May Recap: Community, Family, and My 42nd Birthday Adventures!


My monthly newsletter sent at the end of every month, to stay connected and inspire reflection for creating meaningful work and a purpose-driven business.

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Hi Reader,

What a whirlwind May has been! I'm sitting here in Bali with a huge smile on my face thinking about all the amazing things that happened this month.

First up - Singapore! OMG, I finally made it there and had the most incredible meetup with some of my community. There's seriously nothing like meeting people face-to-face after connecting online for so long. We shared stories, laughed over the most delicious food, and it was so joyful seeing everyone in person.

While I was there, I got to record a live podcast with my client-turned-friend Danny Lim for the LITO podcast. We dove deep into all things tiny business and I can't wait for you to hear it when it goes live - so much good stuff in there!

But honestly? The real highlight was getting to Penang to see my 90-year-old aunt πŸ₯°.

Being back in my birthplace, eating ALL the incredible food I grew up with (yes, the key to my heart is definitely through my belly πŸ˜†), and just soaking up time with family... god, it reminded me so powerfully why time really is our most precious currency.

These moments with the people we love? Absolutely priceless.

Aaaand then there was my 42nd birthday! My partner completely surprised me with this elaborate murder mystery dinner - I'm talking full costumes, character backstories, the works. It was hilarious and so much fun!

We also did some sound healing in the pyramid at Pyramids of Chi here in Ubud, which was the perfect way to balance all the birthday excitement with some deep restoration.

What made me extra happy this month:

  • I've been working with a few clients on redesigning their "Feel-Good Schedules" and watching them create space for what actually matters to them in life. One client now takes Fridays completely off and her business is thriving even more! If you want to create your own Feel-Good Schedule, I've got a free template and training for you - it's been such a game-changer for so many people.
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  • We had the most amazing group of new people join Clarity to Launch this month! I'm so excited that the new monthly payment plan is making it possible for more people to build businesses that actually reflect who they are.
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  • I recorded several podcast interviews that I'm excited to share with you when they go live! I've been loving getting back into this - podcast conversations are honestly in my zone of genius and they energize me instead of draining me like some other marketing stuff does.

I hope your May was filled with beautiful moments too!

-Lydia
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​⭐ On Building A Life & Business You Love
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Inspiring content you might've missed
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From Corporate Burnout to Building a Life on Your Terms πŸŽ™οΈ

I had an awesome conversation on the 'In Between Homes' podcast with Lucie Hautreux! We dove into how different places have reshaped what "home" means to me and why building a business around community and authenticity creates the kind of fulfillment that actually lasts.

β†’ Listen to the episode​

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Why Staying Small Could Be Your Smartest Business Move πŸ“Ή

I released a video that might completely challenge everything you've been told about business success! I share how I went from 60+ hours to just 20-25 hours a week and the one question that transformed everything.

β†’ Watch the video here​

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Time is the Currency That Matters πŸ’°

When I was in corporate, I literally couldn't hear my own voice. I was so busy grinding 40-60 hours a week that I had zero energy left for the important questions like "What am I actually doing with my life?"

β†’ Read the article​
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🧠 Work With Me​

Whether you're dreaming of more family time, freedom to travel, or just working in a way that doesn't drain your soul, I'm here to help you create something that serves your lifestyle instead of consuming it.

✨ Find Your Business Sweet Spot
If you've been spinning in circles wondering "what should my business even be?", the Sweet Spot Business Plan is perfect for you! It's a 30-day experience where we dig into your unique skills and turn them into a business plan you're actually excited about.

​Help me find my sweet spot!​
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πŸš€ Launch With Confidence
Clarity to Launch gives you the complete step-by-step roadmap to go from idea to real business that reflects your values - and now with monthly payments so it's accessible to everyone who's ready to make this happen!

​I'm ready to launch!​
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πŸ”₯ Keep It Simple & Sustainable
The Tiny Business Method is for you if you want to work 25 hours a week or less without sacrificing income or impact. We'll spend 6 months together creating a business that actually gives you your life back.

​Tell me about Tiny Business!​


πŸ’‘ Ideas Sparker​
​Curated resources to spark inspiration and conversation

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I'm Reading...

  • ​Live Closer to Your Friends - This Atlantic piece made me think so much about why I've chosen places in the world to live life with my friends! The author talks about fantasizing during pandemic lockdowns about being neighbours with all her friends.
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  • ​How Curiosity Rewires Your Brain for Change - This blew my mind! It's all about how curiosity literally transforms uncertainty from feeling like a threat into feeling like an invitation. So good for anyone navigating business transitions!

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I'm Watching/Listening...

  • ​'The Interview': Ocean Vuong - Such a powerful conversation about his journey as a Vietnamese refugee, working in fast food, and how his mother's death shaped his writing. Really makes you think about resilience and finding grace in the hardest moments.
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  • ​How Not to Repeat Your Parents' Mistakes - Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach share how they've worked to unlearn unhelpful patterns from childhood and create healthier dynamics with their own kids. So relevant if you're thinking about breaking cycles and doing things differently.
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  • ​Making The Most of Uncertainty - Brett and Joe dive into why some people thrive in unpredictable times while others struggle. They talk about our human tendency to want control versus embracing adventure, plus practical tools for actually thriving when you have no idea what's coming next.

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I want you to know how much I appreciate having the privilege of being in your inbox and a part of your life.

I love having you in our community and value hearing from YOU.

What was the biggest insight you got from this newsletter?

Hit REPLY and tell me!

Thank you for reading :)

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PS: Love the content I create for you? Been a long time reader? Now you can show your support for my work by buying me a coffee!β˜•β€‹

Lydia Lee, Work Reinvention Coach & Freedom Instigator
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Screw The Cubicle​

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​Work With Me β€’ Binge On Video Episodes β€’ Follow Me On The Gram​

Screw The Cubicle

Hi, I'm Lydia! I help solopreneurs build tiny but mighty businesses they can run in 25 hours a week or less. Every month, I share real advice on simplifying your business, reclaiming your time, and creating more freedom without sacrificing income.

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