I’m done with the "Hustle" Manual. I found a Map
On Human Design, “hustle guilt,” and the operating system I didn’t know I needed.
ICYMI: This is Part 3 of my ongoing series, The Soul Manual, a series on unlearning the hustle and reclaiming our inner rhythm. Read Part 1 (Intuition) here, and Part 2 (hormones) here.
Before you roll your eyes and say, “Oh boy, here we go, another personality test,” stay with me.
Side note: I love a personality test. An astrology reading? Inject it. Anything that helps me understand myself better and move through this world with a little more awareness, I’m in. Full body IN.
Except the Enneagram. The Enneagram and I have never gotten along. We’ve tried. It’s not us. I’m sorry.
And if this stuff doesn’t interest you at all… honestly, I’m not sure I get you. OR maybe you just haven’t had the aha moments I’ve had yet.
Maybe today is the day?
Let’s talk about Human Design. It is my latest rabbit hole and I have thoughts.
In Today’s Issue
✨ The Neighborhood Pro: Meeting Alyssa (and being “seen” before I walked in).
🌀 Human Design 101: What is this stuff and why is it everywhere now?
🛠️ The Projector Life: Why I used to think I was “broken.”
🤖 The Experiment: How I used AI + my charts to plan the year (Get my template).
🚶IRL: I'm hosting a 2nd walking club in Serenbe and a "sexy" fire pit hang
📍For the Locals: 👀 In Case You Missed It, 📅 Events
✨ The Neighborhood Pro
A couple of months ago, I sat down with a local Human Design expert here in Chatt Hills, Alyssa Oliha.
Alyssa is a literal ray of light (she has really freakin’ cool style and writes incredible poetry). She is so genuinely passionate about this work that she had a whole dossier of research done on me before we even met up.
She walked in the room, and before I could even start my usual chatter, she looked at me and said: “Ohhhh. You’re a projector.” (Yes, with a shitty little grin on her face).
It was like a doctor saying, “Yep. That explains the symptoms.”
And I sat there thinking, “Damn, is that good? Is that bad?”
But here is the thing: she is a fellow Projector.
And if you’ve met her or me, we might not always come across as “warm and fuzzy” at first glance. Our energy is pointed and intense. We are often told we are “intimidating” until we are invited into the conversation. Then, the light turns on.
(Damn, this made me feel seen. And I think it’s why I smile so freakin’ much. It’s my way of adapting and trying to come across as less intimidating—something I’ve been told I am my whole life.)
🌀 What Exactly is Human Design?
I know Human Design sounds like a lot. So let me pause here and break it down in the simplest way I can:
Human Design was created in the late 80s. It is essentially the “greatest hits” of ancient wisdom and modern science. It layers the I-Ching, Astrology, the Kabbalah Tree of Life, and the Chakra system all into one map.
The wild part? It also pulls in Quantum Physics. The theory is that we are constantly being “programmed” by tiny, invisible particles from the stars that carry data. At the exact second you were born, those particles left a permanent imprint on your DNA.
I know, I know. WoOOOooooOOOo. Stay with me.
I too don’t understand all of it. That isn’t the point. The point is to just have fun with it and see if you can learn something about yourself.
All I provided Alyssa with was my birth date, city, and exact birth time. This allowed her to pull my “BodyGraph”—which is essentially a map of your unique energy.
The goal of Human Design is simple: to help you live in alignment with your true nature rather than following societal conditioning. It shows you where you are “defined” (your consistent strengths) and where you are “open” (where you absorb everyone else’s energy).
Here is mine as an example:
Why this is blowing up right now?
We are living in a post-2020 world where the “hustle” broke for a lot of us. We realized that the “successful adult” manual we were handed was leading us straight to burnout.
I think Human Design is trending because it’s the first time many of us have been told: “You aren’t lazy. You’re just a Projector.” It’s a tool for individualism in a world that tried to make us all the same.
PLUS: It isn’t a test you can manipulate (like Myers-Briggs or the Enneagram). You can’t “answer better” to get a different result (hehe, who would do that..?). It is a snapshot of how you were wired the moment you were born.
I recently learned that the majority of the world’s systems and research are done on men. Makes sense. Up until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials. Women, we have been using a manual that was literally written for someone else’s body.
And since 70% of people are Generators, most systems are also built for Generators.
So if you are not a male Generator (hello!), you can sometimes feel like you’re failing at a game you weren’t designed to play. You aren’t.
You have might just been trying to run different Projector software on Generator hardware while using a manual written for men (I talked about this in Part 2 regarding our hormones, but it turns out it applies to our energy charts, too).
Ya feel me?
The Five Human Design Types:
Generators (37%) & Manifesting Generators (33%): The Life Force. They have the energy to build and do. The world is mostly built for them.
Projectors (20%): The Guides. We don’t have that same motor energy. We are here to see the big picture and guide others. Hi, it’s me.
Manifestors (9%): The Initiators. They start things and make waves.
Reflectors (1%): The Mirrors. They reflect the health of the community around them. Rare and fascinating. (Side note: I’ve never met one and am dying to, so if that’s you, pleaseeee tell me—I want to take you to coffee and learn everything.)
Which one are you? If you don’t know, go pull your chart for free at Jovian Archive. It takes two minutes.
🛠️ The Projector Life
I’ll be honest: my first thought was, “Wait, being a Projector sounds bad. I want to be a Generator. I want to be the person who builds everything!” Or at least thats what I’ve been trying to do the last 20 years.
For years, I’ve been trying to run my life like a Generator. I thought if I just worked harder, pushed more, and forced the “hustle,” I’d feel successful. Instead, I just felt like I was trying to drive a stick shift when everyone else got an automatic.
Human Design was my permission slip. It told me that my energy comes in bursts, and that’s okay. My value isn’t in how many tasks I finish consistently, but in the unique way I see systems.
(I’m freakishly good at packing a trunk and putting together puzzles and Ikea furniture. It’s a gift.)
One thing Alyssa said really stuck with me:
“Human Design isn’t here to tell you who to be. It’s here to help you understand what’s already happening in your body.”
🤖 The Experiment
I’m not living by this chart as law. I’m applying it through my own filter and having fun with it.
One fun thing I did after my reading with Alyssa: I combined it with my astrology chart and plugged the whole thing into ChatGPT (side note: i’ve recently switched over to Gemini, and dare I say… its so much better). I asked it to help me brainstorm for the business I’m building and to map out a month-by-month planning for the year specific to me.
It was so interesting and incredibly reassuring. It didn’t tell me to do something new. It confirmed that the “zigzag” path I’m on is exactly how I’m designed to move. It turned my yearly planning from a chore into a creative, fun project.
If you want the template I used to prompt AI to map out my year, just comment “PLAN” below and I’ll send it over.
Dating, Therapy, and The Cracks
In the midst of all this soul-mapping, Greg and I have been navigating our own “pause.”
We recently started couples therapy. Not because the house is on fire, but because this year has been a freakin’ lot. Family health scares, our daughter’s heart surgery, the world, the messy reality of young kids. Cracks showed up.
We are prioritizing dating each other again, and I’m already thinking a couples session with Alyssa might be a really fun thing to play around with. Imagine knowing your partner’s “operating system” to be able to support and understand each other. So cool, right?
(Hot Tip: If you are local and need a date night spot, the new Trilith Cinemas opened last month. It was gorgeous, spotless, and pretty empty. We saw ‘Marty Supreme’ and the whole experience was 10/10. We even snuck in some fun drinks from Soberish.)
If you're ready to see your own map
Head to Jovian Archive to pull it for free.
If you want to take it a step further so this really lands, talk to a human. Alyssa Oliha is a great safe space to start. She is a lot of fun and truly gifted when it comes to translating the gobbledygook into real-life advice.
You can find her and learn more in the local Serenbe & Chatt Hills Directory or book a session directly right here (this link will get you $25 off)
Also, if you are into beauutiful poetry give her instagram a follow.
🚶And if you want to play In Real Life
Last month, 20+ of you showed up on a FREEZING cold morning for our first Play Date - a walking club for grown women in the woods of Serenbe.
It was magic. So, we’re doing it again.
📍 Serenbe 🗓 January 30 ⏰ 8:30am–10:00am
Register here to save your spot and get the exact meetup spot
One more teaser... on Feb 25, we are going gather at 7pm at the Serenbe fire-pit in Mado to hang and sip on “sexy hot chocolate” made by Soberish.
It’s a blend crafted to support vitality and boost confidence. We’re going to try it together to see what all the hoopla is about. Sign up here for that one.
📍 For the Locals
👀 In Case You Missed It
Quick hits of neighborhood news + updates, straight from the community.
Hidden Library Groundbreaking: Terra School at Serenbe has officially broken ground on the “Hidden Library,” a unique nature-based STEAM project. Learn More
ATL airport travel Hack: Neighbor Kent found a curbside airport valet located across from the ATL West sky train station (next to the Renaissance hotel). It’s $15 a day with an online booking discount and include a quick 5-minute ride to the terminal.
Serenbe Farms CSA: Sign up for the 2026 farm share (Apr–Dec) to get 6-7 organic produce items weekly. learn more
The Unofficial Welcome Center: Glen Slater’s Pro Bike Repair has become the crossroads’ go-to hang. Neighbors are known to drop in with charcuterie and wine just to unwind. Catch the full story on the Serenbe Stories podcast.
New Local Directory: I’ve built a Serenbe + Chatt Hills directory to help us find and support local artists, musicians, and experts. It’s free to join, and everyone is invited to get listed. Get listed | Browse the directory
Composting Wins: In 2025, Serenbe produced roughly 350 cubic yards of compost, diverting 175 metric tons of waste from landfills—the equivalent of powering 17 homes for a full year.
Kids | Gardening Program: Registration is open for spring farm adventures at Serenbe Farms. Sessions run Wednesdays or Thursdays (3:30–4:30 PM) starting March 11. learn more
Kids | Terra School After School: Now registering elementary and middle school athletes for Track, Soccer, and Baseball. You do not need to be a Terra student to join! email Coach Sandy
Kids | Junior Tennis: Coach Antonio has new classes starting on Thursdays (Beginner–Advanced) and Sundays. Contact him at 404-951-1120.
Kids | Camp Serenbe: Early registration is now open exclusively for residents and Terra School families for June and July sessions. learn more
Kids | Camp Wondergarten: Angela Brown of Wild Indigo Academy (in Serenbe) is back with summer camp, but with some changes. This summer is a Waldorf inspired summer camp, ages 4-7, only seven spots each week learn more
Kids | Spring Ball Registration: Last call for T-Ball & Coach Pitch at Rico Park. The season runs March 14 – May 16 and is a low-stress way for kids to learn the game.
Kids | Youth Mastery: Tucker Jamilkowski is starting small-group soccer training on Saturday mornings (10:00 AM) at the Selborne fields, focusing on footwork and ball mastery. IYKYK - reach out on FB
📅 Local Events
The local events worth knowing about this month.
Browse or subscribe to the calendar anytime at lifeatplay.co/events. Add your own events if you’re hosting something worth sharing - submit here.
Jan 30 | We are gathering for round 2! Playdate (for grown women) aka a local IRL walking club 8:30am (free). Learn more + register here
Jan 31 | Sound Healing Above the Horses: Meagan Myrick leads a heart-opening sound bath journey in the Soul Barn loft at 12:15 PM.
Feb 5 | Open Mic Night: Calling all musicians, magicians, and storytellers! Doors open at 6:00 PM at Halsa (free). Sign up here.
Feb 5 & 19 | Health & Healing Series: Farmer Brandi is hosting hands-on workshops at Gainey Hall (6:30 PM) on making Fire Honey for immunity and fermenting probiotic-rich foods.
Feb 6-7 | Art Farm at Serenbe Kicks Off 2026 with AILEY: Film Showcase Weekend — a film screening, wine dinner, and live panel celebrating the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey.
I’m done trying to drive the stick shift. I’m leaning into being a Projector, waiting for my true “yes,” and building a life that feels like mine.
What about you? Drop your type in the comments. I’m dying to see who else is in my tribe.
See you on the trails!
xx Gina
Brilliant way to frame it as getting the wrong manual. That stick shift metaphor is spot-on. I spent years thinking I was just bad at productivity untill I realized the whole system was designed for people who can grind daily without crashing. Once I started treating my energy like a resource with actual limits instead of something to push through, everything changed bout how I plan projects.