When I was a college student in Manila in 1989, then-president Corazon Aquino experienced her 8th and most serious coup d'etat. I woke up to the sounds of gunfire in the near distance, my cousin bursting into the bedroom I shared with my brother and exclaiming, "We're at war!" (She actually said this in English, which even then I thought was funny and interesting.)
Later that day, my mother took me, my brother, my cousin, and my aunt to the grocery store. Only one of the double doors of the entrance was open -- an armed soldier told us that it was closing soon due to the pending hostilities, but we could run in and shop if we hurried. We had maybe 15 minutes.
So we bought the usual things: rice, vegetables, some canned goods, candy. People don't hoard in the Philippines, even under the cloud of war. Our homes are too small, our fridges too cramped. We shopped like any other day.
Crisis can hang over you like an angry cloud, red and ominous, but the necessities in life are necessities for a reason. We have to maintain them, for our sanity, for any sense of normalcy, and yeah, we have to eat and drink and take care of our families.
This is not a normal time in America. I don't think America is going to be "great" again anytime soon, not for anyone outside of Trump's tight, sycophantic orbit. Not even for his supporters. But we'll still need to eat, drink, take care of our families. It's going to hurt, but we'll get through this.
I really like the "slow down" aspect. I also have the bad habit of working on many projects at the same time, and multi-tasking in general at work. I think one of my goals is to simplify my processes, which is kind of similar to slowing down as well.
Thank you for writing what I've had a difficult time processing. My journaling is usually fluffy and non-consequential. I think I'll make room for more hard hitting entries.
When I was a college student in Manila in 1989, then-president Corazon Aquino experienced her 8th and most serious coup d'etat. I woke up to the sounds of gunfire in the near distance, my cousin bursting into the bedroom I shared with my brother and exclaiming, "We're at war!" (She actually said this in English, which even then I thought was funny and interesting.)
Later that day, my mother took me, my brother, my cousin, and my aunt to the grocery store. Only one of the double doors of the entrance was open -- an armed soldier told us that it was closing soon due to the pending hostilities, but we could run in and shop if we hurried. We had maybe 15 minutes.
So we bought the usual things: rice, vegetables, some canned goods, candy. People don't hoard in the Philippines, even under the cloud of war. Our homes are too small, our fridges too cramped. We shopped like any other day.
Crisis can hang over you like an angry cloud, red and ominous, but the necessities in life are necessities for a reason. We have to maintain them, for our sanity, for any sense of normalcy, and yeah, we have to eat and drink and take care of our families.
This is not a normal time in America. I don't think America is going to be "great" again anytime soon, not for anyone outside of Trump's tight, sycophantic orbit. Not even for his supporters. But we'll still need to eat, drink, take care of our families. It's going to hurt, but we'll get through this.
Really great phrase and I love that you are using it in ways that are good for you but might mean some work on your part. Plus I am here for Team No.
Ooh also my word is Thrive. Like self care for you though it's going to take some work on my part!
I couldn’t settle on one theme this year… so I’m letting myself experiment and focus on one theme every two months… starting with Slow Down…
- January-February: Slow Down
- Less on the list & calendar every day
- More journaling between tasks
- Focus on fewer projects at one time
- Just take your time
- March-April: Work the System
- May-June: Shape
- July-August: Zen
- September-October: Back to the Basics
- November-December: Next Best Action
I really like the "slow down" aspect. I also have the bad habit of working on many projects at the same time, and multi-tasking in general at work. I think one of my goals is to simplify my processes, which is kind of similar to slowing down as well.
Thank you for writing what I've had a difficult time processing. My journaling is usually fluffy and non-consequential. I think I'll make room for more hard hitting entries.
Tracking the number of times you say "no" sounds powerful. I'm here for it!
I'm looking forward to successful attempts!
This sounds like some very healthy self-care.
Mine isn't too far off yours- self compassion. The Asian-ised people pleasing is such a thing. I'm guilty of it too
I hate that I'm always trying to people-please! It's honestly the worst.