Happy Friday!

Taking the pressure off of myself: example 1

I should send this newsletter at a consistent day and time each week, but I haven't been doing that. My energy hasn't been consistent enough for a consistent newsletter. But, an important part of my entrepreneurship journey has been unlearning many of the unsustainable standards I was held to in my corporate life (by others, but also by myself) that burned me out many times over, in favor of prioritizing my body and my energy, so that I can in turn help others do the same. So, it's possible that this newsletter might never be 100% consistent. But, as many of my colleagues in one of the highest-pressure, overwork-prone companies I worked in would frequently say, "We're not saving lives here!"

And we weren't. But the stakes sure felt high nonetheless. Have you ever worked in a company like that?

Many folks reading this have tech or tech-adjacent experience. While tech can innovate solutions that make lives better, there can be a level of stress and pressure within tech companies that feels like mortal danger.

Unfortunately, I can't remember at the moment who said it, but I believe it was a UX or content design thought leader who wrote a LinkedIn post in response to the unnecessary pressure in tech that said something like, "It's just software," (and if I remember correctly, there was also an expletive thrown in there for good measure, too). If you remember who said this, please respond to this email, and if you'd like I'll give you a shoutout in the next newsletter.

And if you are engaged in some kind of lifesaving work, paid or otherwise, thank you for your service and please take care of yourself. Self care, joy and rest are essential in order to keep going.

If there's something you've been doing - a project you've been working on in your work life or personal life, a goal you've been striving toward, or anything that you feel too much internal or external pressure about or too much emotional investment in to the point it's disrupting your wellbeing, I give you permission to explore ways to pull back in a healthy way. What would it feel like to take even an ounce of pressure off of your shoulders?

Taking the pressure off of myself: example 2

Since last week, we've not yet met the registration goal for Networking, Improv'd, so I have pivoted to make it possible for the event to move forward with the folks who have registered as well as hopefully a few more! To save you a click, here is the updated event information for...

Networking, Improv'd (Game Night Edition) - Thursday, October 24th, 4:30-6pm PDT/7:30-9pm EDT

This event will present an opportunity to meet a few cool new folks while playing a classic party game that will develop improv skills such as quick thinking, creativity and object work.

We'll be playing Fishbowl, aka Salad Bowl, aka Celebrity. This is a party game played in two teams using a set of clues created by the group. Teams guess the same clues three times. The first round is played like Taboo, with unlimited word descriptions (except for specified taboo words), the second like Password, with one word descriptions and gestures, and the third like Charades. with only pantomime and gestures.
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​Agenda​
4:30-4:35pm (PT) Room opens - come on in and get comfortable!
4:35-4:50 Intros and Name Game - we all introduce ourselves with our names and a movement (visible on camera) and pass the energy around by performing our own name and gesture, then someone else's. If you've ever taken an improv or theatre class, you've likely played this game.
4:50-5 Introduce and set up Fishbowl
5-5:45 Play Fishbowl
5:45-6 Join breakout rooms to debrief, connect, and laugh!

What's recommended (but not required) to bring for successful participation:​
​- Your inner theatre kid: this event is designed for active participation. Cameras, microphones and a space with the freedom to move your body a bit (while seated) are all recommended. However, if you feel overwhelmed or need to take a break, you are welcome to go "offstage" and turn off your camera and microphone.
​- A computer and mobile device: while it's also possible to participate on any one device, optimal Fishbowl participation will involve reading the clues from a browser (such as a mobile browser) while being able to both give and receive live communication with your team (sometimes nonverbally).
​- Friends: it can be scary to push the boundaries of your comfort zone with strangers, so why not invite a friend or two? You'll all get to meet some new folks while having fun together. Of course, you're also more than welcome to join on your own!

Accessibility: Live Zoom captions will be available. Fishbowl will be played using fishbowl-game.com but can be modified to a different method if needed. Please email hi@cultivateyourweirdness.com with any accessibility needs or questions by October 21st.

Sound like fun? If so, I'd like to o-fish-ally invite you to join on Thursday!