Mind - Solace
I took some time over the weekend to write down, in great detail, the sequence of events that occurred last summer solstice that led me to where I am currently. Without getting into too much detail (I get into it a bit at the top of my first newsletter), I can genuinely say that I did not see this coming. “This”, being the version of me that I have become and am becoming.
I can not say that I did not dream of the day where I would be able to feel truly expansive; mentally elastic and capable of pooling my creative energy into new forms of self-expression. I feel like I have been learning a new language—one that has granted me the gift of deeper self-understanding, without robbing me of my ability to love and appreciate others fully. One that only I can master, because it is how I speak to, galvanize, and provide solace to myself.
“This” feels more integrated, more present, more comfortable with stillness. According to my therapist, “this” is called post-traumatic growth.
My intention is not to add to the overflowing junk-drawer of newly pathologized phrases, nor is it to buttress the habitual consumption of armchair psychology. It is simply to acknowledge that there is an alternate framework—a more constructive outcome to going through a hard time.
Maybe simply knowing this exists will help provide solace to someone who genuinely believes that going through a traumatic experience only ever results in disordered behavior. Sometimes it really does boil down to “the more you know🌈”.
And so, taking a step back, the prompt this week is simply to take inventory. Where were you last year at this time? What were your plans going into the summer? Have you checked those things off of your list? Do you even still have a list? Where can you give yourself more grace and solace? Worth taking a peak.
Body - Non Recipes
Foods that are quite simple but have been staples for me lately. I’ve only provided the ingredients, so do with it what you will.
Eggs
Eggs
Tellichery pepper
Salted butter
Fresh tarragon
Salad
Avocado
Raw garlic
Champaign vinegar
Salt & Pepper
Cucumber
Fresh mint
Fresh cilantro
Fresh basil
Lettuces
Potatoes
Japanese sweet potato
Whipped cream cheese
Cinnamon
Fennel
Pepper
Slivered almonds
Dinner (Salmon)
Atlantic Salmon
Fresh fennel
Walnuts
Italian parsley
Cherry tomatoes
Hot peppers
Dinner (Chicken)
Chicken
Radish
Lemon
Dill
Whole grain mustard
Olive oil
Shallot
Fro-yo
Fage 2% Greek yogurt
Fresh strawberries
Fresh basil
Vanilla powder
Honey
Spirit - Summer Tunes
Quarterly playlist just dropped. She’s small, but so far she has a mighty vibe. I plan on listening to her at the park while getting sun burnt and reading Paradise Lost.