We recently connected with Caroline Powell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caroline, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care is different for EVERYONE. I do think there’s one universal rule for it though: Do something that you enjoy with no expectations of productivity or results.
For me, I love to read and do hand embroidery. Sometimes I’ll put an audiobook on while I embroider, but they’re usually two separate tasks. it’s all about being able to shut off your brain a little bit.
I heard once that, psychologically, you can’t use your emotional brain and your rational brain at the same time. Thus, my self-care options tend to activate my rational brain so my emotional brain can take a break.
It helps me step away from processes or problems and then come back to them in a new light. Instead of bashing your head against a wall, take a step away, and give it another shot in a few minutes. It’s a wonder what it will do for you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My book blog and other hobbies are my passion projects. I do them because I want to, not because I have to. Coincidentally, a lot of things I’ve learned this way can also apply to my corporate, 9-to-5 life, which has been helpful.
Down the Book Jar is a play on “down the rabbit hole”. Getting lost in books and stories and just letting them take you away. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, but have branched out a good bit in 2024! I am lucky enough to have early access to some titles and love spreading the words of books I’m excited for (Mark your calendars for June 18 so you can get your copy of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books).
I also do hand embroidery, but don’t charge for those. That’s a way for me to give a little bit of me and my love to my loved ones. I’ve done sweatshirts, tote bags, hoop pieces, the works!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Marketing & Websites – Oh, the power of marketing and understanding SEO. If you’re really looking to grow your online presence and acquire new readers or clients or whatever, SEO and basic marketing principles are key.
Time Management & Planning – The more you plan, the better you’re set up to be. However, be realistic in your planning and time management. If you’ve never written a long-form blog post in your life, maybe don’t plan that you’re going to learn how to write three in a week. Balance your efforts to balance your sanity.
Flexibility – Beyond my years of dance, I don’t know anyone that would describe me as a flexible person, especially in life. I like to know what to expect (hence, my recommendation to plan). However, you can be flexible with contingency plans. Have backups. Also, know that you can almost always take things back. Nothing is permanent, so be empowered to try things, see how they work, and then adapt.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I would be remiss if I didn’t answer a question about an impactful book.
I have a long list of fiction books that are some of my favorites of all time. They have impacted me in different ways.
However, if it comes to ONE book I’d have to recommend as truly having an impact on me and my work, it would 100% be The Myth of the Nice Girl by Fran Hauser. If I could force every twenty-something woman entering the workforce to read this, I absolutely would.
Now, I’m saying this as a thirty-something woman (who read it in her twenties). I can’t speak to how impactful a man might find it. Do with that what you will.
The book is all about being a kind woman in the workforce, but still being a strong and powerful one. Oftentimes, you’re labeled as “difficult” or “a b*tch” if you stand up for yourself or try to keep things on track. The Myth of the Nice Girl is all about finding this balance.
As an avid reader, I use page flags, so I have some of my favorite passages handy:
“We can be considerate of others and ourselves; accommodating and assertive; someone who speaks up and is humble; a team player who still always looks out for number one — you! And we can do that by embracing the traits of kindness and compassion that feel authentic to our personalities.”
“Niceness and kindness are not the opposite of ambition and drive. It is powerful to choose to be nice.”
“According to research by JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., when girls are between the ages of eight and twelve, they first become aware of how others perceive them and start ‘camouflaging’ what they really think and feel in order to blend in better with their peers. These girls don’t want to stand out, so they stop speaking up and voicing their opinions and start acting like everyone else in order to please others and fit in.
^^WHEN GIRLS ARE BETWEEN 8-12 YEARS OLD!
I could keep going on and on. Like most women I know or have worked with, there is always doubt and imposter syndrome. However, you don’t have to sacrifice your heart and soul to achieve your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downthebookjar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downthebookjar/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@downthebookjar/
