I have FOUR things to cover today.
First, this photo. It’s hard to see my face, but I am smiling.
I have a French fry in each hand, and I’m trying so hard to get these guys to trust me. To get them to believe I have something good to offer them, instead of something harmful. It started with one looming gull, and I was sure he would come close enough to grab it. The one became 10 really quickly. Many were curious, but none were brave enough to take a fry from my fingers. I ended up tossing the fries onto the ground, and a few were happy to have a safer snack.
I look at this photo and it reminds me: I do believe I have good in my hands. I do believe that offering it to those around me is worthwhile, even when my arms get tired. Even when there are no takers, I still try to show up with an offering just in case. I try to smile about it.
You have fries, I just feel the need to remind us both. Because sometimes I talk to people, and I can see it on their face and I can hear it in their voice: they do not know the good they have to offer others. I forget too. We become so caught up in whether we are not enough or are too much, we skip right over the middle thing, the basic thing. We have something. We have two extra fries. And someone nearby might need a snack.
This metaphor is wearing out quickly, but today, look up and see who’s circling. See who’s afraid to ask for their need to be met. See who needs a kind text or a hug. Can you offer it right now? You have goodness in your hands, my friend. How are you going to offer it? Offering that kindness to yourself definitely counts. Maybe literal fries are involved.
Second, I need your burning questions.
My next issue will be for paid members only and will be a Q&A answer sesh which I will record on audio. So go ahead and ask me anything. You don’t have to be a paid member to ask, but you’ll have to be one to get the answers. You can reply to this email or comment below with yours.
Third, I don’t think I’ve ever shared on Small Affairs that I offer 1:1 SoulCare sessions and SoulCare Circles (group style support) for women who are going through, exiting, or trying to exit difficult relationships.
This week, we are halfway through our first 4-week session of SoulCare Circles, and WOW it’s my favorite thing. Our conversations have been deep and cathartic. I’m now taking sign-ups for the Circles session starting the beginning of March. We meet for an hour a week, and you can choose either Wednesdays at 10 AM PST or Thursdays at 4 PM PST. The Circles have limited space, so if you’d like to join us, reply or drop your email address in the comments and I can send you more information. One-on-One SoulCare is always available, and I can customize this support to your needs. Most of my clients meet with me every other week and in addition to seeing a licensed therapist. Reply to this email if you’re interested or find me on Insta and read more in my highlights. @leslie.trovato is where to find me.
Fourth, this is the best announcement of all.
My son Nate went off to college this past fall and has taken a fancy to cooking. To be fair, he was cooking and working in restaurants throughout all of high school, but independence, necessity, and maybe a little boredom have taken his interest to another level. The best news is that Small Affairs is going to start hosting a small feature called Nate Feeds Himself, complete with cooking and pantry tips for your teens, college students, or really anyone who wants to up their kitchen game because this kid knows what he’s doing. We are both super excited about this collab. So, stay tuned for his debut occupation of a corner of my Substack probably dropping next week.
So to recap.
You have two fries. Feed them to someone hungry.
Reply or comment with a question for AMA.
Sign up for 1:1 SoulCare or Circles if you need relationship support
Watch for the incredible upcoming collab with Nate.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being here. You’re the best.
You’re the Beloved.
Leslie