This Life Thing... It's Not Brain Surgery

So why do we sometimes approach the easiest of tasks like we're neurosurgeons?

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Did you know that there are only 72,967 neurosurgeons in the world?

It’s true.

I got that stat from the Journal of Neurosurgery. (Who knew there was one, right?)

You may be wondering, what’s the interest in brain surgery and neurosurgeons?

Well, as I was researching “How to grow my Substack,” I came across an interview in Substacker Sarah Fay’s publication featuring Jeannine Ouellette.

I think Jeannine is a rock star.

You see, Jeannine grew her Substack Writing in the Dark from zero to 7500 subscribers (1350 paid!) in just 17 months.

Substack geeks know that this is a big deal, but you might be wonder, Why should I care about Jeannine and her Substack?

Or maybe you think I’m telling you to start your own Substack.

While that would be super cool, this isn’t a newsletter trying to convince you to start a newsletter.

Unless you want to.

Side note - if that’s the case, I do help people with newsletters - see my website.

What’s the deal then?

As I was gobbling up Jeannine’s advice, one of her tips smacked me in the forehead:

Always remember: we’re not doing brain surgery.

We’re writing newsletters. Keep the stakes low enough that you don’t get paralyzed and frustrated, which will only smother your creativity and productivity.

Stay open and loose and connected to joy.

Otherwise, what are we doing?

That quote made me say, “Danggggggggg” with the same cadence as the Fonz’s “Ayeeeeee.”

And I bet you know what’s coming…

Her advice led to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.

“Always remember: we’re not doing brain surgery” is one heck of a good mantra for daily life.

Because, unless you’re one of the 72,967 neurosurgeons in the world, you’re in fact probably not doing brain surgery level work that requires precision and complete accuracy.

Yet, I bet you sometimes hem and haw over the simplest things and make the experiences way more difficult than they need to be.

Or maybe you avoid tasks altogether because making a mistake would be worse than actually doing anything.

I know these things because I do them too.

I’m a master at elevating tasks & work projects to brain surgery status.

When they’re actually not that complicated.

I’m the one making them more complicated than they actually are.

I’m the one sucking the joy out of things that could actually be fun by getting stressed out and tainting them with “what ifs” and “should I really’s.”

You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to realize those thoughts are no bueno.

Life is both as complicated and uncomplicated as we make it.

Moving forward, I’m listening to Jeannine’s advice:

“Stay open and loose and connected to joy. Otherwise, what are we doing?”

BAM.

Seriously, if we’re not loose and connected to joy… WHAT ARE WE DOING?

*Dramatic pause to let that soak in.*

My goal is to make this newsletter and this life fun.

Let’s start with the links below.

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Got a layover? Here’s an interesting way to spend your time at the airport. (Taken at Barajas, my favorite airport.)

EASY TRAVEL

If you’re traveling, hacks can definitely make your experience better. These Amazon Travel Essentials from Shea Whitney can help, and you can’t go wrong with Travel Tips by Laurie’s helpful advice - see what Amazon travel products she recommends for the summer. Finally, a medical tip - pack a meds kit for your next trip.

Hot tip to extend the garden feel? Head to Trader Joe’s or your local grocer for inexpensive bunches of joy.

HOME

Everyone has hobbies, and one of mine is scouring YouTube to find cool home videos. In case you’re wondering what my dream home looks like- it resembles the Mediterranean Style abode of Camille Styles. And, if you want to (easily) freshen up your kitchen, see what House of Valentina recommends.

SUMMER FASHION

What’s trending this summer according to So Susie (which I can’t type without thinking of this episode of Seinfeld), another viewpoint on summer trends, and exclusive info on Nordstrom’s 2024 anniversary sale (in July). Plus, bonus - a Mango and Zara Haul Video for summer inspo.

To this day (5 years later) I still daydream about the food at Suryalila Retreat Centre in Southern Spain.

CLEAN AND HEALTHY EATING

Memorial Day is upon us and What’s Gaby Cooking has 55 recipes for Memorial Day Weekend. And also, don’t forget to buy her Grilling All the Things Cookbook! If your weekend diet focuses on plants, no sweat - try 20 Plant-Based Recipes for Memorial Day or how about this YouTube with Vegan Potato Salad and Grilling Options.

Looking for an amazing getaway that’s relatively unknown? Look up Formentera, Spain.

ESSENTIALS & FAVORITES

First, a question- what are your top ten essential items? Ponder that. In case you’re wondering what Jerry Seinfeld’s must haves are, watch this. Speaking of Jerry Seinfeld, did you see Unfrosted? It made me think of my Pop-Tart days.

My essentials, or maybe just favorites? Hot yoga, healthy hydration, smoothie bowls (best recipes are here), Avo Toast Seasoning (I put it on everything), running shoes from Brooks, my favorite golf ball (shouldn’t everyone have one?), trips to Spain - especially this city and this secret island, and do not even get me started talking about this language immersion.

Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash

PODCASTS

Get Attention and “Embrace the Dirt” for Success with Gary Vee - Real Talk: Are you willing to get your hands dirty with the gritty, often overlooked tasks that lay the groundwork for your future?

A Thing or Two with Clare and Erica always, always entertains me. Their conversations remind me of calls with my cousin. She and I come up with some really great material and theories - I often wish we were recording a podcast. At any rate, give this episode a listen - the “emerging lingo” they talk about is just precious. (Question to ponder after the episode, who’s part of your Font Family?)

Do you need to be a cook, cookbook author, or even writer to listen to Everything Cookbooks? Nope. That’s because this is a solid, entertaining podcast with really great guests and hosts. In this episode, see what happens When Health Issue Impacts Your Food Writing.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

And with all of that food for thought, I’m going to wrap this bad boy up. Keepin’ it simple…. because it’s not brain surgery.

Enjoy your day, and remember -

Jeannine’s advice:

“Stay open and loose and connected to joy. Otherwise, what are we doing?”

XO,

Abbey