Hello,

The weather has been unseasonably warm here in Amsterdam for the past week or so. While I know it can’t last, the arrival of the sun and the early bursts of colour from the bulbs being tricked into thinking that spring is here have got me dreaming and scheming of new possibilities. It’s hard not to feel energised when the weather is glorious. I’m still pacing myself, resisting the urge to run away with new projects but the seasonal shift is coming, and it feels good.

Now, let’s get on with the Notes…

1) Combating loneliness

It’s no secret that Amsterdam Mamas grew out of my loneliness as a soon-to-be mother in a new-to-me city. Nearly nine years and 16,000 members later you would think that I’d be resting on my laurels because my loneliness problem was sorted. But I am not, and this podcast is part of the reason why. Loneliness is becoming an epidemic in modern society we are, somewhat ironically, more connected and yet more isolated than we have ever been. Finding the intersection between humans and technology in community is one of the ways that I believe we can turn things around. It has never been more important to understand how and why we connect so that we can notice those who need our help plugging back into communities again.

2) Stress and gender

If you’ve been wondering if men and women experience the same levels of stress, then this article should clear that up for you. Spoiler, they don’t. Here’s why and also what you can do about it.

3) The 3 elements of trust

A quick but enjoyable data dive into the elements of trust which a leader most needs to cultivate.

4) From boredom to brilliance

As you know, I am currently taking time out to learn how to slow down, relax and all the other things which apparently I wasn’t very good at before. Which is why this article on the importance of boredom in stimulating creativity really caught my attention I have definitely found that the more I have removed from my agenda, the more creative I have become. I didn’t know how much I had missed it. Also, I know this was sent to me by one of you lovely Notes readers but I can’t remember who. Sorry! I normally note it down in the editorial calendar so I can thank you but this time the system broke down.

5) Getting organised

I was delighted (and more than a little surprised) to find that my Using Asana mini-course had been included in a round up of Asana courses by Shaylee Smith. It’s always lovely to have the work you do acknowledged, especially when you don’t know the person recommending you. Shaylee’s roundup is a great starting point for anyone looking to dive a little deeper into the world of Asana. I am currently in the process of migrating the current mini-course to the same dedicated course platform that hosts the material for the Change Maker Programme and where you can also find my other mini-course, Designing Your Ideal Week. The migration feels like the perfect time to add some additional videos to answer any questions you might have about making Asana work for you. If there is something particular that you would like to know, see in action or understand more about, could you reply to this email and let me know? That way I can make sure I am creating videos for solutions you really need. And of course, you’ll be the first to know when the new enhanced course goes live. Thank you!

Until the next Notes,

Emmy

P.S. Don't forget, the Notes are for sharing. If you know someone who would enjoy reading the Notes, send them to the Notes for the Curious mini-website where they can read the latest edition before they sign up to receive their own copy. Then, if they like what they read they can add their name to the list to get the Notes in their inbox every two weeks.