Notes from a rainy L.A. morning

On journaling, job hunting and taking action.

Hello again. It’s nice to be here—I’m finally feeling ready to write more again, to share what’s been on my mind, what I’m working through, what I’m still figuring out.

We’re having another dreary, rainy day in L.A., and I’m surprisingly grateful for it after a stretch of sunny days. Which included visiting this new-to-me coffee shop Companion, twice—to write, read, catch up with friends, and savor one of their oven-warmed croissants with an iced Americano. It’s become the perfect little escape.

Since my last post, I’ve felt lighter, more optimistic. Not in an everything is perfect! way, but in a things are moving, and I’m trusting that, way. I think I can chalk it up to a few things: I’ve been seeing friends more regularly, and I’ve been journaling most mornings, for The Artist’s Way challenge. “Most” being the key word, because I’m letting myself be flexible—if I want to take an early yoga class or sleep in, I do. It all still counts.

I’ve also been daydreaming about all the places I want to go this year, all the things I want to do outside of what I’m doing for work. I’m leaning into trust—wherever I land next will be the best possible move for me. Until then, I’m focused on making my life feel good in the here and now.

I have Mexico City in March—my first week-long solo trip in years (!). And in the meantime, I’m putting feelers out, and networking a bit to make the job hunt feel less like a soul-sucking spiral and more like an opening. Because, it’s so easy for it to feel like the former.

If you’re also looking for work and craving clarity on any number of next steps, here are some questions I’ve been asking myself that might help you, too:

• What’s your dream title?

• What are you doing? Can you sum it up in a 30-second pitch?

• What companies excite you?

• Who do you know that has connections there?

• Who at those companies would you love to talk to?

• Are there any people in L.A. (or your city) you’d love to meet in person?

• What value could you offer them—whether it’s a fresh idea, a strategy, or just a really thoughtful question?

I’m also taking time in the mornings to do things I enjoy (plus a little work) before going on LinkedIn. Again, I’m seeing friends. I’m getting out at least once a day, even if it’s just for coffee or a walk. Therapy, journaling, meditation—they all help. But so does actually enjoying your life, beyond all else. I can’t stress that last piece enough.

And look—sometimes you need a good cry on the couch. Sometimes you need to wallow. But, as Mel Robbins says, set a time limit on the sulking. Then get back to doing the things that make you feel like yourself. Because action begets action. Forward movement begets forward movement.

And before you know it, you will no longer be in this “in between”—you’ll be stepping into something you’re super proud of and excited about. I believe in us, okay?

Ciao for now,

Jess