Issue #006 | 🔗 Read on my website | ⏱️ ~7min read
💡 Discover insights on life, work, personal growth, tech, & more from Naya Moss, delivered on some Sundays
👋🏾 Hey there Fren! How are you?
First of all, to my LA readers... how are you? I hope you and your loved ones are safe from the wildfires and smoke. The damage is truly devastating, and my heart breaks for the lives lost and for everyone who has lost their homes and pets 💔. For the rest of us, if you're looking to support those directly impacted, I've added resources and GoFundMe campaigns at the bottom of this newsletter.
I know it's been a long time since my last newsletter, and I want to be transparent about why. Since 2023 onwards, life has thrown some intense challenges my way. For those who follow me on socials, you know I've been experiencing homelessness, and honestly, things haven't improved - they've become more difficult.
I've been quiet because I try to maintain a balance in what I share, not wanting to focus solely on the struggles. It's hard to start these intros when there's been so little positive to report.
Take my recent bakery job - it was going okay, but the wages were so low that days of work barely covered food and a couple bills. Then came the housing rollercoaster: first being told 'your stay is up & you have to go,' so I quit the job, then I got the ok until Jan 31 🤦🏾♀️. Now I have no clue where I'm going on Feb 1 🤷🏾♀️.
Anyway here's what keeps me going: Despite everything, I'm making gratitude an everyday thing, I set strict boundaries with abusive, unsupportive, and negative individuals. Now I feel more mentally clear and grounded than I have in years. It's like I've had an awakening. Through writing and reflection, I'm doing deep healing work, and doing all I can to make 2025 the year of change.
📢 What's Changing
This year, I'm making some significant changes to how I share content with you:
- Newsletter Structure: I'm building systems to help me show up more consistently. You'll get updates about my life, projects, writing, & yes - my new YouTube channel!
- Content Separation: I've launched The Contemporary Polymath, focusing on STEM, psychology, art, science, etc. My personal website will now cover life, psychology-related, and technical content instead.
- New Projects: I'm launching several new projects (each with their own newsletters), including "We Are Wired Differently," a community for neurodivergent individuals to connect
- Preference Center: Soon you'll be able to customize what content/newsletters you receive via a preference center
📝 Recent Writing
- Does Curiosity Make Us More Intelligent?
- Letting Go to Make Space for Joy
- What is Biophilia? A Simple Guide to Nature Connection
- Understanding Psithurism: The Beautiful Word for Wind in Trees
- Ideasthesia Explained: Your Brain's Amazing Power to Feel Ideas
- When Lack of Money Makes You Feel Trapped
- A Tale of Two Betrayals: My Story of Broken Trust
- Ultimate Bushcraft Basics: Learn Vital Wilderness Skills Now
- The Hidden Weight of Intellectual Loneliness
- Mental Preparation: The Foundation of True Survival Skills
📺 New: YouTube Channel!
I've started a YouTube channel! In under 1-2 months, I have 1.5k views, 52 subs, & 100+ watchtime hrs 🎉. My most watched video: Feeling Too Smart for Small Talk? Understanding Intellectual Loneliness.
Also for my fellow book nerds, check out my latest video where I share 13 must-read books for 2025.
🚀 Project Updates
- Moving my digital products from Airtable to Notion due to pricing changes
- I launched 🌈 We are Wired Differently & 🧠 The Contemporary Polymath, next up is 🔐 Security for The Rest of Us
- Overall I have 9 launches queue'd up to help support myself through this challenging time
- I'm considering creating projects.nayamoss.com where you can vote on which projects you'd like to see me prioritize
💌 Coming Soon
Over the next two weeks, expect:
- My 2024 annual review (yes, it was tough, but there were some bright spots!)
- Updates on all my existing & new products/projects
- Working on improving systems to help me be more consistent
I appreciate your time and attention to my thoughts. If you find value in my work, writing, or reflections, I always welcome:
- 💜 Kind words and feedback
- 📧 Sharing this newsletter
- 🍵 Buying me a matcha or other contributions
Thank you to my recent supporters: Anne, Benjamin, Victoria, and J.
Thank you for sticking with me through everything. I'm grateful for this community and excited about what we can build together in 2025, despite the challenges.
Stay kind, take care, and have a great day, evening, night wherever you are! 🌈
P.S. For those who've supported me through my housing situation - I promise a detailed update is coming. Your kindness means more than you know. 💜
Best,
Naya
🆘 LA Wildfire Support Resources
If you'd like to help those affected by the LA wildfires, here are some organizations accepting donations:
- Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory
- Displaced Latino Families - LA Wildfires GoFundMe Directory
- GoFundMe LA Wildfire Relief Campaigns - Support verified fundraisers for affected families
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation - Direct support for firefighting efforts
- Anti-Recidivism Coalition - Setting up a scholarship fund for incarcerated firefighters
- LA Food Bank Wildfire Response - Help provide food assistance to affected communities
- Direct Relief - Emergency medical assistance
- Best Friends Animal Society - Supporting pets and animals affected by the fires
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. 💜
