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Back From the Dead
Podcast Magic, Spring Career Fair, Convalescent Conversations, and more!
Laura Paisley Beck
April 21, 2025
Table of Contents
Back from the Dead! 🐰✨
How I felt for over two weeks, like a zombie rabbit my dog killed, buried, and then come back to life.
Dear Glittering Community,
In the spirit of Easter Monday, I'm emerging from my own unexpected hibernation! After two and a half weeks of serious illness (the in-and-out-of-the-hospital kind), I'm finally back at my desk and ready to sparkle again.
Thank you all for your patience, well-wishes, offers of help, and the love sent my way. Your support truly helped me heal and reminded me why building this community matters so much.
Hydration Hero
One surprising star of my recovery journey? The WaterLlama app! When the ER doctor prescribed drinking a GALLON of water daily, this adorable app made tracking my hydration actually fun.
WaterLlama even has a Progress Flag llama icon option for your phone!
They even have a Progress Flag llama icon option for your phone – representation matters everywhere, even in hydration apps! Here's to drinking water and supporting LGBTQ+ visibility in small but meaningful ways.
Coming Soon: Podcast Magic
✨ Be the Glitter is my new podcast with brilliant guests who discuss important topics with giggles, leaving inspiration that sticks. ✨
Illness paused publication and I have two amazing conversations ready for editing:
Tawni Sofia Acosta shared profound insights on personal development and authenticity
Ally West from New Valley Labs brought incredible perspective on rebelling against harmful trends.
Stay tuned for these episodes – each one better than the last as I continue improving the format and reach! Like, I will record introductions with a hook. 🪝
Please 👍 and Comment with your own takeaways, or inspiration that sticks.
Community Spotlight: OPEN Spring Career Fair
Mark your calendars! The upcoming OPEN Spring Career Fair, connecting LGBTQ+ jobseekers with affirming employers, is an event Madison fox must check out! Bonus: I’ll be volunteering there 2-6 PM.
This event creates a safe space for talented people from our community to find the careers and workplace environments they deserve. If you're job hunting or know someone who is, this is an opportunity not to miss!
When: THIS WEDNESDAY, April 23rd, 2-6PM
Where: Madison College, Goodman South Campus
Registration: On the OPEN Home Page
Language Corner: Convalescent Conversations
Feeling mostly dead for over two weeks taught me the value of "convalescent language" – how we talk to the healing. Some helpful phrases:
Instead of "Get well soon!" try "I'm here for you.” or “Sending healing vibes/energy your way!" - much more thoughtful and meaningful
Replace "Let me know if you need anything" with specific offers: "I'm bringing soup Tuesday. Preference?" - nearly impossible to dismiss, easily appreciated
"No need to respond" – four powerful words that remove pressure from someone healing
“Sending you love!” - the best medicine
Finding the right words during illness can be challenging in any language – this week's lesson is all about communication that truly supports.
Painfully True
One thing I managed to accomplish while sick was answering questions from CanvasRebel. My answers were given while I was suffering extreme pain. When they asked me to review it before publication, I was nauseous and, as my mother would say, “My head felt like it was going to falll off.”
So this is the result, this raw article about me:
Thank you, Canvas Rebel Magazine.
Community Connection
Again, thank you for your patience with me and your outpouring of love.
While I recover my full strength, I'd love to hear what YOU want to see in upcoming newsletters and podcast episodes. Reply with your ideas!
Stay sparkling and well-hydrated!
Laura Paisley Beck
PS — My illness reminded me that self-care isn't selfish – it's essential. What small act of self-care will you practice this week?
PSS — who do you know who could use this newsletter?