Lately I’ve been doing more thinking about what makes my ideal life. Will that make it happen? Well, no*, but envisioning what it entails (and possible actions in that direction) is certainly a nice first step.
Past Book: Designing Your Life
Over five years ago, I bought this book at a train station in Frankfurt! I’ve been in a “discern your life” stage for… a pretty darn long time. That’s all right, though—honestly, I enjoy research and reflection, and it’s been a gradual process, rather than than 24/7 “let’s discover” mode (which sounds exhausting). “Designing Your Life” introduces helpful frameworks and ideas, including paying attention to what causes “flow” states for you.
On Feb 5th I actually attended a seminar based on this book! I’m also reading the book The Squiggly Career, which reminds me slightly of its concepts.
Current Book: Everyday Vitality
I just finished this book a couple of days ago! Honestly, self-help can be hit or miss for me, though I am reading more of it lately. I enjoyed hearing from the perspective of an expert positive psychiatrist. It is evidence-based, challenging, and yet still encouraging. You can read my full review on Goodreads if so inclined.
In short, reducing negativity in your life is one thing, but what are the positives (or “uplifts”) you are building? How are you connecting with others and finding meaning outside yourself? I’ve had a bit of a “hibernation” approach to this pandemic in some ways, but this book is encouraging me to reach out more proactively (still keeping safety in mind).
Life Update: Delivery
I ordered real-life plants! After a few years of enjoying fake ones for a burst of green, I realized that I now live in a place with light. Unlike that year in a dark basement apartment, where my basil tragically died in record time**, I am home 98% of the time with an open curtain. In theory, I should be a model plant parent! I love the aesthetic of plants and flowers, so I am very excited. My order was delayed, unfortunately, but considering they are getting shipped in the dead of winter, I will gladly and patiently wait.
Watch: Kiki’s Delivery Service
I would love to rewatch this sometime. To me, this peaceful coming of age movie has a real “thrive” atmosphere, even if I don’t totally get the let-a-13-yr-old-fend-for-herself aspect. I think that is why young adult and new adult texts still hold appeal for me, especially those less focused on high school politics—it is still fascinating (and sometimes resonant) to see characters discover themselves, their gifts, and their relationships to the world.
Concepts: Thrive
A blanket burrito wrapped up in soft layers. Ice cream whenever desired, not only in summer. Healthy boundaries. A community of friends. Silence as it is needed, the comfortable kind. Fresh veggies. Freedom from expectations. A breath, a song, a gust of ocean air.
Thriving is a process, and to be frank, I’m not there yet, as my little pile of wellness books might suggest. However, I’m trying, and I’m optimistic, and for now that is enough.
Lively Footnotes
This section is longer than unusual, so it gets its own heading today.
* Unless you’re big into manifesting, like the author of You Are a Badass. Honestly, her system of energies etc. was not my thing, though I have to admire the confidence. When I’m done my wellness & career kick maybe I’ll write a book round-up list.
** Fun fact: I held a short funeral for this basil plant as part of a group project. I started dating one of my teammates a week later (still together). Are plant funerals inherently romantic? …Probably not.
Banner photo from Muskoka area, Ontario. The post is day “3” of this prompt challenge.
Am I italicizing book titles? Am I sticking with quotation marks? Today my soul said MLA formatting, so italics it is. Slightly inconsistent punctuation = peak chaos. That’s how you really know things are wild around here.