Today is the mid point of winter, and I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy to share what’s saving my life right now. Because depression can hit me any time of year, no matter the weather, I’ve never really understood seasonal depression. It’s no secret that I’m a Daughter of Winter. I’d choose a grey, rainy day over hot and sunny any day of the year. That said, this winter has been particularly rough. I’m making an effort to notice things – big and small – that lift my spirits or make me feel alive, human, and not insane.
- Movie Pass – I still don’t understand how this works as a business model, but whatever. It serves me, so I’m happy with it. Husband and I love going to the movies, and now we don’t fret about the expense anymore.
- The Vetiver and Cardamom Candle from Paddywax – I originally found this scent on a clearance table at Barnes & Noble, but now am willing to pay full price for it because I love it so much. I light it on my desk every morning, and it calms me all day. I had to look up what a vetiver is, and now I’m seriously addicted to the scent and wondering if I can grow it myself? One warning: the large size bottle has a stupid design; it’s impossible to get a match to the bottom to light the candle once it’s burned down. Stick with the medium size. (Note: the shop is closed until Feb 5, but you can find the candle on Amazon and some other retailers.)
- A Reading Challenge – My friend Claire challenged me to read 100 books this year and I decided to give it a try, even though I hate ‘reading challenges’ in theory. (Read what you want, when you want, kids.) 100 books is not a whole lot more than what I normally read in a year, but now I will need to squeeze in just a bit more book time every day. Which means I need to prioritize reading. Which means I get off the computer much earlier every night. Which means I sleep better. Which is saving my life.
- Randy Rainbow’s videos. He makes me laugh, and very few things make me laugh these days.
- Stitch Fix. Clothes shopping is boring and itchy and expensive and I hate it. I haven’t done it in over a year, because Stitch Fix sends me clothes that look good and fit on the first try. Can I get an Amen?
- The Milk Street Cookbook. My mother gave me this for Christmas (she got it signed by Christopher Kimball himself when she visited Boston,) and it has quickly become my favorite. The recipes are simple, and the flavors are exotic without being too crazy or difficult to shop for. It’s really nice to feel inspired in the kitchen again.
- Quitting coffee. Yeah, you heard me. I did not quit willingly, and I’m still kind of pissed about it, TBQH. But it’s been almost a month, and I have to admit that I feel better overall. Not gonna lie: I still think about coffee all day, every day.
Your turn: large or small, what is saving your life right now?
OXO
Julie
PS – Truth:
My dogs. They were out of the picture for a week while I moved, but now they’re back and returning me to sanity with their take-no-bullshit approach to getting snuggles. Since you’re turning over a new leaf with coffee, maybe you can give it a shot with dogs, too.