iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

I had lunch at Monument Square and then walked to nearby Unchartered Tea to work for the afternoon in Portland, ME today. THIS is why I decided to live nomadically for a year — to get myself to rest in new places. P.S. There’s table tennis and foosball in the square! Love the vibe here.

Nicole smiling in front of the Revolutionary War statute in Monument Square in downtown Portland, Maine. THIS is why she's a digital nomad!

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Tomorrow I’m thrilled to be having a conversation with @samanthagregory.bsky.social ✨ about setting holiday boundaries on the Just Rest Pod. What your struggles with saying no during the holidays? We will discuss your comments/questions during the recording if you get them to us by 10 a.m. ET tmrw.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Stickers! I have STICKERS! These will brighten up and give you an extra dopamine rush each time you complete the quick and simple sections in my Setting Holiday Boundaries workbook. Preorder 📕 holiday-boundaries-workbook.teachery.co/main-payment...

Nicole holding the stickers for the setting holiday boundaries workbook right in her very hand. They have fun emojis for energizing, rejuvenating and draining work. Also bigger ones that say, I am enough and Capatalist BS. These are so fun. Preorder now!

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

New Just Rest episode is up, and it's a fun one: my first Substack Live ever, with my friend Kevin Chung of Standout Creatives. We get into creative burnout, big leaps, and why rest fuels creativity instead of competing with it. 🎧 www.buzzsprout.com/2565476/epis...

Kevin Chung and Nicole Havelka smiling at you because we've got tips galore about recovering from creative burnout and taking big, creative leaps.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Feminist Podcasters Collective helped form me into a podcaster. And TOMORROW is one of my favorite events of the year -- the Drop the Mic Unsummit. Please join us! mic-drop.teachery.co/enroll?a=mpe...

mic-drop.teachery.co

Drop the Mic: Podcasting When the World is On Fire

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Both my creative and my organizing brains are on 🔥. So I’m creating. Get ready for my Setting Holiday Boundaries workbook and STICKERS! And I’m building spreadsheets and automations behind the scenes for everything! It’s wild!!!! #creator #administrator

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

If you believe you're the only one who can do your job — Ask yourself who actually benefits from that belief. (Hint: it)'s not your health or family. Written for nonprofit EDs, pastors and solo leaders who are ready to finally take a vacation. www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-take...

linkedin.com

If I Take Time Off, What Will Happen to Everything?

How to hand over your work before vacation, sabbatical, or leave — and actually trust that it will be okay This is one of the most pressing questions I hear from leaders I coach who are preparing for ...

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

7 more listens! That’s all I need to hit 1,000 downloads of Just Rest, which is only 18 episodes in and about 9 months old! If you’ve been thinking of listening, or need to catch up after the summer, today would be a great day to do that. 🎧 Wherever you get your podcasts: justrest.buzzsprout.com

justrest.buzzsprout.com

Just Rest: Burnout Tips for Everyday Radicals

Just Rest: Burnout Tips for Everyday Radicals, hosted by Nicole Havelka, helps everyday radicals and world-changers who are tired, but not giving up to find connection, support, and soul-deep inspirat...

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A short walk in the Maine woods after my work day without music or podcast. Priceless. This digital nomad year is going pretty well. #YearofExpansion #DigitalNomad

A winding, dirt trail surrounded by old growth tress and the first fallen leaves at sunset in the Maine woods.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

If you're seeing news like this and you get short of breath and your shoulders tighten, just take a deep breath. Or two. Then you might be able to respond more calmly. Thanks @npr.org for reporting the hard stuff. Your reporters should continue taking deep breaths, too.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The culture of NOW has really gotten out of hand. In the process of selling all my stuff in preparation for living nomadically next year, I've had so many people say, "Yes, I want to buy this $10 item and I must pick it up NOW." Seriously, you do not need an old bookshelf that fast.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

My favorite ep of noseyAF during Black Business Month so far was her conversation with Tiffany Heard of Hues of Africa — "From Coloring Books to Culture Trips." That title alone had me. Go give her some love and listens this month. 🎧: noseyaf.com

noseyaf.com

noseyAF: conversations about art, activism, and social change

noseyAF is a podcast about what artists and changemakers actually do. Hosted by artist and filmmaker Stephanie Graham, it’s part conversation, part creative confes…

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I need to brag on my friend Stephanie Graham for a second. For Black Business Month, she set out to feature a different Black-owned business EVERY SINGLE DAY in August. That's 31 episodes produced solo in one month. Go give her some love and listens this month. 🎧: noseyaf.com

noseyaf.com

noseyAF: conversations about art, activism, and social change

noseyAF is a podcast about what artists and changemakers actually do. Hosted by artist and filmmaker Stephanie Graham, it’s part conversation, part creative confes…

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I was away for a minute, y'all. I was celebrating my birthday by leading a rest retreat. Then, I got a day off to hang out with a friend. Who wants me to lead one of these for their group, raise your hand? #RestasLiberation #BirthdayMonth

A group of people laying on mats, feet propped on chairs, while Nicole leads them in a guided yoga nidra (sleep of the yogi) practice for deep rest.

A round table set with candles, small fidget toys, colored pencils and crayons. Beyond the table is a view of the tree-lined Missouri landscape surrounding a small lake.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I love it when someone calls to wish me a Happy Birthday a few days early thinking it's my birthday today. I just say, "I celebrate all month." 🎉🎂 #LeoSeason #BirthdayMonth

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I gave away most of the furniture in my spare bedroom today. It feels so good to let it all go. But, the feelings aren’t always that simple. Read my latest reflection on my “Year of Expansion: Letting Go.” defythetrend.substack.com/p/letting-go... #DigitalNomad #SimpleLiving

defythetrend.substack.com

Letting Go of my Stuff: Not that Hard

Letting Go of Who I WAS when I Got that Stuff: Much Harder

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Y'all are the best. This was so fun. Revisiting this podcast makes we want to come back on. Be prepared for a list of possibilities in your inbox. 😆

110

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Wonder Woman (1970s version), Brady Bunch reruns, Justice League on Saturday morning, Star Wars and the Indiana Jones movies. I also liked adult shows like Dallas and Hill Street Blues. (I was weird then, too.)

110

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

I'm going nomadic! I'm writing about it every other week on Substack. Some is open to all, some written content (b/c it's work, y'all!), and my LIVE conversations on Substack plus community chats are for members of the Rest Rebel Collective. Join the Journey: 🌾 open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

open.substack.com

Letting Go of my Stuff: Not that Hard

Letting Go of Who I WAS when I Got that Stuff: Much Harder

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I’ve spent this year asking "can I let go of this?" about everything I own. Turns out I wasn't attached to the stuff. I was attached to who I was when I got it. 🚲 🧉📚 New chapter starting now. Read more on Substack: open.substack.com/pub/defythet... #digitalnomad #lettinggo

open.substack.com

Letting Go of my Stuff: Not that Hard

Letting Go of Who I WAS when I Got that Stuff: Much Harder

000

Reposted by Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter

Gracie12 📎 @gracienlucy.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The perfect description of a library card .

6457281258

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I’m getting a master class in rest from the poodles I’m sitting for this week. Every time I get up from a comfy spot, they take it. And fall asleep. 😆

A small black and white poodle named Max sleeping on top of the pillows I left behind in bed.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I'd like to see a tally sheet of the expenses related to these frivolous and unethical lawsuits.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

On this week's After the Mic bonus episode I'm sharing three ways to quiet that judgy voice — starting with turning judgment into wonder. The Dalai Lama and Bishop Tutu entered the conversation. It was rad.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

That voice in your head that judges people for "being lazy"? It's not a personality flaw. Grind culture, rooted in white supremacy and toxic capitalism, literally trained us to enforce productivity on each other. 🧵 And who does that benefit?

200

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

😆 I read it because it gives me hope. Sometimes also lessons about how to deal with said dystopian world. But, paying attention works a little, too.

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Why do we judge people so much for resting anyway? Join me LIVE on Substack TODAY at 9am ET/10am CT when I share with paid subscribers my thoughts on grind culture and how to stop the judgy voices in our heads. #BurnoutCulture Join us $7/month: open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

open.substack.com

A cringy question a lot of us are secretly thinking

My conversation about judging yourself and others for doing less and saying no with Stephanie Graham on noseyAF

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Follow me -- a burnout recovery coach going nomadic, car-free & all-in on radical rest in real time. That's the Year of Expansion on Substack. Becomea free subscriber for a sneak peek. open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

open.substack.com

The Trade-offs of a No-car Life

I lose convenience, independence and speed, but gain a whole lot more community

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Update: the quick meditation gave way to a longer nap. Not ashamed of the nap, but it did make sleeping at the right time easier.

011

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I'm not at all ashamed to admit I'm about to lay down for an extra yoga nidra practice and it's 6:14 p.m. #RestRebel #RestasResistance #RestasLiberation #BurnoutRecovery

100

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

The trade-offs of going car-free: ❌ Convenience ✅ Community ❌ Speed ✅ Free time ❌ Independence ✅ Deeper friendships It's the first post in my Year of Expansion series. Become a free subscriber to get a sneak peak. open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

open.substack.com

The Trade-offs of a No-car Life

I lose convenience, independence and speed, but gain a whole lot more community

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I retired my car three months ago. I thought I'd miss my independence most. I was wrong. New post on what a no-car life actually gives back you back. #YearofExpansion #LettingGo open.substack.com/pub/defythet...

open.substack.com

The Trade-offs of a No-car Life

I lose convenience, independence and speed, but gain a whole lot more community

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Are you kidding me Meta/Instagram? The DEFAULT setting is to ALLOW people to use my photos and videos in AI? You can f’ off. We’re done.

042

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I've called my dental insurance provider for clarification about benefits and did the online renewal of my passport. I'm just celebrating the adulting going on here. 🎉

000

Nicole Havelka (she/her) ⎸ Just Rest Podcast and Newsletter @just-rest.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

I shouldn't have to swear at one of those automated customer service lines to get basic service. But, that's what I did with Fedex and I was finally (after more than a month) got service.

100