Front-Burnering What Matters

Issue 20 |

For years, my friend James and I felt the pull to create something—a space where creativity and community could intersect, where our love for memoir and storytelling could find a home. The idea took different forms in our minds: a podcast, a workshop, a writing circle. But life—our careers, our families, our responsibilities—always seemed to edge it out.

Then, during Black History Month 2025, we finally decided to front-burner what mattered.

We launched The Restoration Writers Circle, gathering a group of writers on Zoom for an evening of shared words and stories. This was more than a virtual event. For us, the circle was an act of obedience to a creative call that had been tugging at us for years. And in doing so, we discovered something unexpected: the energy we thought we didn’t have was waiting for us on the other side of making time for what mattered most.

Like so many of you, James and I are both busy. We are parents, professionals, and dynamic people juggling multiple responsibilities. There never seems to be “extra” time for either of us. But we found that making time and reallocating time are two very different things. When we honored our creative instincts, we didn’t drain ourselves—we recharged.

So I want to ask you: What’s calling you? What have you been putting on the back burner, waiting for the “right time” to finally bring it forward? The truth is, the right time rarely announces itself. But if you choose to prioritize the personal callings, passions, and hobbies that matter to you—even in small ways—you might find, as we did, that it fuels you in ways you never imagined.

We’ll be hosting our next Restoration Writers Circle at the end of this month, and we hope to continue carving out space for storytelling, reflection, and creative connection. But this is bigger than writing. It’s about giving yourself permission to front-burner the things that give you life.

What’s one thing you can bring forward this month?

A Soft Life Soundbath

This month began with community. On March 1, I had the pleasure of joining Demetria Lucas and Tara Parnell for the Soft Life Soundbath, an event that embodied the very essence of slowing down to co-regulate our nervous systems. It was a beautiful way to bring The Rest Revolution into a space designed for restoration.

Rest Lessons From Mom

The next day, I was honored to join Tisa Silver Canady for an intimate, invitation-only brunch in memory of her late mother, Sherrilyn Silver. The gathering took place just five years to the day after her mother’s homegoing celebration, making the moment even more poignant.

Tisa shared that her mother had always encouraged her to take time for herself—to rest, to simplify, to spend more time with her girlfriends. That reminder resonated deeply, not just for Tisa but for all of us.

It was a privilege to share ideas from The Rest Revolution with Tisa’s inner circle on such a special day. Moments like these remind me why this work matters.

Rest is so much more than a tool to increase our personal well-being. It’s also a way for us to honor the wisdom of those who came before us and embrace the relationships that keep us going.

The Highland Project's Reporter Rest Series

This month, I had the honor of joining The Highland Project for their Reporter Rest series. The Highland Project is doing critical work to build and sustain a pipeline of Black women in leadership across sectors by investing in their rest, well-being, and long-term impact. Their mission recognizes that true change happens when Black women leaders have not only the resources but also the rest needed to drive lasting transformation in their communities.

I encourage you to check out The Highland Project and support their work. Learn more and get involved at https://www.thehighlandproject.org/

📺 In The Press - The Rest Revolution On DC News Now

This week, The Rest Revolution made an appearance on DC News Now when lifestyle & wellness expert Whitney Stringer included us in her segment. Thanks Whitney!

You can watch the full segment here.

🔗 Recommended Reading | 3 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Move Forward In Your Career - This Week on Forbes

Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear when you achieve success. For high achievers, it often lingers, convincing you to undervalue your accomplishments and operate as if you’re stuck at a lower level of growth. This mindset not only impacts your confidence but can also cost you opportunities, relationships, and income.

But self-discovery is an ongoing process. As you grow, so does your need to assess, affirm, and realign with who you’ve become.

Here are three actionable ways to overcome imposter syndrome and step fully into your potential... 🔗 Read 3 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Move Forward In Your Career in Forbes

📗 Spring Reading - The Rest Revolution x Package Your Genius

If you haven't gotten your copy of The Rest Revolution, it's available everywhere online even in audiobook form. Go here to buy it at your preferred retailer.

If you're looking for tools to help you become a better student of yourself, you're in luck! Self-discovery is kind of my thing.

Package Your Genius - my first book - is a critical read if you’re looking to transform your expertise into a brand you can monetize. The Package Your Genius workbook is great for self-discovery, and I also have more digital tools in my shop here.

🗓 Build an Aligned Brand and Life Beyond Burnout

If you're interested in what I've been sharing and want to engage further, let's talk! Book a call so we can discuss:

• My 1:1 coaching work with high achievers
• Thought leadership and personal branding
• How to build a life that incorporates your rest and well-being and combats burnout behaviors
• A story you'd like me to explore or write for your outlet
• Bringing me in to speak to your group

📌 Grab a time on my calendar here → [Book Some Time Now]

About Amanda Miller Littlejohn

If we haven't yet met, I'm Amanda Miller Littlejohn and I am a nationally recognized executive coach, personal branding strategist, mental health advocate, and author of The Rest Revolution. For over a decade, Ive helped high achievers—from corporate executives to creative entrepreneurs—clarify their genius, package their expertise, and achieve visibility and influence in their fields.

I am a 2024-2025 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Fellow whose work has been featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, and Fast Company, among other major outlets. Drawing from my own journey of overcoming burnout, I now teach professionals how to balance ambition with alignment. Through my signature programs, including the Package Your Genius Academy and Seasonal Clarity, I empower leaders to build powerful personal brands while reclaiming their rhythm and redefining success on their terms.

I love hearing from readers - drop me a comment or send me a message to say hi!