on the list 🥒
Grace Abbott on zucchini for breakfast and alignment in her work
Grace Abbott is a founder, freelance creative and more recently a writer based in Southern California. She writes How to Go Freelance on Substack, a newsletter about how to take your creative portfolio career and make it work for you instead of you working for it. What I love most about Grace is that she’s a practical dreamer: she aims high and then ties those dreams to the ground with really pragmatic, grounded advice. Like how to eat zucchini for breakfast for energy! Let’s get into it…
What’s on your to-do list today?
Breakfast, walking my dog, some coffee shop writing, a quick client touch base, an office hours session with one of my favorite clients, a kick-off meeting with my social cohort, dinner with my bestie at Erewhon, writing the bones of my next Substack.
What’s one thing you’ve already crossed off?
I’ve suddenly turned into a night-owl, so I’m responding at 8 pm - everything is done - besides my Substack haha.
Do you write lists on paper, in notes, in your head, or not at all?
I alternate between phone notes and a notebook - but I prefer checking off by hand
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Gratitude always - and lately, checking my phone - UGH! I’m in an exciting growth phase for my business, so I’ve been a bit addicted.
What’s always on your bedside table?
Red light glasses & water
How do you like your mornings to feel?
Either very spacious – if I go to bed early, or very rushed if I go to bed too late! I like to wake up early and work while the world is quiet - and then have the rest of my day to be stress-free, go to mid-day pilates, and really be present on my coaching and client calls.
What’s in your mug or on your plate today?
Lately, I’ve been drinking Anima Mundi Mineral Tea - it makes me feel grounded and my hair and nails happy :) For breakfast, I’m on this new kick where I mandolin slice farmers market zucchini into a pan with olive oil, crack 2 eggs on top, and enjoy with 2 turkey sausages. Gives me great energy and protein!
Something you’ve stopped doing and don’t miss?
Caffeine - I used to be in the habit of having something caffeinated, but I honestly just forgot about it one day, and don’t feel a crazy need to incorporate it anymore. If I do, it’s a green tea, and it’s for fun, not to wake up.
What are you working on that excites you right now?
Definitely my writing! On Substack, and for The Good Trade. I sort of fell into it and suddenly am writing an article every week!
How do you know you’re in alignment in your work?
I watch what flows with ease and what doesn’t. And where I feel self-judgement vs freedom. Ease + Freedom = Alignment.
How do you rest or recharge during the day?
When I feel brain dead or tired, it’s time to step away for a walk or a shower. Water or movement really reset me.
How do you like to end your day?
A dog walk with friends, tidying up around the house, chatting with friends and my mom
What’s currently on your nightstand / playlist / altar?
“Money and The Law of Attraction” by Esther Hicks - especially The Art of Allowing chapter on repeat. I’m an audiobook girl! And I’ve been loving the Le Feu Deleau Nuit Candle - it smells like the Dyptique Bais candle, but it’s non-toxic
Thank you for sharing your list with us.
Last question ~ what links can people find you at?
→ Substack: howtogofreelance.substack.com
→ TikTok: @ask_grace
→ Instagram: @howtogofreelance
→ Website: www.howtogofreelance.com
This was such a fun interview!! Thank you for having me *written as I drink caffeine even though I said above no caffeine* 😭🤣