Hello friends,
As we slowly emerge from what has been, in anyone’s standards (including bears), a long winter, I’m doing what I can to stay hopeful. This includes regular photo shoots of my dog Benny, pictured here doing vigorous calisthenics.
I have approximately seventy-five photos in my phone just like this—or more, cozied up in the same way but on different days. Some people take vacation photos from Aruba or Cozumel. I snap pics from the coveted spot on my couch in near-rural Minnesota. Not to brag. It is an extremely comfortable couch, and also nearly indestructible, which was our main criteria when Cedar and I bought it. I did ask the salesperson, “What do you have for the home that is basically a hospital, but, like, a rowdy one?”
It’s been a harder season as a caregiver, which is partly why I haven’t written much here. There’s a lot of bodily fluids, and I’m not sure that’s what you want to read about.
Here are a few things that have boosted my hope beyond daily walks, writing, and dog glamour shots (minus the outfits and the makeup):
Validation by Dr. Caroline Fleck
Who doesn’t want to be validated, especially in this world? I found this book uplifting and much needed in these times. It’s more therapy-related than I had anticipated, and for me that’s a plus.
How to Be Single and Happy: Science-Based Strategies for Keeping Your Sanity While Looking for a Soul Mate by Dr. Jenny Taitz
I am fifteen years deep into a loving marriage, and yet I stumbled on this book because while waiting at the dentist, I read something that Taitz wrote for the New York Times that I loved. When that happens, I have to go to my local library app to see what else the author has created (especially if it came out more than a year ago, so I don’t have to wait 423 days before accessing the material). Before I even opened my mouth, I was able to check out this audiobook. It’s mostly about accepting the life you have‑‑not the one you imagined. It provides strategies for acceptance, thoughtful, tangible ideas and normalizing personal stories from the author.
I especially liked their exchange about toxic resilience. Dr. Aditi says, “True resilience honors your boundaries and understands your human limitations for rest and recovery and really celebrates your ability to say no.” Thinking about resilience as something beyond pushing through or rising above is helpful. Also, I’m just a sucker for these meditations and Dan Harris, mostly because of how much he owns up to his own anxiety and struggles. So refreshing.
With all of the uncertainty in our world, let’s stick together. Let’s show up for one another. And let’s sit on my couch and do a photo shoot of an animal who couldn’t care less.
To hope!
Emma
Ps. I’m on a plane right now, and the flight attendant just accidentally sprayed Diet Coke on me (multiple times). I’m not sure how that happened, but I know my mom would be proud.
💕💕💕💕