Hey y’all! This summer has been a real trying season for Hari’s Helping Hands and the family. Personally, professionally, and creatively, I’ve discovered so much about myself, y’all, and future possibilities. Anyway, let’s jump into the updates.
Back on Track After a Funding Hiccup
I’ll be blunt, HHH hit a temporary funding hiccup between May and mid-June. It wasn’t the end of the world, just felt like it. Thankfully, we worked through it and stabilized everything towards the end of June. We’re officially back on track, and I’m grateful for everyone who checked in, sent occasional likes and comments, or simply was present during the slowdown.
Random Note: If y’all interested, we can brainstorm on how organizations recover from setbacks and expand on the workplace psychology side of it in a future post. Just a suggestion. Let me know if that’s something y’all want to hear!
Listening & Learning with Hari (Season 2)
I’ve started recording Season Two of Listening & Learning with Hari, and I’m pretty excited! This season is focusing more on technical teachings, ideas, and critical thinking in a workplace. It isn’t only limited to data-driven, black-and-white thinking. I’m also adding in more research-based support, deeper thesis statements, and professional reflections.
This direction pushed me to be authentic about myself, my career choices, and how I navigate changes in a workplace or gig-based setting. I will say this: working remotely isn’t for the weak. You have to really put your all into it, but also have to discern when it is time to take a break.
Random Note: I will start posting occasional previews of recorded episodes of Season Two. You’ll be able to find it here on Substack, YouTube, or LinkedIn. My username is the same across most platforms—harigdarcy—so check it out as soon as you can!
Heat, Hustle, Balance, Prayer: Life at Home
Alright, so there’s more to Hari’s Helping Hands than just being a nonprofit or creating forever FREE content.
The kids and I are hanging in there during this brutal Texas heat. I’ve never been a huge fan of how hot it gets, and balancing parenting with creative work has been a huge challenge as well. Some days I don’t want to do anything. Other days I catch myself jogging outside at high noon, inching closer to triple-digit weather like temps while trying to outrun my thoughts.
In the end (sort of), this push-and-pull has taught me a lot about pacing. I’m at a point in my life and with this nonprofit that I need to know when to step back and when to jump back in. If you’re dealing with something similar, then let me know. I cannot lie, I’m starving for ideas to practice more offline—at least for now.
Super Papa: Baby Ishmael & Sibling Life
Baby Ishmael is officially crawling and getting into everything. Watching him smile every day, and seeing his sisters and brother help, play, and grow alongside him, has been one of the most grounding parts of my life lately.
Oh yeah, that little rainbow baby potato is teething too. Grrr!
Anyway, Iris starts kindergarten this year. I’m excited to learn who she is when I’m not around. Each kiddo’s becoming their own person, and seeing them embrace each other’s growth reminds me why I do this in the first place.
Random Note: Any tips on encouraging your kids to stay away from others who have lice?! Goodness, who created lice and ticks in the first place anyway?! Stinky, stinky boogers!
Mental & Emotional Check-In
Mentally and emotionally, I’m everywhere. It’s not stress, and it’s not exactly anxiety. It feels more like I’m floating between two extreme realities. Some days I’m still or at peace. Other days I’m in full-blown motion. Even during such crazy energy adjustments, this newsletter keeps me grounded.
I discovered that teaching matters to me. I may not sound like a Jessica Rabbit or someone super famous, but I find lots of joy creating educational material for others and myself. And I believe the work we’re doing together carries wisdom that people need, especially as our digital culture continues changing in unpredictable ways.
College Update
Speaking of creating educational materials, I’ve officially decided to move forward with getting my Master’s in Adult Education. This feels like the right step for me and the direction of Hari’s Helping Hands. I’m excited—somewhat nervous—but mostly ready to hit the ground running!
Guest Posting: Coming Late November or Early December 2026
Guest posting is still on the horizon. I’m looking for voices that challenge my perspective, counter-argue my thesis, or bring new angles to the conversation. If that sounds like you, send a message or email talktous@harishelpinghands.com. More credible wisdom the better. Plus, guest posting is free!
Alright y’all, thank you so much for joining me. I apologize for the silence, but I promise I’m still here and ready to rock, roll, and work with y’all! Stay safe, cool, and remember you’re loved to the moon and back. :)
