READING
My anxiety has been sky high the past few weeks. I can’t find the source or reason, which I am certain includes many things and not just one culprit, regardlesss, my reading life has suffered as a result. I am struggling to find peace or joy with what I am reading. It has been a lot of starting and putting down, which is ok, but also annoying because i just want to get lost in something (possible to avoid the current discomfort I feel throughout my entire body)
I have settled on a few that are making me slow down and enjoy, both are backlist books, which hit the spot:
A Place for Us – this is a long, beautifully written and quiet story. I find myself thinking often of my students, and my own childhood experiences. A deep look into the cultural and familial aspects of an Indian family, beginning with the celebration of a wedding. This brought back many childhood memories of my own culture and differences, the yearning to fit in, not adept to the culture I was currently living daily. This story is beautiful and heartbreaking with every day life situations. A slow burn but enough to keep your attention. I feel like I am part of this family. It feels warm and cozy, even though there are difficult topics. After all, isn’t that the reality of life?
On the complete opposite spectrum, a book that is feeding my “Saltburn” hangover, is “Social Creature” – major “The Talented Mr. Ripley vibes” and rich girl/poor girl drama. Dark and intriguing.
A few I have picked up and put down, just because the timing was not right (I will go back to these, possibly)
The Husbands
Have you read any of the above? Thoughts?
THINKING
My dream day and life
*****TW – Talk of disordered eating******
I wake without the sound of an alarm. My body feels light, there is no urgency or pull to go to the gym, move, or start my day. I lounge and rest and think about all the wonderful people and things in my life. I feel warm, safe, CONTENT.
I get up when I finally feel like it, I don’t take note of the time. I make myself a wonderful cup of coffee and add the creamer (without measuring anything out) until it is the color I like. Very light. I take a sip and wonder what I want for breakfast. I think I feel like pancakes, at the local cafe. I get dressed, slowly, into something warm and cozy, and make my way over to the cafe. I feel good. I am not hungry starving or angry because I want to eat right away. I am CONTENT.
I arrive, and order more coffee, in a pretty kettle, I can self-pour when I want. Of course, all the accompaniments surround it. I add what I want. I also get some juice. Orange today. I browse the menu. So much looks so good, what do I want? I think I will try a few different things. The pancakes, of course, with all the fixings, and I also want the fruit/yogurt/granola parfait, for now, I will start with these.
I eat and enjoy. Not reading anything, not scarfing down to avoid thinking about the calories. I eat slowly, enjoy every bite, and wonder about the care put into making this meal for me. How great it is to have a lazy morning, with someone else preparing for me. After I eat, I drink more coffee and order a few pastries to go. I nibble on a few on my car ride home.
When I get home, I read a bit, in bed, my cozy little nook. When I finish the chapter, I shower and think about the rest of my day. The museum has a new exhibit, that may be fun! Why not? I go.
The museum is wonderful. I take my time, see what I want, and read the captions. I write down in my notebook a few of the artists and styles I like.
Next to the museum is a cool bookstore that I never have been in. I grab a chai tea latte inside and wander. Touching, looking, and reading all the books I judge by their covers. I buy a few without thinking about the cost or that I could easily get these at the library or Amazon. I think about how lovely they will look on my new built-in bookcase (with window seating of course)
I stop at a cafe for a little treat and to watch people. I sit and just watch. quiet, slow. Wonder where each person is going? What is their life like? What do they do for a living?
I am CONTENT. I do not feel like going home yet (The house is clean and organized, I have nothing to do there). The weather is perfect. The sun feels so good on my skin.
There is a jazz bar nearby. I still have some time before the players arrive, I will walk around and browse the lovely little shops. Smell the perfumes, touch the fabrics, and make a few purchases, without guilt. I feel so good. I am warm, content, and not thinking about food, exercise, or calories.
I make my way over to the low-lit, speakeasy-styled jazz bar. They are setting up. I find the perfect table and begin to read one of the books I bought today. I am not thinking about food or drink or money. When the waitress finally comes over, I ask for the menu, instead of ordering my “safe” go-to items. I want something spicy to drink, something I can take my time with, sip on, and savor. I order the spicy cocktail that is amazing and ask for snacks to go along with it. Crackers, nuts, olives, cheeses (vegan) pretzels (oh gosh, pretzels, YUM) I try each item to see which tastes best with my drink. I decided the pretzels were the perfect combination. The salty pretzels and the slight sweetness and spice of my drink are perfect. I don’t count the number of pretzels I eat, I don’t notice if the bowls get lower or empty. I don’t even notice when the waitress refills my drink and brings more snacks. I am just sitting, enjoying. Not a thought in the world about food or movement.
The jazz band is excellent. I can stay here, I am CONTENT. I am not hungry, thinking about getting home to eat something. I am not worried that I have sat more today than moved/walked. I just am. I am enjoying this. It feels so good. Warm, safe, perfect
When I finish, I call an Uber to take me home. No urgency, because I am CONTENT. My cat is waiting for me at home, not worrying about what I may walk into. Will he be drunk? High? No, no one is there, besides my cat, and maybe the perfectly trained cute pup I just adopted? Yes, it is quiet, but I love it. I have people in my life that I love and that love me. I have met many interesting people today and have my fill of socialization. The cute, smart guy at the museum also had a notebook. The small group of women in their 50s at the jazz bar
It was fun. It was fulfilling. I feel CONTENT
I can’t wait to do this again but it will be completely different. Different foods, different places, different people. It is not the same. It is never the same unless I want it to be
IS THIS WHAT LIVING CAN BE?
SHARING
I look forward to reading Hitha’s substack each and every Sunday. This week she includes a challenge which I feel is wonderful and so eye opening. It encourages you to think about your days on a health, wellness, social, work aspect and just like on a tick timer, rate and journal about what your day looks like at a level 0, 3, and 5 (5 being the best). Here is the actual prompt she includes:
- Journal what a level 0, level 3, and level 5 days look like for you
- Go deeper in each of these days and make note of these specific areas:
- Sleep
- Meals
- Exercise
- How you spend your personal time
- Time with your loved ones
- Take a look at your level 3 & 5 things in these categories, and highlight the ones that feel fairly easy and effortless. Write them down in a separate note in your phone or wherever you keep your notes to help reference when you’re having a level 0-1 day
A level 5 day for me would be glorious. I would love to find a way to achieve the sensation more. My “5” day would include
- feeling content in my body and mind (food, movement, mental health)
- Feeling energized and alive
- Full of excitement and energy
- Wanting the day to feel endless
- Not spending the majority of the day thinking about food – eating what I want, when I want, and not second guessing or dissecting decisions
- 1-2 hours of social time with someone I enjoy/feel safe around
- Joints feel great
- No stomach issues
- My chest feels light
- My head is clear
- My voice is strong and loud and outspoken
- Speaking up when something does not feel/sit right with me
- Having patience (with myself and others)
- Enjoying the moments, instead of waiting for them to end or getting to the next thing
- Rest without guilt
What does a level 0, 3, 5 day look like for you?
New cocktail vocabulary, for those of you that adore cocktails as I do. I am definitely not a fruit bat, and do not consider myself a “civilian” 😉
This new show sounds pretty incredible, have you watched “One Day” yet?
Wow, at 79, she has visited EVERY country in the world! #goals
One of my goals this year is to have more fun, do more things I enjoy/love, and shake my routine up a bit, So I am excited that I just booked tickets and a hotel to the Hamptons Whodunit festival. I AM SO EXCITED!! So many great authors, signings and activities!!!
Would you spend $50 on a box of croissant cereal?
WANTING
Doen has such lovely things, like this flirty, feminine top
How fabulous is this rotating puzzle tray! I want!
Super cute set, for summer
Pretty potting table (mom this would look great in your sun room!)
The sweetest mini for summer
press for champagne (adore this!)
really pretty dress (under $100)
Love the green AND the blue color in this adorable set
have and love this little shell earrings! #excitedforsumma
Love the color and style of this swimsuit!
My friend just posted herself wearing these stunning Lucite Post drop earrings. Jaw drop!
A pair of chunky hoops that look designer (under $15)
While in Target yesterday, a few things caught my eye including this pillow, and these glasses
Another great trouser pant to wear with my new adidas kicks (will they ever come back in stock in my size?)
Currently loving this nail color, which is also on trend, if that matters to you 🙂
What a pretty lamp for a library/study/sitting room
ADORE this chaise/chair/lounger
VOMIT
Can’t wait for this installment of “Wicked”, but really November 2024? Whyyyyyy soooooo longggg
Very much looking forward to watching the summer olympics :). The last time the summer olympics were on, my mom and I traveled to Canada, it was the BEST trip ever. We had a cozy little airbnb and the best part of the trip, the evenings I spent with my dad on the couch watching the summer olympics. <3. So much joy.
My word of the year = CONTENT