personal growth

Why Side Projects Are Essential for Growth

If you asked an AI to describe a side project, it would probably tell you it’s a "thrilling journey" that feels like a "big, cozy hug." (I know this, because an AI literally drafted a version of this post, and I nearly choked on my coffee reading it). Let’s be real...

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How Vintage Reselling (and WordPress) Are Saving Me Again

For years, VintageReveries quietly carried me through job changes, pandemic chaos, and burnout. This fall, I rebuilt the site from the ground up on a new Divi layout, automated my social posts, and started listing again in earnest. With just over 100 active listings, Iâ...

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Roots in the Pause: Union Loyalists, Privilege, and the Records We Leave

I fell back into my family archives during a rare pause in St. Louis and found the man my grandmother meant: Joseph J. Johnson, killed by Confederate soldiers after voting for Lincoln. It’s a story about privilege as visibility, the courage of ordinary choices, and wh...

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What It Means to Finally Be Done Before the Deadline

After years of chronic stress, I finally finished something early — my St. Louis duplex passed inspection two weeks ahead of schedule. What I expected to feel like an ending turned into something gentler: real rest. This essay reflects on what it means to pause, to re...

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Amidst achievements, the shadow of imposter syndrome looms; discover how to confront these feelings and unlock your true potential. What if the key lies within?

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The Importance of Gratitude in Personal Growth

Knowing the transformative power of gratitude can unlock new levels of personal growth, but are you ready to explore how deeply it can impact your life?

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Reflecting on 2024: Achievements, Lessons, and Goals for 2025

As I look back on 2024, I see a year filled with growth, experimentation, and creative discovery. It was a year where I balanced professional achievements with personal passions, explored the potential of AI and open-source technology, and rediscovered the joy of hobbie...

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The Art of Saying No: How to Protect Your Time and Focus

With the right approach, saying no can empower you to reclaim your time and focus; discover how to master this essential skill.

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Farewell WelcomeStLouis.com: Reflections on the Journey

As 2024 ends, I've decided to shut down the WelcomeStLouis.com. Initially launched as a food blog in 2008 or 2009, it evolved into a directory for St. Louis’s small businesses. Despite its aim to unite the community, challenges such as resource intensity, market satur...

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Hope: Embracing Malcontentment as a Path to Growth

My thoughts about how embracing 'hopeful malcontentment' can drive personal and professional growth. Harness the power of hope, overcome self-doubt, and continuously improve in the fast-paced world of digital marketing and AI-assisted content creation. This article expl...

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