#5SmartReads - October 25, 2022

Olivia on weaponized incompetence, pink washing, and Arthur's podcast comeback

Olivia Dreizen Howell is the co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry and resource guide for anyone navigating life changes, including divorce or breakup, moving, career changes, stepping into your truth, or starting again after grief. Her background is in social media marketing, and she is also the founder and CEO of March Lion Media, where we have managed social media for brands, businesses and people for a decade. Olivia is a single mom of two amazing boys on Long Island (born and bred!), and in her spare time, she loves to watercolor, read about generational trauma, listen to 90s music, and collect crystals I know nothing about, but love the way they feel. Connect with Olivia here!

I learned the term "weaponized incompetence" from TikTok, and when I tell you it changed my life...it changed my life.

Weaponized incompetence is a form of emotional abuse - and it's quite honestly so prevalent in our current marriage climate, that it's become incredibly normalized - which is not okay. I am not one to shy away from talking about hard stuff, and I was tweeting about weaponized incompetence recently, which led to Care.com opening up the conversation even more - and this is a good thing!

It's really important to bring this type of emotional abuse to light and talk openly about it. I always take the time to call it out on social media when I see it being joked about - the basic needs of women are not funny - and it's time we change the narrative. Have you ever heard this term?

Do you know what "pinkwashing" is?

Well, as I'm sure you've noticed, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and pinkwashing is when a company will use the color pink to say they support BCAM, but not actually...do anything to support breast cancer awareness!

I've seen this happening a lot lately, and it's just really bad form as a business. It's not hard these days to find some amazing organizations to donate to - or simply share resources - breast cancer is not a reason to simply sell pink products.

If you're in business, this is an important read!

And now, for a fashion break. Autumn in New York is not only a great song, but a *fashion statement* inspired by the one and only Meg Ryan.

I love this Glamour article that breaks down the Meg Ryan Fall Fashion aesthetic, whether you're a Sally Albright or a Kathleen Kelly! Are you a Sally Albright or a Kathleen Kelly?!

PS. Oversized blazers will legit never go out of style, and you can quote me on that!

Hey, it's Arthur! Yes, he's back...and on his own podcast!

Despite his headphones not actually being on his ears, we're all very excited for an Arthur podcast, now that the show is over. This interactive podcast will feature storylines about friends, school, and family and I'm sure will be a perfect car-ride accompaniment!

Having grown up with the Arthur books and TV show, I'm excited to introduce the new medium to my boys. Do you listen to podcasts with your kids? We also love Smash Boom Best!

Did you know trauma lives in your hips?

I've been told this many times, by many coaches I've worked with - and it's all over TikTok, too! This article (featuring a Fresh Starts expert!), is a great breakdown of the different movements you can try to help release trauma within your body.

I read The Body Keeps the Score a few years ago, and as someone who encountered a huge trauma preverbal (open heart surgery as a baby), I'm always fascinated by how the body remembers what you've been through!

Have you ever tried these movements to release trauma?

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