Something happened this weekend that brought me back to writing this newsletter.

When I first started this newsletter, I thought it should be a space filled with educational content and expert advice—with insights from everything I've learned in tech, business, productivity, and beyond, sort of like the Marketing Brew newsletter.

But after attending Alex Cattoni’s 2-day Posse Fest featuring presentations about marketing, branding, and business—along with the wisdom shared by an incredible lineup of speakers— AND (up to this day still geeking out and still waking up thinking it might be a dream) meeting IRL (in real life) someone I’ve looked up to for years, Vanessa Lau! 🥹 

This special encounter sparked a reality check for me: Why oh why was I expecting myself to give expert advice in a newsletter called “Anytime You Need This”?

That’s not what I truly want to share on this platform. And if you look back here, my last newsletter email went out almost three months ago:

The time gap reflects the disconnect I was feeling between what I thought this newsletter should be and what I actually want to create. There’s a time and place for expert content (probably over at badsystems.co), but for Anytime You Need This, I want this to be a safe space for deeper reflection and personal insights.

I wanted to create a content series called "Anytime You Need This" because there have been moments when I needed a boost or a glimmer of hope, and it felt like the universe was handing me exactly what I needed—like the time I screenshot Vanessa's caption that helped me through some tough times:

Reading those words felt as if the universe was saying, "Hey, I think you need this. Hold on to it for whenever you need it." That's exactly why I want to write here again—so that someone, somewhere, can revisit these words and find comfort, especially when they need it most, just as Vanessa’s caption has comforted me time and again.

I still remember being around 9 or 10 years old when I said to my late mom, "Mama, I had this thought that the reason of our existence goes beyond our own lives. It impacts others. There's a ripple effect." She could’ve laughed at me for sounding so deep and cheesy at that age, but instead, her face lit up.. she had this warm smile, and she hugged me.. 🥺 It was like I’d just achieved something amazing. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why she reacted that way. I grew up in a family where high expectations surrounded me—being on the honour roll, performing in singing and dance recitals.. (and meeting other typical expectations in an Asian household, lol).

But that moment with my mom felt different. It wasn’t just about my achievements or checking off milestones.. It was like she saw me—my heart, my thoughts, my core—and that’s what made her proud: me simply being myself :)

And maybe that’s what this space is meant to be—a place to share thoughts that truly matter, beyond the metrics and the hustle. Meeting Vanessa IRL reminded me of the ripple effect: our actions and connections can have a positive impact on others, much like how a single drop creates ripples in water. I want to embrace that idea here ♥

I want to share my personal experiences, the lessons I’ve learned through my wins, waiting, and struggles, and the wisdom gained from the stories I hear and the connections I make along the way. This newsletter isn’t about being polished or perfect; it’s about being vulnerable & human. When I write, I don’t want it to feel like I’m writing notes for a formal presentation.. I want it to feel more like two friends having a real conversation!

We all have stories to tell, and it’s through sharing them that we learn from one another. Those moments are what make this journey worthwhile and life much more meaningful.

P.S. I’m excited to share more insights from Posse Fest and the post-event reflections in the upcoming emails! But for now, here’s my biggest takeaway from the event.

Thank you for being here and for your patience as I figure out what this newsletter will grow into. I’m excited about writing, sharing, hearing your thoughts and connecting!

Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to make time for what truly matters :)

♥ Jas