All the Good Things (1)

I don’t know about you but my thoughts and emotions are all over the place lately. Anxious about all the uncertainty. Scared for the future. Worried for my loved ones. Heartbroken for all the loss that so many have felt already. 

I’ve had to force myself to lean into the hopeful, positive thoughts and emotions… Inspired by our selfless healthcare workers. Grateful for the extra time to find some peace. A full heart connecting with those around me. Hopeful that we will come together and give each other strength. 

It’s honestly A LOT to deal with. So I do hope you’re being gentle with yourself every day, every moment. I hope you and your loved ones are able to stay home during this crazy moment in history – and that you’re safe & healthy. I hope you’ve been able to find some joy too during these scary days.

Because no man is an island, I’ve sought out help. Podcasts, books, recipes, music, articles… to inspire good feelings and help me face whatever comes. I’ve decided to start a new weekly post where I will share all the good things I’ve found that week. It’ll go up every Sunday along with the sincere hope that the resources help you feel good, too. Without further ado, I give you the first installment of all the good things…

• Celebrity Culture is Burning // Mood: disillusioned. Amanda Hess calls out the celebrities who are woefully out of touch and shines a light on the ones who are using their powers for good. An interesting read to be sure. (The New York Times)

• The Three Equations for a Happy Life, Even During a Pandemic // … because happiness is important, especially now. I’m taking this opportunity to go deeper and fully ask the questions that have been lingering on the edge of my mind for quite a while.

• Color the City: Coloring Book of City Skylines Around the World // After recently suffering a big loss, a dear friend brought me comfort in the form of her company and coloring materials. She reminded me how therapeutic and enjoyable it can be to get lost in a coloring book. Highly recommend this when you need an escape.

• True Happiness: Realizing Well Being // This talk was so what I needed this week. Key takeaways: When facing anxious feelings (something’s not right or something is missing), ask: How can this serve awakening? Seek to deepen presence. (Tara Brach)(You can also find this as a podcast, just search Tara Brach wherever you get your podcasts. This episode Sept. 20, 2019)

• Cheddar Scallion English Muffin Bread // She’s beauty and she’s grace, she’s everything I wanted in bread form. This loaf was so easy to make and was quickly devoured by my husband and myself. Pro Tip: toast it, butter it, add a bit o salt. I also made her Cobbler Thumbprint Cookies which were a true delight. For the day when you want pie but don’t want to make pie. (Joy the Baker)

• Crinkle Top Brownies // Classic. Timeless. Necessary. Make these brownies today. You are welcome. (Half Baked Harvest)

• Listening to this album on repeat // Couple tracks remind me of Moby, and therefore many guilty pleasure early 2000’s movies. I hope you’re feeling adventurous (and weird). (HNNY)

• Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor // Working my way through this important book because “You cannot dismantle what you cannot see. You cannot challenge what you do not understand.” (Layla F Saad)

• P.s. In case you forgot, (like I did somehow) the third season of The Office is amazing. Maybe the best. I owe a lot of laughs this week to that season in particular.

There you have it! I hope you find something you’ve been searching for in these offerings.

Be well!