In this bonus clip, Terra shares how she finds magic in the in-between moments—reading for pleasure, chatting with strangers in a hot tub, and creating space to be fully present. We talk about the challenges of maintaining boundaries and self-awareness in a busy world, emphasizing the need to appreciate small moments and give oneself credit for progress. It’s as a reminder to leave room for joy and magic in everyday life.

Keywords

work, rest, boundaries, joy, opportunities, self-awareness,presence, gratitude, magic, conversations

💬 Quotes to hold on to:

“I love the magic. I believe in the magic. And if my life is full to the brim, there is no space for the magic.”

"It’s just work."

🔗 Important Links

Website: https://www.bookandbottlestpete.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_and_bottle/

Let’s Stay Connected

🎧 Follow the show on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app

📬 Subscribe to The Better Boundaries Brief @ www.thedawnlab.com

📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife

In this episode of Work is Third, Terra Dunham-dog mom, book and wine lover, lifelong learner, self-proclaimed struggling overachiever, and founder of one of our favorite local gems, Book + Bottle, shares what it really looks like to chase big dreams while learning to slow down and let go of perfection.

We talk about learning to do B+ work, building a team you can trust, the wisdom of a hot tub full of strangers, and how fiction can transport us in healing ways. If you've ever struggled to slow down or felt guilty for needing a break, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

• The myth of giving 100%
• Overwork as identity and habit
• Delegating and trusting your team
• Meditation, presence, and mini-resets
• The power of fiction and creative rest

• Reframing "busy" and redefining success

Books Mentioned

We Should All Be Millionaires – Rachel Rodgers

Year of Yes – Shonda Rhimes

Yes Man – Danny Wallace (mentioned via the Jim Carreymovie adaptation)

Be Ready When the Luck Happens – Ina Garten

Measure What Matters – John Doerr

How to Not Always Be Working – Marlee Grace

Over Work – Brigid Schulte

The Way of Integrity – Martha Beck

Keywords

gratitude, teamwork, entrepreneurship, business independence, work-life balance, decision fatigue, mental health, meditation, boundaries, integrity

📂 Section Markers

01:13 Section 1: Building a Business, Balancing a Life

26:30 Section 2: Making Tough Decisions for Your Future Self

📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Gratitude and Teamwork

01:55 The Birth of Book & Bottle

03:02 Navigating Business Independence

05:16 Balancing Work and Business Ownership

07:48 Decision Fatigue and Team Dynamics

09:20 Learning from Your Team

10:29 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives

12:17 Defining Work and Personal Fulfillment

14:04 The Pressure of Productivity

16:21 Mental Health and Self-Care

18:32 The Practice of Meditation

21:07 Finding Balance in Life

23:08 Measuring What Matters

24:29 Color-Coding Life

26:27 Seasons of Life and Change

29:08 Making Tough Decisions

31:12 Combining Socializing with Wellness

33:19 Creative Ways to Stay Active and Social

36:07 Recognizing Burnout and Taking Time Off

37:45 Defining Work: Purpose vs. Job

40:53 The Challenge of Overwork and Perfectionism

45:02 Finding Balance and Integrity in Busy Lives

50:11 Celebrating Relationships Beyond Accomplishments

53:08 Finding Joy in Presence and Connection

💬 Quotes to hold on to:

• "I used to think giving 100% was the goal. Now I know that letting go is sometimes the real win."
• "I'm not showing up as my best self anywhere—and that's okay for now. This is just the season I’m in."
• "Reading is my meditation—when I lose myself in a book, everything else falls away."
• "I'm proud of building something that can exist without me. That’s not just success—it’s sustainability."

🔗 Important Links

Website: https://www.bookandbottlestpete.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_and_bottle/

Let’s Stay Connected

🎧 Follow the show on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app

📬 Subscribe to The Better Boundaries Brief @ www.thedawnlab.com📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife

In this bonus clip, Hillary Van Dyke shares what’s currently on her “joy list”—from travel with chill friends to TV binges and the deep love she has for her baby niece. We also gush over the cinematic genius of Sinners (including her cousin’s epic camera work), and reflect on how hard it still is to let ourselves be still without guilt.

This is a soft, warm moment about what it means to embrace joy without earning it—and how rest can be just as meaningful as motion.Let's Stay Connected

🎧 Follow the show on Spotify, YouTube, or yourfavorite podcast app

📬 Subscribe to The Better Boundaries Brief @ ⁠www.thedawnlab.com⁠

📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife