouraveragehousedyke“When I need to get my thoughts and feels together, I try to do things that bring me joy like clean my house( that’s that 80s baby raising ) a dope playlist, light a candle and just vibe… a delicious meal tops me off. Just reconnecting to real life and having more moments.” - @the_key2style“Taking a step back, exactly like you did. Whether it’s physical and/or emotional needs, the quicker I take a half day or day off to nap, take a bath, some zinc if it’s a cold coming on, a walk, stretch, clean, or do nothing, the quicker I bounce back, instead of pushing too hard and then needing much longer to recover.” - @lizzcozz“For me it’s definitely a solo walk , preferably somewhere green and spacious or if it’s really rainy a drive - both with a heavy dose of music 👌🏻” - @courageandcuriosityAnd in the comments and replies to yesterday’s note I sent out:“When I'm out of sorts, I turn on my meditation music, burn palo santo, cleanse my energy field, and settle into some deep breaths. It's a sensory reset.” - Jamila Reddy “When I’m outta sorts I get still. Ideally I take myself to a piece of nature—by the river, a creek, a fountain, or like today, I sit in the sun. For a minimum of 15 mins, I’m barefoot with my eyes closed and I either do some box breathing or the 6-1-8 breaths.” - Danita R. “My care taking these days always starts with the three following things:Running water over my hands. Cold =  if I need an attitude adjustment, Hot = if I need to feel nourished. Music! I don't know why, but I always forget to infuse my days with music. Doodling.  Somehow, just the act of pen on paper, for no reason, calms my nerves.” - Naomi H.  “When I am feeling drained or confused on my next life steps I play binaural beats from an app or on YouTube I search for 862hz. It's great for calming and relaxing so I can think more clearly.” - SusieI’ll see y’all next Monday.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. First, I’ve gotta echo the micropodcast and say - thank you so much. I appreciate all the email replies and comments lending a kind word after I mentioned that I was taking a mental health day yesterday. I woke up feeling much more alive and capable this morning and just grateful for the chance to begin again. With all life’s twists, turns and moving parts, care is on my heart this week. So here’s to: Stillness. Taking a break when you need it. Resting when your body signals that it’s time. Exercising the freedom to have it your way. Cherishing moments of being not doing. Deep belly laughter. Long hot baths. Home-cooked meals. And whatever else care might look like for you. Gifts for your growth. 🧠 Slow Factory Foundation released the schedule for their Open Edu Summer Camp and it’s fire! This season is focused on the disposable culture of fast fashion. All classes are free to attend (though donations help to keep it that way) and are taught by Black, Brown, Indigenous and minority ethnic scholars, thinkers and educators. <a href="https://slowfactory.foundation/open-education" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Register here</a>. 💎 I saw a few clips from author/performer/speaker ALOK’s interview on the Man Enough Podcast a couple days ago and was blown away by how timely and necessary their message was on compassion, humanity and the gender binary. Please carve out time to watch or listen to the full interview when you can. 📖 “A Black activist reflects on intergenerational trauma, community, and coming to terms with death in movement building.” Read it here: <a href="https://inthesetimes.com/article/freedom-grief-healing-death-liberation-movements" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grief Belongs in Social Movements. Can We Embrace It?</a> Fuel for the week ahead. 🎧 🎶 I think it’s impossible not to get up and dance to this week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-2-aug-8/pl.u-8aAVoG1tYrzbo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> (at least the first half of it). Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-aug-2-aug-8/pl.u-8aAVoG1tYrzbo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mjf2GOxxWpM4EAOIjRZtx?si=7f3605e8786e4988" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. ❤️‍🩹 I tapped the brain trust (aka you and my community <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHamIZL7HN/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>) and asked: What are some of the ways you care for yourself when you’re feeling out of sorts?⁣ Y’all were super generous with your responses - thank you for weighing in! In case you find yourself feeling vibrationally low this week, as promised, here’s a compilation of some of what you shared… From Instagram: “You know I love to do a good absolutely nothing. Or sleep in the guest room bed with the picture of my granny looking over at me.” - @dr.kholi “Visualization practice always centers me back.” - @saraannkellypr “I just look at the dried herbs and choose 2 to steep with a Lil bit of dried rose. Trusting that spirit will give me the medicine I need. My spirt usually goes to valerian and damiana.” - @notyouraveragehousedyke “When I need to get my thoughts and feels together, I try to do things that bring me joy like clean my house( that’s that 80s baby raising ) a dope playlist, light a candle and just vibe… a delicious meal tops me off. Just reconnecting to real life and having more moments.” - @the_key2style “Taking a step back, exactly like you did. Whether it’s physical and/or emotional needs, the quicker I take a half day or day off to nap, take a bath, some zinc if it’s a cold coming on, a walk, stretch, clean, or do nothing, the quicker I bounce back, instead of pushing too hard and then needing much longer to recover.” - @lizzcozz “For me it’s definitely a solo walk , preferably somewhere green and spacious or if it’s really rainy a drive - both with a heavy dose of music 👌🏻” - @courageandcuriosity And in the comments and replies to yesterday’s note I sent out: “When I'm out of sorts, I turn on my meditation music, burn palo santo, cleanse my energy field, and settle into some deep breaths. It's a sensory reset.” - Jamila Reddy “When I’m outta sorts I get still. Ideally I take myself to a piece of nature—by the river, a creek, a fountain, or like today, I sit in the sun. For a minimum of 15 mins, I’m barefoot with my eyes closed and I either do some box breathing or the 6-1-8 breaths.” - Danita R. “My care taking these days always starts with the three following things: Running water over my hands. Cold =  if I need an attitude adjustment, Hot = if I need to feel nourished.  Music! I don't know why, but I always forget to infuse my days with music.  Doodling.  Somehow, just the act of pen on paper, for no reason, calms my nerves.” - Naomi H.   “When I am feeling drained or confused on my next life steps I play binaural beats from an app or on YouTube I search for 862hz. It's great for calming and relaxing so I can think more clearly.” - Susie I’ll see y’all next Monday. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Tuesday, 080321

On my heart this week. Hello from my final night in New York City! It’s my first time in my hometown since last February and it feels deeply satisfying to be back. There are few places I’ve been that match the energy of this city, especially in the summertime. My wife and I have been in town celebrating a good friend’s birthday, ordering obscene amounts of takeout 🙃, and avoiding crowds.   I’ve been basking in high highs since we landed on Saturday but today I found myself haunted by the ghost of relationships past and feeling guilty, melancholic, and disappointed about some of my previously cherished bonds here that haven’t aged well. I sat with the feelings (read: moped around the apartment where we’re staying) and walked through the West Village unpacking them and running through three questions:Does this need to be salvaged?Has it run its course?Can I leave it where it is?Then I decided that instead of losing myself ruminating on what I’d lost, it made far more sense to embrace what I gained and be present to it.As the four-word poem by @dr.kholi goes — Have what has you.Gifts for your growth.💎  Create Dangerously: Albert Camus on the Artist as a Voice of Resistance and an Instrument of Freedom🚜 The team at Saloma Acres is building a dedicated Black equestrian and cultural space in Columbia, SC. They’ve secured 22 acres and are raising funds to cover infrastructure costs ahead of their opening on Small Business Saturday this November. If you ever find yourself daydreaming about safe communal spaces to play and seek refuge, learn more here.Fuel for the week ahead.🖊️ One of my favorite writers, Casey Gerald, penned this gorgeous profile on musician Leon Bridges ahead of the release of his latest album, Gold-Diggers Sound. It is quite possibly the most fantastic prose I’ve read so far this year.🌳 Last Friday I joined CreativeMornings/NYC online for a special immersive event with Pop-up Magazine. They have this dope audio storytelling experience and art project called Field Guide themed around water, trees, and the night sky. 150+ folks gathered on Zoom to meditate on the trees experience together while we walked through our neighborhoods appreciating and sharing views of the trees around us. 10/10 would recommend: check it out.🎧 🎶  This week’s Seven Bops playlist is the soundtrack to my 72-ish hour trip home. It feels like everything I love about summer in NYC. Listen to it on  Apple Music or Spotify. Have a great week y’all ❤️.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Hello from my final night in New York City! It’s my first time in my hometown since last February and it feels deeply satisfying to be back. There are few places I’ve been that match the energy of this city, especially in the summertime. My wife and I have been in town celebrating a good friend’s birthday, ordering obscene amounts of takeout 🙃, and avoiding crowds. I’ve been basking in high highs since we landed on Saturday but today I found myself haunted by the ghost of relationships past and feeling guilty, melancholic, and disappointed about some of my previously cherished bonds here that haven’t aged well. I sat with the feelings (read: moped around the apartment where we’re staying) and walked through the West Village unpacking them and running through three questions: Does this need to be salvaged? Has it run its course? Can I leave it where it is? Then I decided that instead of losing myself ruminating on what I’d lost, it made far more sense to embrace what I gained and be present to it. As the four-word poem by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dr.kholi/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@dr.kholi</a> goes — Have what has you. Gifts for your growth. 💎 <a href="https://www.brainpickings.org/2018/05/02/albert-camus-create-dangerously/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Create Dangerously: Albert Camus on the Artist as a Voice of Resistance and an Instrument of Freedom</a> 🚜 The team at <a href="http://playatsaloma.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saloma Acres</a> is building a dedicated Black equestrian and cultural space in Columbia, SC. They’ve secured 22 acres and are raising funds to cover infrastructure costs ahead of their opening on Small Business Saturday this November. If you ever find yourself daydreaming about safe communal spaces to play and seek refuge, <a href="http://playatsaloma.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">learn more here</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. 🖊️ One of my favorite writers, Casey Gerald, penned <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/leon-bridges-after-dark/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this gorgeous profile</a> on musician Leon Bridges ahead of the release of his latest album, Gold-Diggers Sound. It is quite possibly the most fantastic prose I’ve read so far this year. 🌳 Last Friday I joined CreativeMornings/NYC online for a special immersive event with Pop-up Magazine. They have this dope audio storytelling experience and art project called <a href="https://www.popupmagazine.com/fieldguide/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Field Guide</a> themed around water, trees, and the night sky. 150+ folks gathered on Zoom to meditate on the trees experience together while we walked through our neighborhoods appreciating and sharing views of the trees around us. 10/10 would recommend: <a href="http://popupmagazine.com/fieldguide/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check it out</a>. 🎧 🎶 This week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-26-aug-1/pl.u-oZylM7ZCKDWjR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> is the soundtrack to my 72-ish hour trip home. It feels like everything I love about summer in NYC. Listen to it on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-26-aug-1/pl.u-oZylM7ZCKDWjR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Y5ZSsvhbJEcoZ6gOMkNXP?si=69746b5b1ffa4a7c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Have a great week y’all ❤️. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Monday, 072621

On my heart this week. “How much harder/less hard does it feel depending on your approach?” My therapist posed this question last week and I stopped her in her tracks so I could write it down. It’s not uncommon for me to yell out “Bars!” or “See? That’s why they pay you the big bucks,” during our sessions. She consistently serves up gems that strike me in the moment or boomerang back in the days that follow. This one was a boomerang.Like I mentioned in today’s micropodcast, I was feeling wildly angsty when I sat down to publish FHWL. From my wife’s parents closing on their home to me starting a new phase of research that I’ve been invested in for years, planning and dreaming about for months, and publicly discussing for weeks — this week feels monumental. But that doesn’t mean it has to be heavy. A few minutes into writing, I heard a voice say - “This is supposed to be fun.” That voice paired with my therapist’s question up there, and our conversation a few Mondays ago about ease were all I needed to change my approach. I took a few deep breaths, drank some water, did some self-soothing (hugging myself and rubbing my lower back works wonders), then burned my favorite heart chakra incense and got back into the groove.All it took was that short regroup moment to remind me that creativity and fun are what fuel this newsletter and my life outside of it.   So this week whether I’m freestyling jingles at my desk while I work, riding my bike (affectionately known as Horatio) through Sherwood Forest or making cocktails to commemorate new chapters  —  I’m committed to having a helluva time. How are you making fun this week? Gifts for your growth. 💡 My latest Skillshare Original class, Leadership Communication for the Future of Work went live last week. I share my philosophy on transformational leadership and how you can identify and lean into your own style of leadership communication across a number of everyday work scenarios. You can enroll here and get a free 30-day trial of Skillshare Premium.💎 Last month on the eve of what would have been Octavia Butler’s 74th birthday, writer and professor Dr. Susana Morris highlighted five lessons that her legacy continues to teach us. Persist is the one I’m holding closest.  Fuel for the week ahead.🌐  Shuya Gong reminds us that The internet can be a neighborly Welcoming Place For You, if you find the right space. ⚗️ I rewatched this episode of What’s Underneath this morning and Olu Fann’s reflections on identity, piety, poverty and public acclaim were profoundly resonant. 🧇 🥞 Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day…any time of day. When I found out Gastronomical was dropping a plant based, gluten free (but still delicious) waffle &amp; pancake mix, I damn near cartwheeled 🤸🏾‍♀️ over to the pre-order page. I got two of each (ancestral roots + red velvet). If breakfast is your jam, too, you can order them here.🎧 🎶  We’re a couple days away from Leo season and this week’s Seven Bops playlist  will have you channeling your inner lion. It’s waiting for you on Apple Music or Spotify. See y’all next Monday ✌🏾.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. “How much harder/less hard does it feel depending on your approach?” My therapist posed this question last week and I stopped her in her tracks so I could write it down. It’s not uncommon for me to yell out “Bars!” or “See? That’s why they pay you the big bucks,” during our sessions. She consistently serves up gems that strike me in the moment or boomerang back in the days that follow. This one was a boomerang. Like I mentioned in today’s micropodcast, I was feeling wildly angsty when I sat down to publish FHWL. From my wife’s parents closing on their home to me starting a new phase of research that I’ve been invested in for years, planning and dreaming about for months, and publicly discussing for weeks — this week feels monumental. But that doesn’t mean it has to be heavy. A few minutes into writing, I heard a voice say - “This is supposed to be fun.” That voice paired with my therapist’s question up there, and our conversation a few Mondays ago <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/p/from-holley-with-love-monday-062821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">about ease</a> were all I needed to change my approach. I took a few deep breaths, drank some water, did some self-soothing (hugging myself and rubbing my lower back works wonders), then burned my favorite heart chakra incense and got back into the groove. All it took was that short regroup moment to remind me that creativity and fun are what fuel this newsletter and my life outside of it. So this week whether I’m freestyling jingles at my desk while I work, riding my bike (affectionately known as Horatio) through Sherwood Forest or making cocktails to commemorate new chapters — I’m committed to having a helluva time. How are you making fun this week? Gifts for your growth. 💡 My latest Skillshare Original class, <a href="https://skl.sh/3dSejDI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Leadership Communication for the Future of Work</a> went live last week. I share my philosophy on transformational leadership and how you can identify and lean into your own style of leadership communication across a number of everyday work scenarios. You can <a href="https://skl.sh/3dSejDI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">enroll here</a> and get a free 30-day trial of Skillshare Premium. 💎 Last month on the eve of what would have been Octavia Butler’s 74th birthday, writer and professor Dr. Susana Morris <a href="https://theremix.substack.com/p/octavias-lessons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">highlighted five lessons</a> that her legacy continues to teach us. Persist is the one I’m holding closest. Fuel for the week ahead. 🌐 Shuya Gong reminds us that <a href="https://www.somewheregood.com/garden/wandering-web/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The internet can be a neighborly Welcoming Place For You, if you find the right space</a>. ⚗️ I rewatched <a href="https://youtu.be/uf7hbSvv3yE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this episode</a> of What’s Underneath this morning and Olu Fann’s reflections on identity, piety, poverty and public acclaim were profoundly resonant. 🧇 🥞 Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day…any time of day. When I found out <a href="https://gastronomical.global/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gastronomical</a> was dropping a plant based, gluten free (but still delicious) waffle &amp; pancake mix, I damn near cartwheeled 🤸🏾‍♀️ over to the pre-order page. I got two of each (ancestral roots + red velvet). If breakfast is your jam, too, you can <a href="https://gastronomical.global/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">order them here</a>. 🎧 🎶 We’re a couple days away from Leo season and this week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-19-jul-25/pl.u-xlyNJRNTye4Vk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> will have you channeling your inner lion. It’s waiting for you <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-19-jul-25/pl.u-xlyNJRNTye4Vk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2DrobNo1J2dmKf1r2jFft1?si=b4b13ccd5cc14050" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. See y’all next Monday ✌🏾. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Monday, 071921

On my heart this week. Last Wednesday I got back from my 3-week trip to Amsterdam and it feels so good to be home and jet lag free! Travel always has a way of expanding my consciousness and I was telling my therapist this afternoon that this trip (my first time on a plane in 16 months) felt like expansion to the 1000th power. While I was away I ate my weight in tacos, had an intimate relationship implode (it was time), got to know and understand shadowy sides of myself that I’ve long avoided, and grew an even fonder appreciation for the haven my wife and I are co-creating here in Winston Salem, NC.My greatest takeaway? A renewed commitment to truth-telling. In the shadows I realized how many wounds I’d patched with half truths and white lies out of fear of being seen, a refusal to own up to actions that harmed others, resistance to endings, and discomfort with having what I desire. When I revisited all those places, it may have stung a little, but the balm of truth mended me in ways that my fabrications had tried and failed at for years.And you know what? I love it here. So the rest of this week’s offerings come with the intention of helping you find and maintain your own truth for healing.Gifts for your growth.♋  My favorite vocational &amp; business astrologer, Ashleigh D. Jay taught me that New Moons offer us a chance to plant seeds in dark, rich soil for the things we want to grow and manifest in the area of our lives where it lands. This past Friday ushered in a New Moon in the sign of Cancer and I used these affirmation-style horoscopes from Chani Nicholas to help me set some clear intentions for the cycle ahead. ✨  If you’re interested in understanding the cosmos a little better, I wrote this essay on astrology as a gateway to fulfilling your creative potential.Fuel for the week ahead.💎  I’m still in awe of this stunning profile Saint Heron put together on the story of Linda and Cecil Womack. It’s such a beautiful possibility model for liberated family structures and uninhibited living. The storytelling, creative direction, overall execution — it’s fantastic, y’all! Savor it here 👉🏾 “The Womack Originals”🎧 🎶 This week’s Seven Bops playlist is worthy of a good cocktail or (mocktail)under the sun with your feet kicked up. Find it on Apple Music or Spotify and enjoy. That’s all for now. Be good to yourselves and I’ll see you next Monday.Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Last Wednesday I got back from my 3-week trip to Amsterdam and it feels so good to be home and jet lag free! Travel always has a way of expanding my consciousness and I was telling my therapist this afternoon that this trip (my first time on a plane in 16 months) felt like expansion to the 1000th power. While I was away I ate my weight in <a href="https://www.masmais.nl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tacos</a>, had an intimate relationship implode (it was time), got to know and understand shadowy sides of myself that I’ve long avoided, and grew an even fonder appreciation for the haven my wife and I are co-creating here in Winston Salem, NC. My greatest takeaway? A renewed commitment to truth-telling. In the shadows I realized how many wounds I’d patched with half truths and white lies out of fear of being seen, a refusal to own up to actions that harmed others, resistance to endings, and discomfort with having what I desire. When I revisited all those places, it may have stung a little, but the balm of truth mended me in ways that my fabrications had tried and failed at for years. And you know what? I love it here. So the rest of this week’s offerings come with the intention of helping you find and maintain your own truth for healing. Gifts for your growth. ♋ My favorite vocational &amp; business astrologer, <a href="http://ashleighdjay.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashleigh D. Jay</a> taught me that New Moons offer us a chance to plant seeds in dark, rich soil for the things we want to grow and manifest in the area of our lives where it lands. This past Friday ushered in a New Moon in the sign of Cancer and I used <a href="https://chaninicholas.com/horoscopes-for-the-new-moon-in-cancer-2021/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these affirmation-style horoscopes</a> from Chani Nicholas to help me set some clear intentions for the cycle ahead. ✨ If you’re interested in understanding the cosmos a little better, <a href="https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/story/literally-holley-murchison/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I wrote this essay</a> on astrology as a gateway to fulfilling your creative potential. Fuel for the week ahead. 💎 I’m still in awe of <a href="https://saintheron.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this stunning profile</a> Saint Heron put together on the story of Linda and Cecil Womack. It’s such a beautiful possibility model for liberated family structures and uninhibited living. The storytelling, creative direction, overall execution — it’s fantastic, y’all! Savor it here 👉🏾 <a href="https://saintheron.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The Womack Originals”</a> 🎧 🎶 This week’s Seven Bops playlist is worthy of a good cocktail or (mocktail)under the sun with your feet kicked up. Find it <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-12-jul-18/pl.u-oZyllG1tKDWjR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3t0EVqe7L7zTVbU3HDGEWm?si=dde48493604046fe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> and enjoy. That’s all for now. Be good to yourselves and I’ll see you next Monday. Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 071221

On my heart this week. Like I mentioned in today’s micropodcast, lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what work means to me and I recently wrote out a definition that feels good: Work is a lifelong body of productive contribution and devotion to the liberation and transcendence of myself, my family, my community, and society at large.What that contribution looks like shifts over time and the actions (or inaction) within those contributions can be grand gestures or small, simple deeds.I’ve been using this language as my guiding compass, especially since my masters dissertation is focused on the future of work. Zooming in on historically marginalized creative professionals across disciplines who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color or QTPOC, I’m exploring:What personal, professional and talent development support we need to thrive,Where those needs are being met now and what barriers are in the way, and How we can create sustainable conditions, spaces and systems of communal learning that empower us to live rich, fulfilling lives and produce profound bodies of work in tandem.I’m scheduling interviews and community forums all throughout this month so if you’d like to participate (I’d love your insight!), keep an eye out for a separate post toward the end of this week with more details.      In the meantime, how are you defining work these days?Gifts for your growth.💡 I have a new class on Skillshare: Advocating for Ideas and Opportunities in the Workplace. I break down my approach to capturing big ideas, communicating them in accessible ways, and rallying the right people to help them materialize. Follow this link to enroll and you’ll get a free 1-month trial of Skillshare Premium.✨The Ancestor Project has a dope new series in their mystery school called Psychedelic Emancipation. It covers the history of psychedelics used by indigenous people of Africa, their varying applications in the context of spiritual and community development, and how it’s tied to our own liberation today.🤔 What to do when you come across a page that has stolen your work.Fuel for the week ahead.💎 Last year my friend Adrian introduced me to Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ward's Oath of Manifestation. He and I read it aloud together every Monday and I recite it daily after my morning prayers or at some point before bed. Since I made it a part of my ritual, so many doors, windows, and ceilings have opened up for me in the form of material and immaterial blessings. Give it a try this week and let me know what shifts for you. 👩🏾‍🍳 Eating, watching people cook, and cooking are my favorite pastimes. So when my wife told me that the Hella Black Brunch team was releasing this new spice blend in honor of Juneteenth, I was AMPED. I got to sample it a few weeks ago and it’s slammin’! It’s great as a marinade for meats and veggies or a seasoning to add a little kick to a dish that’s missing something.🎧 🎶 This week’s Seven Bops playlist is a mix of jazz samba, soul, hip-hop, and alternative. I was dancing in the streets (and on the train platform) listening to it on my commute today. You can dance along with me on Apple Music or Spotify. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead!Love always,HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. Like I mentioned in today’s micropodcast, lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what work means to me and I recently wrote out a definition that feels good: Work is a lifelong body of productive contribution and devotion to the liberation and transcendence of myself, my family, my community, and society at large. What that contribution looks like shifts over time and the actions (or inaction) within those contributions can be grand gestures or small, simple deeds. I’ve been using this language as my guiding compass, especially since my masters dissertation is focused on the future of work. Zooming in on historically marginalized creative professionals across disciplines who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color or QTPOC, I’m exploring: What personal, professional and talent development support we need to thrive, Where those needs are being met now and what barriers are in the way, and  How we can create sustainable conditions, spaces and systems of communal learning that empower us to live rich, fulfilling lives and produce profound bodies of work in tandem. I’m scheduling interviews and community forums all throughout this month so if you’d like to participate (I’d love your insight!), keep an eye out for a separate post toward the end of this week with more details. In the meantime, how are you defining work these days? Gifts for your growth. 💡 I have a new class on Skillshare: <a href="https://skl.sh/3h3i8rA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advocating for Ideas and Opportunities in the Workplace</a>. I break down my approach to capturing big ideas, communicating them in accessible ways, and rallying the right people to help them materialize. <a href="https://skl.sh/3h3i8rA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Follow this link</a> to enroll and you’ll get a free 1-month trial of Skillshare Premium. ✨The Ancestor Project has a dope new series in their mystery school called <a href="https://the-ancestor-project.teachable.com/p/psychedelic-emancipation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psychedelic Emancipation</a>. It covers the history of psychedelics used by indigenous people of Africa, their varying applications in the context of spiritual and community development, and how it’s tied to our own liberation today. 🤔 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQqviurnvIl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What to do when you come across a page that has stolen your work</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. 💎 Last year my friend Adrian introduced me to Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ward's <a href="https://web.agapelive.com/oath-of-manifestation/#.YONCapMzY6E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oath of Manifestation</a>. He and I read it aloud together every Monday and I recite it daily after my morning prayers or at some point before bed. Since I made it a part of my ritual, so many doors, windows, and ceilings have opened up for me in the form of material and immaterial blessings. Give it a try this week and let me know what shifts for you. 👩🏾‍🍳 Eating, watching people cook, and cooking are my favorite pastimes. So when my wife told me that the Hella Black Brunch team was releasing <a href="https://www.holibrands.co/products/blend-juneteenth-jawn?mc_cid=d7d4a38407&amp;mc_eid=200c764a1f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this new spice blend</a> in honor of Juneteenth, I was AMPED. I got to sample it a few weeks ago and it’s slammin’! It’s great as a marinade for meats and veggies or a seasoning to add a little kick to a dish that’s missing something. 🎧 🎶 This week’s <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-5-jul-11/pl.u-kv9llavT26r07" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops playlist</a> is a mix of jazz samba, soul, hip-hop, and alternative. I was dancing in the streets (and on the train platform) listening to it on my commute today. You can dance along with me on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jul-5-jul-11/pl.u-kv9llavT26r07" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vZBDJ8M6k2SagUxNPwR1W?si=b5cbbd67da5b43cc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Wishing y’all an abundant week ahead! Love always, HMKM Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226;&#160;Monday, 070521

On my heart this week. “I only add my talents to the most satiating of situations.” - Chani Nicholas’ Taurus New Moon horoscope for Leo and Leo RisingSatiating is my favorite word of the moment. I use it as a filter for decision making and it works wonders. Satisfaction doesn’t have to be negotiable. I kept that in mind when I decided to revive this newsletter. It’s been 6 months since we last spoke and after racking my brain about how to return in a way that feels enjoyable to execute, authentic to me and useful to you, I’m back with a new perspective and format. Audio meets written. My goal is to offer insights, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. So every Monday (starting today), I’ll share:A micropodcast of what’s on my heart and elaborate on it here (insights), A hodgepodge of goodies for enriching your creative practice and/or personal development (resources), and Some creative fuel to help you maneuver the week with more joy (inspiration). If you haven’t already, press play on the first micropodcast up there ☝🏾.Gifts for your growth.🤔 Three Habits That Make Things Complicated📚 I’m starting my dissertation research in a few days and my friend Tamika put me on to this book called, Research For People Who (Think They) Would Rather Create. It’s a visual guide to thoughtfully approaching and compellingly presenting research. If you’re interested, check it out. 🔑 Last week on Instagram, I celebrated my career development Skillshare class reaching over 10K students and I shared five keys for shaping a Divinely aligned career. Here they are.Fuel for the week ahead.Creativity is not coming out of you. Creativity is the work of the Universe. The Universe is a library. All we're doing is checking ideas out…And what you would’ve checked out on one day, might not be what you would check out on the next day...When you got a library card that works, you use that card every day. - Pharrell Williams in conversation with Steve Stoute💎 Please take some time out to watch this convo ☝🏾. I’m still marinating on all the gems Pharrell dropped about exercising creativity and answering your calling.😍 I’m usually an incense girl but I’m in love with this new all-natural candle company, Zeen. Whether I'm working or kicking back at home, the Cohiba joint is my go to fragrance for setting the mood. And the burn time is clutch! Check out their SS ‘21 collection here.🎧 🎶 I listen to music and exchange songs and albums with my friend Adrian religiously, so recently I started curating these short playlists of my favorite daily songs for the week. I call it Seven Bops. You can vibe to this week’s installment on Apple Music or Spotify. Ok that’s all for now. I’ll see y’all next Monday! Love always,HMKMP.S - Leave a comment and let me know how you feel about the new format. Are there any topics related to personal development, creative practice or career building that you’d like me to talk more about? Get full access to From Holley, With Love at fhwl.substack.com/subscribe

On my heart this week. “I only add my talents to the most satiating of situations.” - Chani Nicholas’ <a href="https://chaninicholas.com/horoscopes-for-the-new-moon-in-taurus-2021/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taurus New Moon horoscope</a> for Leo and Leo Rising Satiating is my favorite word of the moment. I use it as a filter for decision making and it works wonders. Satisfaction doesn’t have to be negotiable. I kept that in mind when I decided to revive this newsletter. It’s been 6 months since we last spoke and after racking my brain about how to return in a way that feels enjoyable to execute, authentic to me and useful to you, I’m back with a new perspective and format. Audio meets written. My goal is to offer insights, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. So every Monday (starting today), I’ll share: A micropodcast of what’s on my heart and elaborate on it here (insights), A hodgepodge of goodies for enriching your creative practice and/or personal development (resources), and Some creative fuel to help you maneuver the week with more joy (inspiration). If you haven’t already, press play on the first micropodcast up there ☝🏾. Gifts for your growth. 🤔 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-CLzlr7_8/?igshid=1xova9whynceq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Three Habits That Make Things Complicated</a> 📚 I’m starting my dissertation research in a few days and my friend Tamika put me on to this book called, Research For People Who (Think They) Would Rather Create. It’s a visual guide to thoughtfully approaching and compellingly presenting research. If you’re interested, <a href="https://www.onomatopee.net/exhibition/research-for-people-who-think-they-would-rather-create/#publication_14006" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check it out</a>. 🔑 Last week <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQJLoWyhA9e/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>, I celebrated <a href="https://skl.sh/34QEMNV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my career development Skillshare class</a> reaching over 10K students and I shared five keys for shaping a Divinely aligned career. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRos3rBTii/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here they are</a>. Fuel for the week ahead. Creativity is not coming out of you. Creativity is the work of the Universe. The Universe is a library. All we're doing is checking ideas out…And what you would’ve checked out on one day, might not be what you would check out on the next day...When you got a library card that works, you use that card every day. - Pharrell Williams in conversation with Steve Stoute 💎 Please take some time out to watch this convo ☝🏾. I’m still marinating on all the gems Pharrell dropped about exercising creativity and answering your calling. 😍 I’m usually an incense girl but I’m in love with this new all-natural candle company, <a href="https://zeencandleco.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zeen</a>. Whether I'm working or kicking back at home, the Cohiba joint is my go to fragrance for setting the mood. And the burn time is clutch! Check out their <a href="https://zeencandleco.com/collections/all" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SS ‘21 collection here</a>. 🎧 🎶 I listen to music and exchange songs and albums with my friend Adrian religiously, so recently I started curating these short playlists of my favorite daily songs for the week. I call it <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jun-28-jul-4/pl.u-2aoqq2DF9e6pN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seven Bops</a>. You can vibe to this week’s installment on <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/seven-bops-jun-28-jul-4/pl.u-2aoqq2DF9e6pN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> or <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qwtFKVn8waBJW2Msnd329?si=28df44431a2046aa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>. Ok that’s all for now. I’ll see y’all next Monday! Love always, HMKM P.S - Leave a comment and let me know how you feel about the new format. Are there any topics related to personal development, creative practice or career building that you’d like me to talk more about? Get full access to From Holley, With Love at <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com/subscribe</a>

From Holley, With Love &#8226; Monday, 062821 

One part micropodcast, one part written digest, one part playlist, FHWL is a biweekly newsletter of practical stories, resources and inspiration for becoming who you are while creating work you love. New editions drop every other Monday on Substack. Subscribe here: <a href="https://fhwl.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fhwl.substack.com</a>

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