Welcome to The Joyful Rebellion!

Because setting boundaries, resting well, and building healthier systems is radical.

🧪What's New In the Lab

Welcome back! I don't know about you, but I am feeling excited for the start of a new year.

I’m easing into 2026 with intention: less urgency, more alignment, and a deeper commitment to building spaces where we can think, rest, and lead differently. I've spent the past few weeks reflecting on what worked - and what didn't - in 2025, mapping out a strategic plan for the year, and getting more organized.

You’ll see this work reflected in how the Joyful Rebellion is growing. My goal is to build community, grow the movement, and amplify the message that work is just one part of a life well-lived.

Here’s what’s taking shape in the Lab this season.

Dawn Hunter of the Dawn Lab and Work is Third, doing strategic planning on a whiteboard. — I've spent a lot of time with white boards lately!

✍🏽 The Better Boundaries Brief

New editions of the Brief start later this week, but for now, enjoy one of my favorite (and most popular) editions from last year:

Time Is a Boundary: Autonomy, Flexibility, and the Future of Work

This edition was inspired by these quotes from Work is Third guests:

“My best hours are for me.” — Megan Albertson

“Peace is what I’m protecting now, not productivity.” — Jamila Weathers

“Work doesn’t have to be first. And it definitely doesn’t have to be forever.” — Dr. Linsey Grove

"Doing nothing is doing something. Rest is worthy of my time." — Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster

If you’re entering 2026 feeling protective of your time or questioning how much control you really have over it, this reflection is for you.

Read Now

🎧 Work Is Third: Podcast Spotlight

The first episode of the new year drops on Monday, January 19th. Follow us on socials for guest info and episode content. We're also launching two new features:

🪑 The Third Space: Community Reflections
Weekly prompts to help you pause, reflect, and think about how to put work third in your life, with reflections from me on each week's prompt. IG: @workisthirdlife

✨ Joyful Rebellion Tips
Bite-sized tips and strategies to practice boundaries, create systems that support us, and reframe our relationship with work.
IG: @thedawnlab

Listen Now

📊Data That Matters

What do people sacrifice for work?

Why this matters

Sleep, recreation, hobbies, and time with friends and family are all essential parts of our wellbeing. They are necessary for us to function as individuals and as a society. If you find yourself sacrificing these essential things for work, take a moment to pause and reflect on what you want your days to actually look like.

Link: Clockify, Workaholism Facts and Statistics (2025)

💬Quote of the Week

📓 Journal Prompt

What is one thing you want to nurture this year (time, energy, joy, creativity, rest, connection)? How can you create routines that help you to do that?

I'm focused on TIME. I'd really like to honor my commitments to myself better this year.

🌞 Affirmation of the Week

I can move gently and still be moving forward.

Closing Reflection

The Joyful Rebellion is about opting in to ways of living and working that are more human, more connected, and more sustainable.

Thank you for being here at the start of this new chapter. I’m grateful to be building it with you.

👉 If you’re curious about collaborating this year—through speaking, facilitation, or strategic support—reach out. Let’s imagine what’s possible together.

Book a Discovery Call