Things that help an anxious brain get through the week, Part IV
I share with you what helped me make it to Friday
January was the most recent edition of TTHAABGTTW, and yes I haven’t come up with a new acronym (it’s time I accepted it), making February and March months of discovery and experimentation.
I have collected a basket of soothing activities and beautiful art to share with you so that you can get through the week!
Here are this week’s things, I hope they will provide you with some comfort as they did me.
That one (instrumental) song that made my heart flutter and inspired my soul:
I came across this musical masterpiece very randomly. As soon as I heard it, I felt transported to a magical and vibrant place leading me into inspiration and creativity. I have been listening to this piece while writing to you.
That one movie that felt like it was put on my path by the universe:
I have been finding solace in my kitchen, dabbling with intimidating and scary recipes, messing up and doing it again. The kitchen has been my refuge, a place where I can create, be fully present and simply have fun. Putting my anxiety at rest for a couple of hours. When I came across this movie, it felt meant for me. I watched it and it is the comfort movie. Food, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, what’s not comforting?
That one book that encapsulates resilience in the most tender and courageous way:
Now, I won’t tell you who Viola Davis is because if you don’t know then we have an issue. However, for those of us who know her, we know the amazing actress with an unbelievable amount of talent. And while she is breathtakingly talented, her powerful vulnerability, softness and resilience are what’s most admirable about her. Reading this book will make you cry, but it’ll be so worth it.
That one TV show that provided a much needed escape from the current political climate:
Lately, I have found myself reading the news quite often, bringing a sense of fear and discomfort to my day to day. The West Wing provides a counter-attack to these feelings by being almost dystopian, with its president who cares about his staff and people, and the staff rallying to care for the people. The escapism with which this show comes has helped with my hopelessness in the world.
That one podcast that’s informative, fun and a gentle companion on walks:
The amazing hosts of this podcast, Anney and Samantha, tackle feminism with research-based information in a graceful and comforting manner. They use their platform to shine light on issues everywhere by inviting women from around the world, in different positions and with different careers to help inform us all.
That one piece of art that doesn’t need a description:
Instead of a meal, a cake (is cake a meal?):
April 4th was my mother’s birthday, a day she hates but a very important day to me nonetheless. Every year, I work on surprising her with something new. This year, I felt presents weren’t enough, I had to show her my eternal gratitude and love in some other way. And so I spent half a day shopping for a chocolate cake and baking it while enjoying the process. My mom loved the gesture and thought the cake was delicious, and that’s all that matters.
Here’s the recipe.
That one activity that’s been scaring me but I finally did it:
You can read about my experience here.
That one newsletter I’ve learned from the most, this past week:
And while Roxane Gay doesn’t need an introduction, I feel the urge to tell you that her newsletter is just as abundant as her work. THE AUDACITY includes weekly round-ups of unmissable headlines and middle fingers to beauty culture. My favorite, however, is Roxane’s Emerging Writer Series where she uses her platform to highlight amazing emerging writers.