The Beauty in my Year of Less

Book Club Series: Stolen Focus

On today's episode, we continue our book club series with ⁠Stolen Focus⁠ [https://stolenfocusbook.com/]: Why You Can't Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari This conversation dives into why so many of us are struggling so deeply with focus in our time and, most importantly, what are some ways we can get it back. I talk about the ways AI, technology, and social media are all vying for our attention, and how our attention span feels like it’s up for sale for other to profit on. Now, not only is time precious, but so are our attention, our ability to focus, to listen, and to think strategically and creatively. We talk about how to use these tools intentionally instead of feeling like we’re in a freefall of distraction. Our attention and empathy are some of the most precious resources we have. Highlights include: • How our attention span and focus have become something to be monetized • Why multitasking is a myth and how context switching actually steals our focus• The difference between feeling productive and truly being focused• How to create space for deep, meaningful, and creative work• How reading fiction can serve as an “empathy gym” that strengthens creativity, understanding, and empathy• Why our ability to focus is tied to feeling safe, rested, and balanced• Why rest, play, and flow states are essential for effectiveness and connection• The importance of sleep and how our brains literally clean themselves each night• How slowing down can make us more effective at work and more connected in life• The impact of constant distraction on individuals and on our collective ability to think, listen, and solve problems• How to build empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking in your personal and professional life• Ways to push back against constant distractions and reclaim your own attention• Why it’s okay to use technology and AI—when used intentionally, not reactively• My personal relationships with technology, rest, and ways I try to find balance As always, Chat Soon!

How to Survive New York Internships

Landing a first internship in New York City can feel like stepping into a movie, but no one hands you the script. This episode of The Beauty In It shares everything needed to make it through the city that never sleeps. From finding roommates you can trust to navigating the subway, budgeting on a shoestring, dressing for the job you want, avoiding intern drama, getting into the right bars, and mastering bouncer etiquette, it serves as a survival guide to making it in Manhattan. Expect stories about nights out in Meatpacking, what it’s really like to be broke but thriving, the secret power of handwritten thank you notes, how to network like a pro on LinkedIn, and even the oddly therapeutic art of finding your New York cry spot. It’s all worth it as you build your brand, find your people, and do a little trauma bonding with fellow interns who will most likely become your future bridesmaids. Comment any funny stories of your own or post questions you have as you find the beauty in creating your own New York experience. Chat Soon!

Book Club Series: The Witch of Blackbird Pond

On today’s episode, we’re getting witchy with The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. It’s a quick and captivating read, perfect for cozying up with through the Halloween and fall season. I hope you enjoy it, and please share your book recs in the comments below! Chat soon!

The Beauty in my Year of Less

On today’s episode, we dive into my personal experience with The Year of Less by Cait Flanders and officially kick off our new book club series! I share what inspired me to take on a year of intentional living, the lessons I learned along the way, and how it shifted my relationship with consumption, habits, and gratitude. This Week's Book Club: * The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store Paperback by Cait Flanders We also touch on a few other reads that have shaped my mindset around minimalism and intentional living: * The Minimalists’ Love People, Use Things by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus * Atomic Habits by James Clear * Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki * Essentialism by Greg McKeown Please drop any book recs in the comments!

The beauty in long-term friendships and avoiding hangry travels at all costs

On today’s episode, join Kit and I as we celebrate our sweet 16 years of friendship, featuring a special guest appearance from my cat, Miu, to kick us off. Cozy in for an informal girl chat where we cover all things under the friendship sun! We laugh, dive into ways to nurture friendships, avoid hangry travels, manage conflict with different kinds of friendships, and so much more. We can’t wait to share this episode with you! As always, drop a comment or send an email to thebeautyinitpodcast@gmail.com if you have any friendship-related questions, Kit and I are here for all of it. Chat soon!!