Have you ever heard of the “September Scaries?” 

It’s a seasonal take on the concept of the “Sunday Scaries”... that anxious, restless feeling that comes when you know the leisure of the weekend is waning fast, and it will soon be time to get back to ______ [work, school, regular responsibilities, D. All of the above]. 

Let's flip the script 🔄 and focus on leaning in.  The return to the rhythm that fall brings can be a healthy time for celebrating your accomplishments thus far this year and planning something to look FWD to as we move our way into the final quarter of the year.

(Here’s a quick resource with actionable tactics on increasing productivity if you’re feeling strapped for time.)

September is also National Suicide Awareness Month, and I firmly believe we need to move beyond just normalizing feelings of not being ok, to regularly asking for support and checking on those we love—even when we all say we’re “fine.” If you’re feeling like you or someone you know could use someone to talk to, DO IT! Therapy is one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself and I am a HUGE advocate. 

(If you’re not sure where to start, look up therapists in your area and ask for an informational appointment OR here are some cool new-ish tech platforms for virtual therapy – BetterHelp & Talkspace: *disclaimer, not sponsored and I haven’t personally tried them but I've heard good things).

OR if you’re feeling like you could use a little inspiration from a true POSSIBILITY MODEL check out our WellnessFWD interview with Suicide Survivor, Artist, Mental Health Advocate, Musician, Producer, and Playwright, Nikki Lynette here.

What's Inside:

In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing: 

• Tips for overcoming challenges as a female leader
• Ways to market yourself on a budget (take that, inflation!)
• And because social media can put a strain on mental health if we’re not careful, we’re dropping in some social media hacks to help you stress less and maximize its potential for your business
• + we've including a funding op for Black women & a shout-out to a new can't miss podcast 'More Than Just'

On a joyful note, we’re ecstatic to be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! Among the many beautiful aspects of Latinx culture is its focus on FAMILY and caring for those in your community. So be sure to check out our article on “Family by Choice” or dig in on the great piece from FastCompany on “Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month: What it Is, Why it Matters, and How to Celebrate.”

As always, thank you for being a part of our FWD family!

With Gratitude,

P.S. Here are two things I’ve been thinking a lot about this month…

Looking for original content to inspire, motivate, and offer you unique perspectives on current events – all rooted in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation? 

We’ve got you covered.

Linking you to our favorite content from around the web. Add these to your fall reading list:

✅ The Chicago Foundation for Women is now accepting applications for its Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative 2023 Cohort. The program was created to honor the life and legacy of The Rev. Willie T. Barrow—Civil Rights activist, minister, and co-founder of Operation PUSH.Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative is open to Black women from all sectors, industries and educational backgrounds interested in nurturing their leadership and relationships with other Black women leaders in the Chicago region. 

Learn more and apply by October 7th!

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