Good morning you broken hearteds.
I had something else planned to write about for this section, but… yeah.
Instead, I think I just want to pass along something I learned from this podcast I was listening to about what can help us during times of extreme burn out, uncertainty and traumatic events. It’s been helping me.
The psychologists who were being interviewed said that it really comes down to two things - kindness and compassion. And I know that sounds corny and overly simplistic, but it’s meant to be this guiding filter almost that’s placed between us and the world as we find it evermore impossible to find our way in all this.
I think for so many of us when we hear kindness and compassion, we automatically think that those are things we apply to others. And while that’s definitely true - this is more about extending kindness and compassion to ourselves and our loved ones. Whether it’s canceling plans or being slower with the laundry, or navigating doldrums and feelings of hopelessness… or just finding a way to go softly with ourselves as our emotions explode, mourn and drain.
A little whisper of ‘kindness and compassion” as you tell those you’ve gathered with that you’re struggling and still feel nervous in IRL situations. A stickie on your desk that reads “kindness and compassion” so you don’t go after yourself when tasks stay undone for a little longer. A pinned “kindness and compassion” on your calendar as you extend a little generosity to yourself throughout your busy days.
❤️ love to you all
Two helpers I look to during heartbreaking times are Brian Derrick (he breaks down smaller races that need our donations/volunteerism that can make a big impact on a local level) and Together Rising (they partner with local organizations to give them resources to continue their good works within the communities in which they’re already embedded.) Both of these helpers are grass roots and manage to get the attention and money to the people on the ground who are already doing the hard work and who need it most. Those are the two I’ve turned to this past week.
Each month, I’ll gather:
❤️funny tweets
🤩stuff to watch, read and listen to
🤝great follows on social media
🌈 music to soothe
🕯calming things
*****
❤️
🤩
The staggering brilliance of albums coming out this month: Kendrick Lamar, Florence + The Machine, Arcade Fire, Harry Styles and Bad Bunny to name a few.
I absolutely adored Heartstopper. And the soundtrack and score are both outstanding just fyi. And here’s the wonderful graphic novel it’s based on.
I also REALLY loved the reboot of The Lincoln Lawyer. Yes, I’m partial for shows that actually get LA right, but this series was a super well done mystery with great acting and all around escapist awesomeness.
There’s a new season of The Great Pottery Throwdown on HBOMax… needless to say, it’s delightful.
It’s not a newsletter from me without my newest British cozy mystery that I’m obsessed with - meet Shakespeare and Hathaway… yes, it’s exactly what you think it is.
I also watched Enchanted April for the first time and man oh man, what a delight. (you’re going to definitely want to go to Italy after viewing)
My tbr pile is getting a bit treacherous these days, but on deck are Sally Rooney’s new one, Beautiful World, Where Are You and Jacques Pepin’s The Apprentice.
🤝
Follow Andrea Mares for the most calming, serene seriously sigh worthy tarot card readings ever.
Follow Lennnie for adorable pep talks that we all so desperately need.
Follow Daniel Kwan - the director of Everything Everywhere All At Once - to extend the magic to your Instagram feed.
🌈
Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Pt. 5
Ella Fitzgerald - Spring is Here
🕯
Just a quick reminder: Please everyone check your Vitamin D levels. We’ve been shut ins for actual years - when I got mine checked this past month, it was alarmingly LOW.
I follow Dr. Darien Sutton on Instagram - he’s seriously the best - and he swears by THESE masks. I bought both kinds and holy shit they’re the best. I put them to the test this past week - a mandatory indoor work thing - and they passed with flying colors. Comfortable to wear for long periods of time and I was not exposed even after 12 hours of being among actual humans.
You know I love a candle, but there’s something …. here’s the thing, I like a candle less during the summer. (candles = cuddly, cozy?) So, I bought some DIFFUSER STICKS to try out for the summer. It is VERY fireplacey and musky, so govern yourselves accordingly. Although I will say? The throw is VERY lovely and subtle. However, I think I may try THIS one next time.
Welp, I went to the dentist for the first time since the damn pandemic and … it went FINE, but I can be doing better. So, I did some research (i.e. went on wirecutter) and bought the BEST DENTAL FLOSS, the BEST TOOTHPASTE and the BEST ELECTRONIC TOOTHBRUSH. Take that, JEEEAN. (Jean is my perfectly lovely dental hygienist who does NOT deserve this shade.) #JEEEEAN
I also need to stop biting my damn nails… so, I did some research (can’t remember where) and got THE BEST CUTICLE OIL.
I’m a huge sucker for good olive oil. I’ve been following the World Olive Oil Competition for awhile now and have bought some truly incredible oils over the past several years. HERE are this year’s winners.
🥰 I am here. Together, we will endeavor to just do the next right thing. 🥰
See you on the last Monday of every month.
Thank you. The timing of this message couldn't be more perfect. Thanks for being compassionate with us as you share this wisdom.
Hi Liza! As always, thank you for these lovely newsletters. Last week, my therapist shared with me an absolutely wonderful TED talk about self-compassion that you might enjoy, if you haven’t already seen it. https://youtu.be/IvtZBUSplr4