valentine's day nostalgia, the complexities of therapy language, and the nature of loneliness
Hello.
I went to Target the other day and saw more Valentine’s day stuff in the holiday section and it got me thinking about some fun newsletter ideas for you. Maybe I’ll write up a list of some of my favorite Valentine’s day inspired books, tv shows, films, activities, etc. (Don’t worry, I’ll provide options for anti-valentine’s day people as well).
I made a similar newsletter for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe I’ll do something like this for each holiday.
Are you a fan of the holidays as well? As a young girl my mom always made each holiday feel so special. My upbringing was heavily rooted in traditions. We always found ways to celebrate even the smallest of occasions. For Valentine’s day in particular, my mom and I would make our own Valentines to hand out in my classroom. I remember one year we made little woodland creature cards with stamps and glitter and gems. We put each card in a cello bag filled with candy and treats to give to each kid in my class. She would always bring cookies and candy and volunteer to do crafts during school. Oh, to be a child in elementary school again.
This week I’ll be sending out a list of some of my favorite tv shows as well as a little winter inspired letter with some fun playlists, films, and other activities to keep you busy during the season.
Random, but you know what feel-good tv show I started watching again?
New Girl.
I forgot how funny and comforting this show is.
Highly recommend.
News:
-Against Counting The Books You Read
The author’s reflection on reading 40 books last year reveals a complex relationship with literature, suggesting that quantity may not be a definitive measure of literary engagement or understanding. This introspection challenges the conventional metric of counting books as a measure of intellectual accomplishment, proposing a more nuanced consideration of reading habits and their personal significance.
The piece is a complex, introspective narrative exploring the author's relationship with Barbie dolls, from childhood enactments of crises reflecting deeper psychological battles to adult reflections on the toxic allure of perfection. The author skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with cultural analysis, revealing Barbie as a symbol of unattainable beauty and societal expectations, while also acknowledging a deep-seated desire to both emulate and destroy this icon of femininity. The narrative further delves into the broader implications of such symbolism, touching on themes of autonomy, motherhood, and the conflicting emotions of admiration and resentment.
In the realm of therapy, Moe Ari Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding and accurately using psychological terms, noting how clients often misuse labels like "narcissist" to describe challenging relationships without grasping the clinical implications. This narrative reveals a broader societal trend where colloquial use of mental health terminology often dilutes its meaning, prompting therapists to advocate for more nuanced and specific language to capture the complexities of human experience and relationships.
-There’s More Than One Way To Feel Lonely
Rohit Singla's persistent sense of loneliness amidst a network of friends and acquaintances reflects a deep-seated feeling of alienation and the craving for meaningful connections, a sentiment increasingly common in today's society. This narrative delves into the complexities of loneliness, highlighting its subjective nature and the various dimensions it encompasses, from social and emotional to existential, and emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address this pervasive issue, both individually and societally.
-Morning Light Is Crucial For Happiness. Here’s How To Get It.
The story captures the chilling grip of winter's darkness on a person's mood and sleep, portraying the struggle of waking up in pitch-black mornings and the pervasive feeling of loneliness and sadness that can accompany seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It also illuminates the path to alleviation through exposure to bright light early in the morning, detailing how such a routine can reset the body's circadian rhythm and significantly mitigate the effects of SAD. This narrative not only highlights the bleakness of winter's impact on mental health but also offers a beacon of hope through simple yet effective strategies to combat the seasonal gloom.
-A Touch Of Absurdity Can Help Wrap Your Mind Around Reality
According to the 'meaning maintenance model' of human psychology, surreal and absurd art disrupts our mental framework, causing discomfort akin to physical pain but ultimately leading to a reaffirmation of personal identity and a sharper mind. This discomfort, akin to the existential angst described by Camus, prompts us to seek understanding and order, thereby enhancing cognitive abilities. Moreover, this model suggests such art can be educational, encouraging deeper thinking and understanding. In a world increasingly polarized and unpredictable, surreal art offers a safe space to confront and explore our deepest fears and uncertainties, aiding in our continual quest for meaning.
-Multigenerational Living Often Makes Sense. That Doesn’t Make It Easy
The narrative provides a deeply personal and nuanced account of multigenerational living, focusing on the author's experience of residing with his mother in a Vancouver Special home. Despite the economic and social benefits of such arrangements, the author expresses a sense of ambivalence and exhaustion. He describes the challenges of caring for his mother after she becomes more dependent due to health issues and the tension arising from their proximity. The story reflects broader themes about the cultural and societal shifts toward multigenerational living, touching upon the stigmas, emotional complexities, and evolving dynamics within families. It also discusses alternative living arrangements that maintain independence while providing support, suggesting a need for diverse options to suit individual and familial needs.
That’s all for today.
Don’t forget to drink water and eat breakfast this morning.
Bye <3
