the theory of time and human emotion: a reflective journey into the holiday season

Hello. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is next month and then it’s 2024 and we do it all over again. Time moves so slow when we’re kids. Every year seems to go by faster and I guess what I’m trying to say is that living presently hasn’t always been easy for me. But my biggest fear is looking back on my life 5 years from now wishing that I didn’t spend my days wishing my life away. I’m not seeking endless happiness or skyrocketing success. I’m simply hoping to live a little slower and with intention- embracing sadness, anxiety, and human emotions that we frequently bury that are inevitable no matter how successful we are (by patriarchal standards). 

Okay, those are my thoughts this morning. Phew. Let’s get into some news so you can be on your merry way. 

-Have Yourself an Early Little Christmas:

This article reminds me of A Charlie Brown Christmas when Linus talks about how commercial Christmas is becoming. (Linus forever. And Snoopy).

Despite acknowledging valid criticisms of the commercialization and early celebration of Christmas, the author embraces the early onset of the festive season for its practical benefits, personal joy, and the universal message of love and peace it brings, transcending the negative aspects associated with its politicization.

-The Plight of the Eldest Daughter:

Being the eldest daughter often means feeling overburdened with family responsibilities and unfulfilled expectations, a stress amplified by societal norms and family dynamics that disproportionately place caregiving and leadership roles on them, leading to a sense of guilt and frustration.

As an eldest daughter, I can attest to this.

-The Incredible Women Making Strides in Science: 

WIRED's month-long series focuses on highlighting 10 extraordinary women in science, addressing the lack of representation and recognition they face in their fields, and emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in producing comprehensive and inclusive scientific research.

Science is cool and we need more women in STEM <3

-Vegan Laughing Cow Cheese is Finally Here:

Hot girl tummy problems and Lactaid girls rejoice.

-Your A.I. Companion Will Support You No Matter What:

This article highlights the ethical complexities and potential dangers of AI chatbots, which are increasingly sophisticated and unregulated, offering 'unconditional positive regard' without moral judgment.

What a wild world we live in.

-The Lie of Deinfluencing: 

The brief emergence of "deinfluencing" as a trend on social media, which initially encouraged consumers to resist influencer-driven materialism, quickly morphed back into a more covert form of influencing, underscoring the pervasive and ever-growing commercialization of the internet driven by capitalism and the influencer economy.

I have so many thoughts…

-The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving:

There are a lot of food blogs out there and random recipes floating around the internet. But, whenever I’m in need of a recipe, especially for an important day like Thanksgiving, I turn to New York Times Cooking.  

-Speaking of Thanksgiving, Alison Roman is a real life Thanksgiving fairy sprinkling print magazines all around New York City and I would give my left ovary to get my hands on one.

-7 Things A Happiness Scientist Taught Me About Finding More Joy:

The author contemplates the true nature of happiness, realizing that even amidst luxury, one can be clouded by envy, shame, and insecurity. Delving into happiness as a practice rather than a state, they explore Arthur C. Brooks' insights from "Build the Life You Want," emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional management, valuing unhappiness for growth, avoiding attachment to goals, prioritizing altruism, choosing hope over optimism, and recognizing love as a key to happiness.

That’s all for now. I have drafted my little Christmas gift guide and I’m excited to send it to you this week.

Treat yourself to a good breakfast today, okay? This morning I had a croissant. And a cookie. 

Okay bye <3