Staying Afloat
What's on my mind these terrible, no-good days
Dear Friends,
I don’t want to write about war. I don’t want to consider the news that California might be targeted or do the research to determine if the intel is reliable. I don’t want to witness a mother clutch her daughter while their home is being bombed, and I really don’t want to think about the countless people who have lost their lives in many other senseless acts of violence. I don’t want to wonder if it’s safe for me to post about politics or worry that people will take my empathy the wrong way. (Since when was empathy controversial?)
But this is the world I’m living in, and these are the things on my mind. Rama and I often talk about how we can stay informed and do the right thing but also take time to rest so that we don’t burn out.
On a good day, I feel myself awake and present with my family, motivated and creative at work and in the community, and mindful with my own care.
On a bad day, I find myself diving head first into the news and social media, distracted from doing my job well, and cranky and exhausted with everyone and everything.
Most days, it’s a little of both. I feel like I’m bobbing up and down in the water, sinking below the surface, then coming back up to catch my breath and feel the sun on my face.
How are you doing these days?
xo Christine
Good Things
Honoring Dad by starting the day on the porch and ending it with ice cream at Perla’s
Mellow, mid-afternoon Costco runs
A crate of mangoes
My Stranger Things astrological sign is Bob Sun, Nancy Moon, Steve Rising. Do with that what you will.
A walk on the pier with my brother
Picking up Rama from the airport feels like the olden days
Pasalubongs from Atlas Stationers
Maira’s living room cleanup sesh
Henry’s email precision
I never thought I’d be the girl who enjoys acupuncture, but I was wrong
Good Movies
My mom and I used to watch all the awards shows together. I gawked at my band crushes at the Grammys and cheered on my favorite sitcoms at the Emmys, but the Oscars was always my favorite awards ceremony to watch. I love celebrating films, and I enjoy the fashion too. In anticipation of the show this weekend, I’ve watched a few of the Best Picture nominated films the past several weeks. The ones I most recommend are Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Bugonia. They aren’t for the faint at heart, but each had me sitting on the edge of my seat with compelling, creative stories.
Good Quote
(For more good quotes, visit Rama’s instagram)
Good Deed of the Day
Make someone laugh—however you’re able. I’m not a good joke teller, but I say ridiculous things to my family that get a little chuckle.
Yes, this: “ … this is the world I’m living in, and these are the things on my mind.”
Listening & receiving you with an open heart, Christine.
It’s been a longggggggggg week, day by day by day … living with my particulars / personal and in relationship with the expansive, boundless collective.
As ever, when I am connecting with others and life meets life, I am better equipped to carry on.
Grateful we’re here, together.
♥️
"Bob Sun, Nancy Moon, Steve Rising" feels surprisingly accurate actually.