Things that help an anxious brain get through the week, Part V
I share with you what helped me make it to Friday
We are back with a new TTHAABGTTW, and this time: pregnancy edition.
This week’s things aren’t exclusive to pregnant women with anxiety, anyone is welcome to use this curated soothing collection of small moments of comfort.
Cultivating peace and bliss during this time has been one hell of a challenge but one I wasn’t afraid to face head on. After all, if I can grow human life inside of me, I can manage to find moments of calm and kindness to myself. However temporary these moments/activities may be, their effect is definitely felt throughout the day. So, feel free to use them as many times as possible for as many days as you need.
That one song I started every (pregnancy) workout with:
I’m a lover of instrumental music when it comes to working out. I don’t need to be hearing words that would distract me and believe me, I am easily distracted nowadays. Not to say that I never listen to songs with lyrics but when I find a good instrumental one, I stick to it with every fiber of my being. Just like I stuck to this song.
That one movie that is so deliciously perfect for spooky season:
The 90’s was the perfect decade for slasher films. Every single horror movie that came out of that era, no matter how mediocre, instantly quenches the thirst I get for good spooky movies as soon as October rolls around. The 1st Scream movie will forever be iconic, but I do feel like this one doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
That one book that I looked forward to reading post breakfast:
I am one of the very lucky few. I somehow went 27 years without reading this amazing book. No, I didn’t watch the movie either! Which makes reading this long yet easily digestible novel so fun to read during my pregnancy, I get to look forward to watching the film, all before giving birth. The Shining is a masterpiece in writing and description, something Stephen King has never ceased to amaze me in doing.
That one TV show that made me cackle so embarrassingly I prayed the neighbors couldn’t hear me:
What We Do In The Shadows must be the funniest show I have ever watched. And when you’re dealing with monstrous hormones and/or anxiety, nothing feels better than a guttural laugh, which this show is certainly going to provide. And yes, you have my absolute guarantee!
That one podcast I’m grateful I came across, very randomly:
I don’t remember how I came across Amena Brown’s podcast or when, I just remember it was a couple of years ago and I certainly remember how I felt when I first heard her recite her poetry. I was on a walk in the neighborhood woods and my heart swelled up in the most vibrant way. I now look forward to watching (erm well, listening to) her grow as an amazing artist.
That one piece of art that I relate to so deeply and can’t stop thinking about:
Every pregnancy/pregnant woman painting I have come across depicts us in this powerful goddess-like light - can’t say it’s something to complain about-, but there’s much more vulnerability to this experience than meets the eye. It is deeper than the way these paintings put a pregnant woman on a strength pedestal. I sometimes don’t want to be strong, and that’s okay. And that’s something I love about Amanda’s work in this gorgeous masterpiece. The woman’s stance radiates power, yet the wasps’ nest (to me) represents the vulnerability all around her.
That one meal I not only enjoyed eating but also enjoyed making:
I personally don’t care how warm it may be outside, I shifted into soup mode the minute September rolled around and I haven’t stopped since. I cannot recommend this hearty mediterranean-ish soup enough. I felt it needed more protein than just the chickpeas, so I went ahead and added beans, feel free to get creative yourself, maybe some chicken or some kidney beans, GO CRAZY.
That one activity that has brought calmness to my house, therefore my mind:
DECORATING. And I know a lot of pregnant women get the urge to nest but this is something I do every autumn, pregnant or not. Orange and burnt orange are my two favorite colors and I await this season impatiently just so I can transform my house as you can see above. I love antiquing, thrifting and popping into the party store to collect items that would bring me joy every time I look at them. And I bring them out every year!
That one newsletter I don’t feel worthy of reading because of how good it is:
You might have caught me sharing some of Angelica’s work on my Notes lately, but I feel I can’t do this newsletter justice unless I keep screaming about it. The writing, the setting, the remembrance in every word is transformative. Reading Angel’s Letters is like taking a trip down memory lane in the best bittersweet melancholic way.