The Brightside Vol 20

May 29, 2020

ON REPEAT:

Joshua Tree, Rozzi

WELCOME TO THE BRIGHTSIDE

Let me start by acknowledging the news. I am heartbroken and at a loss for words regarding what's going on in our country right now - it feels senseless and impossible that in the year 2020, we're battling so much hatred, ignorance and racism. I hope wherever you are you're staying safe, hugging loved ones if you can, sending them virtual hugs if you can't be with them in person.

Something you can do right now is follow @colorofchange and text 'Floyd' to 55156. Sign their petition and demand that the officers involved are held accountable for their actions.

How's your mind today?

This short week flew by. The 4 day weekend was a BLESSING and I really used it to turn my brain off and recharge. I binged a ton of Insecure and chilled harder than I have chilled in a very long time. So that felt good. The workweek was jam packed though as a result of Monday off, so I'm glad that it's Friday again.

Overall I'm feeling as good as I can with all this heavy news happening. Zach and I will probably be heading back up to NYC around June 20th, so we're really soaking up this last ~month down here in FL. It's going to be bittersweet to leave after all this time, but we're really looking forward to starting our next chapter in our new apartment (we signed our lease last week!).

So, I've been getting really into faith podcasts.

I know. Wut? But yeah, I'm serious. About a month ago I listened to one of Oprah's Super Soul conversations with Joel Osteen (seriously, her podcast is the BEST). I was pretty unaware of who he was until listening to the episode, but his message really hit home. It was all about how even when things seem impossibly hard, it's so, so important to have faith in God's plan for you and trust that you're on a journey that will lead to good things if you don't give up and succumb to negative thinking.

I have to admit - after years of having little-to-no faith life, I really had to push myself to be open-minded to this message. As the podcast started, I could feel myself tensing up against Joel Osteen's southern accent encouraging me to "dream big and pray bold". That kind of language is just really foreign to me - and the past four years in NYC I've hardened myself to the notion of external forces influencing my life. I mean, yoga absolutely has a spiritual element for me, but I've had this mentality that no one influences my life except for ME. Like I vaguely knew God was out there somewhere, lingering, but I didn't think much about how I was supposed to get in touch with him. Or even if I wanted to. Or if I did, what would even happen? I was pretty focused on fighting all my own battles and moving through my problems with sheer force, because I thought that was what I had to do. And to a certain extent - it was. I needed to learn some things for myself and more importantly learn to have faith in myself before I was ever going to be ready to embrace a faith life.

But I guess I'm coming around to the concept of "something bigger than myself" being, or at least feeling tangible and real. After listening to the Joel Osteen episode, I was hit hard. His message stuck with me, seriously, I couldn't get it out of my head. And I was like hmm. Maybe this is something I should explore. You know, this whole God thing. So I went to the Podcast homepage on Spotify and explored the Lifestyle & Health category (I think there might have even been a "spirituality" sub-genre) and tried a few podcasts until I landed on Joyce Meyer's, which I love. The episodes are 15 minutes long and I just really like her vibe. She's honest and funny, and it works for me.

Her messages help me feel grounded and have made such a HUGE difference with my mental health. A lot of what's suggested are just frameworks for getting through tough spots in your day, and reminders to be grateful for the good times. I realize this might not be for everyone, and I was a little apprehensive to share my experience with all this at all, but it felt important. And hey, this whole newsletter is all about being my full self, so. Here I am. <3

Are you taking care of you?

I hope so. I am really missing my girl Mary right now - I can't WAIT for the day when acupuncture will be a thing again - but in the meantime I'm just REALLY trying to listen to my body. I have been enjoying lots of long walks as my main outlet recently, with some Melissa Wood Health and yoga when I feel like it. And I gotta say, I feel better in my body than I have in a long time. There's something to be said for not forcing workouts and just doing what feels right. How are you right now?

Highs: Starting a few new books! I'm digging into Book of Longings (biblical historical fiction - for anyone who's read The Red Tent and loved it, READ THIS!) - and Educated. Excited to spend the weekend working through these!

Also, getting a surprise care package with some AMAZING tie-dyed sweats from Zach's Aunt Pati. THANK YOU!

Lows: The week was just a whirlwind! I'm looking forward to going into relaxation mode at the end of the day.

I'm actually REALLY obsessed with these lamps from Walmart of all places. How cute?

happy brightsiding,

Always here for an email pen-palship, even if (especially if!) we haven't caught up in a while. <3

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