I am nothing if not an influencer

hello beautiful angels of the Hot Literati Universe.

I hope that you are happy and also having a nice time. I'm drinking my first cup of coffee. It is 9:30. I went to the gym and ran three miles. A familiar face came up to me at the gym and told me that I'd gained weight so he didn't recognize me. He was one of the old(er) people I know just from walking around and being chatty. A year ago, hearing that would have devastated me, but I feel really happy with where I'm at and my relationship to food, eating, and hanging out.

Last year I lost a lot of weight and was having a trickier time. Now, I know more about nutrition, eat things that make me happy, and do a fair amount of karaoke.

On the people closest to you

Lately, I've been thinking about something someone said at the sauna I like to go to, Othership, recently. (Use this link for a deal to try it!) They talked about how the people closest to you often box you into their definition of who you are in their mind. I think this is the importance of letting yourself expand, spending time with new people, and traveling. So you can see who you are when you're away from people who think they know who you are.

On being an influencer

I've also been thinking a lot about influencing and social media. Whenever I go back to Kansas, I find myself rejuvenated about it and the ability to connect us to one another and to the broader world. I've re-embraced my own influencer status and have been posting across the "hailo digital universe." If you have any requests please let me know.

And as far as Hot Literati goes, I think the concept of diversification in economics is really interesting. The idea that you need a diverse range of things for true strength and stability. So maybe the answer is not not scrolling or throwing out your phone, but a balance of things. Like reading every day. Journaling every day. And scrolling a bit, but maybe just not too close to bedtime. I am a serial story liker and commenter. At my best, I think I use social media like a supportive grandmother.

May Book Club

Today is the LAST DAY to nominate and vote your support of a book before the top 3 go into a final vote. Become a paid member to join.

Events this Summer

Hot Literati will be having ~ 6 events this summer. I'll be looking for people to read, perform, and participate and will be searching for people from within our community so please don't hesitate to share you art, thoughts, content, writing, work etc. Members will also get first access on e events as some of the venues are larger and some are smaller.

Get a ticket for Dostoevsky Night on May 16th here.

Don't forget to check out our chat room for deaths/delights today!

bye

xx

hailo