New year same vibes:
This January felt like a year and time is still weird in 2021! It honestly seems bizarre that so many things were crammed into one month. I’m feeling thankful that we’ve made it this far, but not disillusioned that this year won’t have challenges like 2020.
January 1:
I didn’t get a cat! But I am a cat auntie to my friend’s cat, and I got to begin the year with cat cuddles at my studio. It gave me alot of comfort to have this cutie in my home. We began the year with new year reflections, journaling, intentions, and cuddles. Maybe one day I’ll adopt a cat/dog, but not anytime soon!
Books:
Chemistry by weike Wang
This book was a quirky fun book that I really enjoyed. It made me laugh and fit the mood I was in earlier this month. I would rate it 3.75/5. If you’re looking for a light and interesting read that has great insight from a Asian American and neurodivergent perspective, this might be a good fit!
Pachinko by Min Jin lee
WOW. This is has been on my book list for a long time, and I am so glad I finally got to it. I already know this will be a treasured book for me probably for the rest of my life. If you aren’t familiar with the scope of the book, learn more about it. I’ve thoroughly have enjoyed it, learned so much, and made me reflect. 5/5.
We will not cancel us by Adrienne Maree Brown
The way Adrienne Maree Brown writes and imagines always hits me in the most convicting and inspiring way. Even though this book is really short, I’m taking my time reading it - letting myself digest.
Posted on my instagram:
“HW: have more fun
In my recent therapy session, I felt such an overwhelm in my body of all the things I feel like I’m tackling in my healing process. So many things felt pressing. In everything I do, I feel like I’m putting labor in healing, which is such a privilege - but sometimes it feels more weighty than nourishing.
My therapist reminded me I need to practice giving my nervous system more breaks and I need to have more fun. It’s literally necessary for my system to be distracted from all the heavy lifting healing work. Pleasure activism and rest is something I always think and share about, but in this season I’m challenged with actually letting that knowledge drop down deeper into my body. I’m trying to remember that this is the long haul.
So my homework is: Have more fun.
I think I’m going to play video games for the first time since I was a kid! Sounds like a fun winter pandemic outlet. 🎮”
UPDATE: I bought a Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing. I’ll report back in a month!
Winter thoughts:
Chicago winters are BRUTAL. I know it’s just February, but so far I’m happy to say that it’s been enjoyable so far. Maybe it’s because I don’t have to commute anymore? Or maybe things have slowed down enough for me to actually enjoy seasons? Not exactly sure, but I’m taking this opportunity to take note of these shifts. I’ve been saying this alot, but it feels like we all shifted dimensions with this pandemic. Everything post March of 2020 feels different - even the seasons feel different. And I know that we all feel it collectively.
NDNXazn article:
It has been really encouraging to see the NDNXAZN project being shared on different platforms. Read this article that CTV did on the project!
starting facilitating again:
I took a two months off from facilitating, and I’m so glad I did. November and December were rough for me - holidays were really hard. Something I’m continually learning and trusting is being able to take inventory of my capacity and find creative ways to honor my capacity as well as make a living. It’s not easy, but I’m committed to showing up to my community from a place of resource and mutuality.
Starting the series was really daunting, because it felt like awhile since I held space for a group. But the experience of the three weeks were so generous, tender, and so replenishing for the group and me. It was the smallest group I’ve lead - and it was for a reason. I believe it was exactly what the group and I needed. This is a note for me to continue to lead from a place of integrity and vulnerability.
STOCKS???:
All I have to say is that this whole GameStop phenomenon taught me a few things:
Basic understanding of stocks work and vocabulary
How corrupt the system is (no surprise)
How to start investing in stocks for the long term and bitcoin
How important financial literacy is and how hidden it is to the public
I’m thankful for my partner spending the time teaching me about all of this! I feel more informed to make more wise financial decisions. Everything is weird! Who am I??
Food:
Taiwanese beef noodle soup
I made this instant pot recipe for the first time, and it turned out REALLY GOOD. It really hit the spot since it’s been so cold. The recipe is really easy to follow, and I’ll definitely be using it again.
tv show:
Bling empire
I really enjoyed this show! I don’t condone furthering the model minority myth, but it was fun to see a reality tv show that portrayed Asians. If you’re feeling like watching reality tv, try this one!
Coping tool:
During this pandemic, these noise canceling headphones have been such a security blanket for me. Neighbor noise (walking, moving, tv) or any noise has become a trigger for me…making me feel like my own home isn’t safe and peaceful. So whenever there is noise or when I’m feeling sensitive, I wear these headphones and put on calming music. And sometimes I put on earplugs to block out more noise. Thankful for things that support me!
Learning to trust my body:
A beautiful lesson for me recently is practicing trusting how my body/nervous system processes triggers and traumas. Recently, I’ve been less hard pressed to “heal” and tackle things. I’m listening to how my body wants to alchemize it’s experience and honoring that process. It’s usually slower and less intense than I’m used to, but I can feel the affects of allowing and trusting my body to do it’s thing. I feel more confident in the medicine my blood holds. I feel more confident in my community to support me well. And I’m so deeply thankful.
New workshop series:
I’m taking two weeks off, and then starting this new series! I’m super excited about it, because inner child work has recently come up alot of me personally. I think that art and inner child work pairs so well together. It creates so much space to have fun, play, gently heal wounds, celebrate, and grieve. If you’re interested in learning more about, visit my website. Sign up quickly, because it starts on February 13.
black history month:
Learning true history, educating ourselves with how the system works, investing in BIPOC liberation, and dismantling internal and external anti Blackness is every month, every week, every day. As an non Black POC, I am responsible for doing that work and holding myself accountable. And I love being in a community that embodies pursuing liberation from a systemic and personal and interpersonal way! Here are a few posts I appreciate. Click on the images to go to the original post.
@theconsciouskid
Hang on
Join me this February prioritizing taking breaks, having fun, resting, and finding humor in the ridiculousness of life.