💌 Teri says hi.
Hey there, friend!
You ever feel like you're constantly on—even when you’re not technically working? Like your brain is low-key running a to-do list in the background 24/7?
I have been there. It was ugly.
This week, burnout has been the buzzword in my own head. Not because I'm feeling it, but because I have seen far too many clients dealing with burnout lately, and it needs to stop– not the clients, I like them– the burnout culture needs to stop.
And if you're feeling that too, I want you to know: you're not lazy, unmotivated, or falling behind. You've probably been working too hard for too long, and you're tired—like, soul-deep tired.
So this edition of Teri Says Hi is all about reclaiming your energy and actually giving yourself permission to rest guilt-free.
Let’s go 💛
🎙 Podcast Recap: Success in Mind
Episode: Why Print Still Matters with Brand Identity Designer Ami DeMelo
In this episode, I sat down with Ami DeMelo, a brand identity designer who believes that print media isn't dead—it’s more important than ever.
We talked about how tangible marketing (like business cards, brochures, and packaging) can create a powerful emotional connection with your audience. Especially in a world that feels increasingly digital, print helps your brand stand out.
She also shared some brilliant ideas for blending your digital and print branding so it all feels cohesive and high-end.
My personal experience:
I worked with Ami last year on my rebrand, and at the time, I was anti-business card. I remember saying to Ami, "Who needs business cards anymore? I have a digital one on my phone". I hadn't had business cards since March 2020. I ran out as the pandemic hit, and I thought I would never need them again...
Jump to working with Ami in 2024, where she presented a beautifully designed card. I was reluctant, but decided to humour her and order them.
I get so many compliments on them when I'm out networking, and they are memorable to people! I was wrong about business cards.
📆 Event Update: 5 Peaks Summit - 50% sold!!
We’re getting close! 🏔️ The 5 Peaks Summit is happening soon, early bird tickets are now closed, and we are half sold out now!
BUT—you can still grab your spot before they sell out. This event brings together 5 powerhouse speakers (including Ami from this weeks podcast!) talking about 5 critical areas of business growth.
Whether you're scaling up, launching something new, or just want to be in a room filled with entrepreneurs who get it, this is your sign.
🎟 Grab your ticket → 5peakssummit.ca
✨ Teri’s Top 5
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What I’m watching: White Lotus. I'm finally jumping on this bandwagon.
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What I’m loving: This spring weather we're getting here in the Greater Vancouver Area. It's giving me life. I hope it's warm and sunny where you are too.
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What I’m learning: AI content is exploding, but original voice is more valuable than ever. Authenticity wins.
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What I’m reading: Values by Mark Carney — my fellow Canadians, love him or hate him, but get to know him. I'm reading the book so that I can understand his philosophy and make an informed decision in this election. As of now, I'm undecided, and that's all I will say on that.
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What I’m sipping: Earl Grey tea. Classic.
📸 Binge-Worthy
How to Actually Rest Without Guilt
Let’s just call it out: burnout is not a badge of honour.
Somewhere along the way, hustle culture (or maybe it was Gary V.) convinced us that being run into the ground meant we were “committed,” “driven,” or “doing it right.”
Spoiler: That’s garbage.
Burnout isn’t proof of your ambition—it’s a warning sign that your system is out of alignment.
And rest? Rest is not optional. It’s the reset your mind and body need in order to keep showing up.
So if you’re feeling emotionally fried, physically drained, or creatively tapped out… here’s your permission slip to rest without guilt.
If you’re currently in burnout, try this:
✨ Scale back, ruthlessly.
Look at everything on your plate. What can you delay, delegate, or delete? Yes—delete. Some things really don’t need to happen.
✨ Sleep like it’s your job.
Because honestly, it kind of is. Your brain literally detoxes and repairs itself while you sleep. So stop bragging about how little of it you're getting. (You wouldn't skip oil changes for your car, right?)
✨ Take an “unfollow” break.
If your feed is full of people who make you feel behind, tired, or not-good-enough… unfollow, mute, pause. Protect your peace.
✨ Move—but gently.
Go for a walk. Stretch. Dance badly in your kitchen. Movement helps release tension and shifts your mental state without overloading your system.
And if you want to prevent burnout before it starts:
✅ Build real breaks into your day.
Don’t wait until you're collapsing to rest. Schedule breaks like meetings—and keep them. I block off time on my calendar for a mid-morning dog walk, lunch, and an afternoon dog walk. Maybe the answer is to get a dog?
✅ Protect your “off” time.
Evenings and weekends are not catch-up zones. Set a shut-down ritual and stick to it.
✅ Check in with your “why.”
If you're constantly exhausted, it's time to ask: am I doing this for the right reasons? Realignment can be a powerful antidote to burnout.
✅ Stop trying to be everywhere.
More posts, more platforms, more content = more stress. Focus on impact over volume. Show up where it matters most.
🔥 Hot take to leave you with:
You don’t need to prove your worth by how much you can endure.
You’re allowed to do less. You’re allowed to rest.
And you’re allowed to build a life that doesn’t require escaping from it.
💌 Thanks for being here.
I know you have a million things competing for your attention, and the fact that you’re here—reading this—means the world to me.
Let’s keep building something amazing together.
Teri
PS. Have you watched my TEDx Talk? You can watch it here. It would mean the world to me if you did.
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