things that help me when i'm sick, the psychology of liminal spaces, philosophical musings, and more
Hello.
I’ve been under the weather most of this week. I blame platonic speed dating.
Here are some things that help me:
(I am not a doctor nor am I claiming that any of this will work for you, this is simply what I do to take care of myself when I’m sick)
I didn’t grow up with a mom who had a special blend of food or liquids that was a “cure all” or claimed to make my sickness go away. I did, however, grow up with a mom who always made me feel better no matter how sick I got. She would put blankets in the drier to make them nice and warm and tuck me into a cozy spot on our sofa and put on comforting Disney films like Cinderella or Winnie The Pooh. She would make me homemade soup that was ridiculously delicious (it was a vegetarian chicken noodle soup since I grew up in a vegetarian house). She would always go to the store to pick up my favorite sick foods like rice pudding, tapioca pudding, green jello, saltine crackers, English toasting bread, ginger lemon tea with honey, and other goodies. She would rub my back if I ever felt achy and always made me feel like I would get better soon (which meant a lot because I am a hypochondriac and whenever I got sick, it truly felt like it was going to take my life). I grew up taking OTC medicines and antibiotics if necessary because I have a very science family and we all believe in science and medicine so there would always be a combo of meds and homeopathic care- something I’m truly grateful of.
All this to say- during this past week that I’ve been sick, I’ve been missing my mom terribly.
Homeopathic remedies / things I enjoy:
-fisherman’s friend sugar free cough drops cherry, menthol, and honey lemon (these work the best out of any cough drop I’ve ever tried)
-beekeeper’s natural cough drops and throat spray
-emeukal drops sage
-ricola sugar free swiss herb
-ricola sugar free licorice (pls don’t come at me with this flavor. Black licorice is delicious).
-traditional medicinals tea: chamomile lavender and lemon ginger
-fortnum and mason ginger lemon tea (a real treat)
-fortnum and mason elderflower strawberry rose tea (another treat)
-not sponsored by them, but AG1 (athletic greens) is probably the most important part of my daily routine
-resting (obviously) - this is something I’m terrible at
-heated electric blanky which i love so much especially if i have the chills
-watching movies (something comforting) i will put on classic Disney movies like Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, The Aristocats, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast. Or a Nancy Meyers film or Nora Ephron
-if i’m feeling up to it, i enjoy cleaning up the house with fancy home cleaning products that smell clean and fresh like Diptyque’s la droguerie spray and candle
Eating and drinking:
If you have a partner or friend or mom who can cook soup for you, I recommend this easy chicken noodle soup recipe and this healing sick soup recipe.
(If you’re on your own (like me), the last thing you want to do is cook)
-for canned soups, depending on what I’m in the mood for, I like tomato soup with grilled cheese, but if my throat is sore, I’m going for something really brothy like chicken noodle or vegetable noodle with saltine crackers
-rice pudding or tapioca pudding are always so tasty
-oatmeal with whole milk and brown sugar
-cereal with whole milk
-eggs (I don’t discriminate how they’re cooked. I love it all. It just depends on my mood. Usually when I’m sick, I prefer scrambled eggs)
-fresh fruit always sounds good when I’m sick.
-popsicles are really nice, too
-tea always helps me feel better. I’ll usually go for a lemon ginger or chamomile tea. Sometimes I’ll do honey
-saltine crackers, plain toast with butter (sometimes jam), and other bland crackers
-toast with a light spread of almond butter and honey, or if I’m feeling hungry, an almond butter honey banana sandwich (my mom used to make this for me when I was really little and I loved it)
-jello (specifically the sugar free lime one)
-white rice with butter and seasoning salt
-miso soup with tofu
Okay, I hope this helps if you’re also feeling under the weather
Let’s move into today’s news.
News:
-The Psychology Of Liminal Spaces
The passage delves into the psychological and architectural aspects of 'liminal spaces' - areas usually bustling with people but are momentarily empty, evoking a sense of eeriness or disorientation. These feelings arise from a break in our 'spatial narratives', where our expectations of busy, lively environments are disrupted by their unexpected emptiness. Experts explain this phenomenon by pointing out that such spaces challenge our usual perception and make us aware of the absence of human presence, sound, and movement. The concept of liminality, traditionally meaning 'on the threshold' or transitional, extends to these physical spaces, causing dissonance and impacting our psyche, often leading to creative thinking or discomfort. The discussion highlights how these spaces, when empty, make us rethink and notice previously ignored aspects, resulting in a unique, sometimes unsettling experience.
The article critiques the recent social media trend of glorifying pomegranates, juxtaposing their historical and cultural symbolism with their impracticality and questionable taste. It highlights the irony of this trend, where the fruit's aesthetic appeal and symbolic richness in mythology and traditions clash with its cumbersome eating process and overrated health benefits.
I recently wrote about my love for pomegranates here. Contrary to the author's opinion, I love pomegranates and I hope they come back forever.
-How To Talk About Salary With Your Friends
The article discusses the value and challenges of financial transparency among friends, emphasizing how sharing salary and budgeting details can lead to better financial decisions and closer relationships. It suggests starting these conversations with clear intentions and sensitivity to others' comfort levels, recognizing that everyone's financial situation is unique and complex.
This passage critiques the commercialization of spiritual and therapeutic language, observing how terms like "divine," "energy," and "healing" have shifted from intimate, community-based settings to broader, often commercial contexts. It highlights the growing trend of using these words to market events, products, and services in the wellness industry, such as ceremonial circles, sound baths, and meditation sessions. The author notes this phenomenon as a response to societal fragmentation, loneliness, and a collective longing for connection, especially in times of crisis. However, there's concern that this commodification of language, originally rooted in genuine community and spiritual practices, could lead to a loss of meaning and authenticity. The piece also touches on the ethical implications of appropriating culturally significant terms for profit, suggesting a need for caution in how these words are repurposed in commercial spaces.
-This Isn’t Your Mother’s Mean Girls
A discussion about the perplexing marketing strategy of the 2024 "Mean Girls" film adaptation, which seems to distance itself from its musical roots and potentially alienate its original fanbase. The writer playfully speculates on the intended message of the trailer's tagline, "This isn’t your mother’s Mean Girls," exploring various interpretations and the broader implications for different audiences.
The article discusses how boredom, a common yet often disliked experience, can be an opportunity for personal growth and deeper engagement with life, drawing insights from the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. It suggests that instead of seeking external changes to alleviate boredom, one should look inward and explore deeper layers of their current life, moving through what Kierkegaard describes as the aesthetic, ethical, and religious stages of life. This process involves shifting from seeking new experiences to making meaningful commitments and ultimately pursuing a transcendent understanding of life's purpose.
That’s all the news I have for you.
Today’s films:
Heartburn (1989)
Notting Hill (1999)
See you soon.
Bye<3
