Welcome to The Creative Recharge by Treehouse Annex!
🎉 This is the very first Creative Recharge newsletter from Treehouse Annex, and you can expect one in your inbox every other week—exciting, right?
So, How Did We Get Here?
In December 2023, I started another blog (yes, another) to document a new chapter in my life: quitting my job. I didn’t jump into the job market because I knew that I was burnt out and had been long before this transition. The 18 months prior were spent taking many small—and a few large—steps toward figuring out my vision for living an intentional life and making it come true.
Part of that was connecting with creativity by returning to a neglected book project and dedicating time to zine-making. While I laid down that foundation, I wish I could also say that I had a comprehensive plan and full savings to accompany this risk, but nope…I just knew that I needed to save myself.
Have you ever felt completely burned out? What's ONE thing you did (or are doing) to combat burnout? Share your story with me – I'm at keisa@treehouseannex.com, or you can find us on Instagram. Trust me, you're not alone.
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Join Treehouse Annex
The newsletter is published by Treehouse Annex, a virtual creative hub for artists and dreamers navigating the demands of life and creating on the margins.
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Community is Key
Unsurprisingly, many of us share a common story.
My community—largely made up of artists, academics, movement builders and organizers, activists, and others with a fighting spirit—have responded with their own stories of recognizing burnout and not knowing how to address it. It was affirming to know that sharing was having a worthwhile impact. Initially, I scoffed at the idea of documenting a recovery journey, not wanting to showcase further vulnerability around my career.
Sharing the process of starting over is my way of staying accountable and connecting with others going through similar experiences. We don't have to do it all alone.
Holding multiple marginalized identities and navigating the professional world meant that I had to work twice as hard as my peers. Then, parenthood was thrown into the mix with a determination not to feel like I’ve fallen off. Of course, none of it was sustainable. I often overperformed and thrived off high praises while resentment brewed, and eventually, I burnt out.
Writing blog posts for the Creative Recharge has been therapeutic. The blog has allowed me to compile what I've learned after over 15 years of supporting non-profit organizations and a handful of attempts at freelancing. Documenting this new chapter motivates me to keep exploring my passions and curiosities without sacrificing my wellness.
Starting over has never been easy; neither has failure. But it's time to take a risk.
What's Next?
I'm excited to explore new creative avenues, always prioritizing my well-being. And I want to share all of that with you! Because let's face it, art is always better with friends.
Thanks for being here; I can't wait to see what we create together! Speaking of which, what projects are you working on right now? Hit reply and let me know!
With imagination,
Keisa (also known as Sula Found)
P.S. Please forgive me if you received this email twice. Ran into issues in the first round. All part of the process...
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Visit Sula Found's Virtual Studio
Are you a current subscriber on Substack? My newsletter is moving to my virtual studio on Squarespace.
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