Hey Y’all!
It’s been a while! I took an unplanned, but much-needed, hiatus for a few weeks. And while I thought I’d be writing over the holidays, the end of 2022 was actually pure chaos. But I am back and ready to write!
There is one small change I am making–as I figure out this mode of communication, and continually adapt it to fit my life in the moment, I will be moving to posting every other week. I like this space to be fluid because if I put too much pressure on wanting it to be perfect, I’ll dread it. So I hope we’re all cool with that. I’ll still be posting on Sundays, but had to get this one out to you all today because I’ve been avoiding it.
Musing
The beginning of the year is such a weird time. There is this feeling of starting fresh and wanting to make this your best year yet. And every year, I used to come out swinging with the most unrealistic resolutions– whatever I had convinced myself I needed to do to be the best me that upcoming year. But it’s also the middle of winter, and I would be exhausted from all the holiday festivities. So I would lay around my house for the first few days of the year, finishing off the leftover holiday treats, and then feel guilty that I hadn’t started on my resolutions yet.
I’m sure you’ve seen the posts about how winter is not a time for growth, but one for warmth and rest; that we should not be trying to set and reach goals, but instead ease into the slowness that winter brings. I mean, it’s dark at like 4 pm, if that doesn’t say we need to chill out, I don’t know what does. I, of course, cannot find a single one of these posts to link here, but hopefully, you're picking up what I’m putting down.
I still love the idea of going into the new year with intentions of how I want my year to turn out, but I am giving myself so much grace this year, allowing myself to not be perfect, and avoiding setting myself up for failure by setting the goal of waking up at 5 a.m. (I will quite literally never be able to accomplish this). So instead of a typical resolution list, I’m really just continuing on with goals I’ve already been working on and creating a fun list of things I want to do this year.
Hold space for myself in the morning and before bed—if I develop a routine great, but I just want that time to get myself ready/unready for the day.
Spend a little money on myself! That is the exact opposite of what probably nearly every other person is going for, but I have a really difficult time spending money on myself. For example: a few years ago, I randomly walked into a Lush and bought a bubble bar– I spent $10 on myself and literally spiraled for days.
And, of course, my main goal for the year is to REST! And as you know, I am already really leaning into it full force. I’ve napped nearly every day this year! It’s been wonderful.
Other than those goals, I made a 23 in 2023 list. It’s just a list of 23 things I want to do this year. It ended up being 24 because that’s what fits in a bingo card, but whatever. I’ve actually already checked off a few (got my nose pierced, currently taking a pottery class, & dyed a strip of my hair pink(ish)).
What’s Playing?
This year has been great for movies so far. I mean, I’m riding a movie high, and I’m scared to fall. I might be using up all my movie juju for the year in the first month!
RRR (Netflix) is one of my favorite movies of all time! It is the most beautiful portrayal of friendship I’ve ever seen. There is so much jaw-dropping action and just…I have no words. Don’t even look anything up about the movie, just watch it. I guarantee that you will enjoy it.
Matilda the Musical (Netflix) is exactly what I wanted out of a remake. It’s the perfect balance of being able to stand on its own and paying homage to the original. Also, those kids are crazy talented!
If you’ve seen this, who do you think would win in a fight OG Matilda or new Matilda?
M3GAN (theaters, rent via Amazon) is peak comedy. I think it’s supposed to be horror, but it was truly the exact opposite of scary. I was laughing so hard that I was in tears watching this movie. 10 out of 10, will watch again.
Pet of the Week
This week is going to Phoenix! We’ve been getting a lot of snow in Vermont, and she is loving it. Even when it’s as tall as her legs! She loves jumping through it and shoving her face in it to sniff the ground. It’s so freaking adorable.
Joy on the Internet
This beautiful newsletter about a No Baby Shower & friendship
Favorite quote: “One of my friends you’ll hear from, Sarah, has a nasty habit of reminding me that if I would do it for her, I have to let her do it for me.”
And of course, Tik Toks because that app has me in a chokehold:
“God bless all Black people” -Lil Yachty
Mechanics need to mind their business
Small Business Spotlight
This week, instead of highlighting a small business, I wanted to highlight a non-profit I’ve been working with called Abolition Apostles. The organization puts you in contact with people who are currently incarcerated and in search of a friend. The process is really easy–you just attend a 30-minute orientation and start writing! I currently have 3 penpals, and they each told me that they have been waiting for over a year for someone to write to them, so there is a huge need for volunteers. It’s a way to build community and work toward abolition. If you have any questions, let me know!
I really appreciate all of you being here and supporting my writing these last 6 months. I hope you’re having a wonderful start to your year and that your 2023 is filled with joy and excitement about what life is bringing you!
Also don’t forget to leave feedback!
See y’all next week!
Miranda