^{issue no. 8}

🐌🌸

my weekend check-in

grass touched ✅ 
people hugged ✅ 
body stretched ❌

movies watched:

small wins, softer moments, and a few movies later… seems like the perfect time to check-in.

hi hi

Eight newsletters in. Fifteen-ish questions later. I’m no closer to understanding everything the universe has to offer, but I do feel like I’ve peeled back a few layers and managed to stand in front of you a little more honest, a little more me than I could’ve last year.

Whenever I mention the newsletter, the questions, or some random detail about this project, someone always asks why?

In the simplest terms: I just wanted to talk.

That’s what I had in mind when I first started ktlyb as a podcast. But the more I talked — and the more I heard your thoughts in return — the more I realized it needed to be something else. It started conversations. It made people think about their own answers. The people wanted questions! I just had to figure out how to make that happen.

Back in March, I registered for beehiiv. The first draft sat there (three sentences and a title) for months. I couldn’t quite figure out what I wanted to say, or how to make it the kind of space I needed it to be. Every month I circled back. “Maybe this will be the month I finally hit publish.”

Life went on. I went to work. I went to yoga. I went on too many first dates. Each time, more questions about love, purpose, timing, and what it means to really know someone. Eventually, I thought: why not ask the people I already know? Let me use this as a way to understand the community I already hold dear.

So on October 1st, I finally leapt. I sent an opt-in text to seven people:

And somehow, that little message led to where we are now + you, me, and all these shared moments between questions and answers.

Curiosity has become one of my love languages. My heart squeezes a little tighter every day reading what you share. Even in the middle of my current depressive episode, I want to keep showing up for ktlyb, because I love it. And honestly, it helps me keep talking when it feels like nothing matters.

Thanks for being here. I hope some part of this project — big or small — has inspired you in some way. Until next time we meet... slow, steady, and curious as ever. 🐌

- with love, slig, the curious

live your own life

“I don’t want to live a life where every decision has to pass through the imaginary committee of “what will they think?” Because the truth is: they will think whatever they want. And you? You’ll be the one who has to live with the consequences of a life half-lived.”

-Hasif, Let them think whatever they want (Substack) Read More

the month (so far) in questions

💬🌱

self-reflection/growth:

What quote, saying, or little life motto best inspires how you choose to live?
What’s something you want to let go of by the end of the year?
If you could send a message to your 2015 self, what would you share?
What did you want to be when you were growing up? 
Do you feel like you’ve found your thing, or are we still in our exploration era?

💬💗

love/connection:

What’s your love language? 
Which love language is the hardest for you to receive?
What makes you feel the most loved?
How do you show up for yourself in love?
What does love look like for you today?

💬🧠

fun/personality:

Three emojis that describe you
What year did you meet me?
What do you want to ask me?
What’s your breakfast taco order?
What do you do now?
What’s the first thing or fact that comes to mind when you hear Lance Armstrong?

💬🎵

music:

What song best describe the feelings, mood or vibes of your year so far?

tiny chances

“We will never know how often people actually think about us. How often they smile at a fond memory, or wish to talk but don’t really know what to say. These moments before fascinate me—before someone reaches out. All the almosts. We swim around in people’s minds long before we know of it.”

— Carina, The art of keeping in touch (Substack) Read more

one gentle nudge

Reading that makes me think of all the little ways we connect here, all the little chances to reach out, even when we don’t. It makes me wonder who you’ve been thinking of but haven’t messaged yet. Even the tiniest message like a quick “hey,” a question, or an answer, keeps us closer than we realize. Connection doesn’t have to be big or perfect. Sometimes it’s just noticing, showing up, and being there.

My hope for you this week: not only let someone cross your mind, but actually reach out. And please tell me if you do.

for your listening pleasure

After all the overthinking, reflecting, and nudging, let’s end on a lighter note…

💬🎵

Which album do you consider always perfect, no skips?
Album covers link to Apple Music. Titles link to Spotify.

🐌 See you Wednesday!

^{k, thanks.
love you! bye!
Sent from my sad little desktop™}