Hey Friend,

I got bitten by a dog yesterday! Yep, you read that right.

Freelancing often feels like a juggling act, doesn't it? We're our own businesses, and every task or meeting is a potential payday. I'm sure many of you can relate to this. My gigs vary, but dog-sitting has been one of the constants. It’s usually fun and a decent way to make extra cash. But yesterday? Not so much.

I was looking after a dog I’ve taken care of before. He was shedding heavily, so I thought I’d do his owners a favour and brush him. It seemed like a simple enough gesture, and he initially liked it.

However, he reacted severely and bit me hard - twice on the hand and once on the hip. He even went for my partner, who was standing by.

Here’s where the real kicker comes in. Despite his cute looks and cuddly moments, this dog has been a nightmare in past stays - barking all night and never settling down.

Whenever he goes, I tell myself and my partner, "I can’t look after him again; it’s not worth the sleepless nights." Yet, when his owners message me, I see his cute face and the money and say yes.

This cycle made me realise something crucial: I often put immediate gains (like that extra cash) above my well-being. It's a harsh realisation, especially when you pride yourself on being able to handle it all.

But yesterday’s incident was a stark reminder of what can happen when I ignore my instincts for a paycheck.

It got me thinking about the value of saying 'no.' As freelancers, we sometimes fear turning down work might mean missing out on opportunities. However, not all opportunities are worth the stress or the risk.

Learning to say no is not just about rejecting what doesn’t serve us; it's about choosing what truly benefits us - peace of mind, safety, and control over our lives.

So, let’s try to remember that it’s okay to put ourselves first. Saying no might mean missing out on some quick cash, but it also means preserving our sanity and keeping ourselves safe. Let’s value our peace as much as our paychecks.

I hope this reminds you to listen to your gut and protect your boundaries. Stay safe and sane!

❤️ from Lauren

Join us for the 4th edition of our Portfolio Workshop hosted by the Freelance Friends Member - Jordan Walker. This informative and engaging session is dedicated to helping you build a powerful portfolio to showcase your work to potential clients and companies.

Your portfolio reflects your creativity and professionalism. It is not just a collection of projects but a representation of you as a unique individual in the industry.

This session is perfect for creatives, freelancers, and anyone looking to make a significant impact in their career through a well-crafted portfolio. Whether starting from scratch or refining an existing portfolio, these insights will help you stand out in a competitive market.

You can register now or you can learn more about this event.

This summer, we are hosting our 2nd ever Creative Reset Retreat in the beautiful English countryside!

From July 15th to 19th, join us in the North Downs in Kent for four days of workshops, transformative experiences, and serene moments.

Dive deep into creativity at our 500-year-old cottage retreat, where you can disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with your inner artist.

Enjoy hands-on, creative sessions, nourishing vegetarian meals, and relaxing activities like yoga, breath work, and ice baths—all designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.

🌿 What to Expect:

• Immersive creative workshops and skill-building sessions
• Daily yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops
• Wholesome, tailored vegetarian cuisine
• Beautiful nature walks and optional local excursions
• Evening social gatherings by the bonfire with campfire songs and storytelling

🌟 Why You Should Join:

If you’re a freelancer or creative seeking to refresh your spirit and spark new ideas, this retreat offers the perfect setting to explore your passions and make lifetime connections.

📅 Spots are limited! Secure your place now and join a journey to rediscover your creativity and connect deeply with fellow creatives.

To learn more about the retreat, click here or register below.

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