Hello, Bookworms; I’ve been trying to be more mindful of how much and what I consume in terms of media. But, unfortunately(or perhaps it’s not so unfortunate at all), I find myself sensitive to many things I intake, and the imagery, especially the ones I’m unaware of, seems to impact me quickly negatively. For me, it can manifest in a few different ways, but I think an easy way for my brain to take control of its negative thoughts, or rather maybe sit with them, is to consider what I turn to when I’m upset, and analyze if in fact that helps me.
This all sounds very general, but in terms of books, websites, podcasts, social media, shows, and even ads, albeit some of these are out of our control. However, the media we consume has not only naturally expanded due to our entire shift to an online world, but there are so many external factors one can’t control that the things we can control remain our sole responsibility. We owe it to ourselves as an act of respect and self-love. It’s easy to be active on multiple accounts and mindlessly consume what you’re presented online. Still, although these may feel like passive actions, you make voluntary decisions every time.
I’ve tried to control what I allow in my day by being very genuine and honest with myself in terms of what I’m doing currently and how I would like to be in the future. For example, I may want to be the type of person described with specific positive attributes by others. Whatever they may be, I assume we all understand and wish the same, that it’s similar to praise, compliments on your character and such. It’s not that I don’t believe this to be true, but I would like it to be true to my core. I don’t want to live a life or make even the most minor decisions that don’t make me feel good. There is absolutely no reason, nobody on earth, that should hold that much power over you, let alone a DEVICE!
And you are building yourself up to be the person that YOU would admire. That YOU would want in your life as a friend. Because it’s truly who you have at the end of the day, the people we surround ourselves with are invaluable, but you are the only person that will be around forever. As I continue to grow, as we all do, I have been more mindful about growth, self-reflection and things like that; rather than simply living my life, I like to be more aware of the changes and challenges I face. A few books I’ve either read or plan on reading in the coming months are below.
The most important aspect of growth, evolving and trying to better yourself is simply letting go of being perfect. I struggle with this, especially since it’s so ingrained in my behaviour that awareness of this trait isn’t enough to combat it. Instead, it’s an active, complex process of trying to re-wire my brain in specific ways just to be kinder to myself and allow for mistakes.
Books
I haven’t added an image, but I also recently read The One by John Marrs….what a disappointment. I get so unreasonably annoyed when the plot of a book has such potential, but it disappoints. Because NOW NOBODY ELSE CAN COME UP WITH A SIMILAR STORYLINE AND WRITE ONE…this exact plot will be forever tainted.
Rosalind Franklin’s story is one that I cannot believe I hadn’t heard before one of my friends recommended this book. HOW had I never heard of this, especially as someone in STEM? It would be an incredible story (which it is) if it weren’t so upsetting. The article I’ve linked here provides a bit of a summary of the book if it’s not to your taste and a bit of background on her accomplishments.
Articles
I adore reading, frankly..as we know. Not only novels or in forms such as audiobooks, but short stories, poems, and articles GOD I LOVE IT.
- This interview with Mary Midgley is phenomenal.
- A goldmine : Mary Gaitskill’s substack HELLOOOOOO!!!
- An incredible letter by Kurt Vonnegut, with timeless advice.
- The art of being alone; an article we can all learn from.
Quotes
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.
Steve Jobs
You must write, and read, as if your life depended on it.
The public has a distorted view of science because children are taught in school that science is a collection of firmly established truths. In fact, science is not a collection of truths. It is a continuing exploration of mysteries.
Freeman Dyson
Podcasts
There are a few podcasts I try and listen to every day. Of course, I won’t hold myself to it if I’m simply not feeling it for whatever reason. But I usually find I am quite consistent with this, just because I love the podcasts I listen to, and I feel it sets up my day nicely.
- Front Burner by CBC podcasts
- The Daily by The New York Times
- Huberman Lab by Andrew Huberman
- Inside Anna’s Mind by Anna Archer
- TED Talks Daily by TED
- Pulling the Thread with Elise Loehnen (a very very recent addition).
Videos
Poems
I’ll insert an excerpt of the poem (the full version can be found at this link); it’s beautiful.
Sunday Morning by Erik Rittenberry
Woke up Sunday morning to the ancient sound of the birds chirping outside my window. Laid there half-naked in a mess of sheets listening to her breathe. Her hair pours off the pillow. The taste of her love still lingers on my tongue. Maybe I’ll attempt a poem today. Or perhaps she and I will tote a bottle of wine down by the pond and read a little Steinbeck in the shade of a sycamore and forget about it all.
“If you say no to a thing, then you’re saying no to one thing. If you say yes to a thing, you actually say no to every other thing during that period of time.”
I’ve also determined that if my memory serves me, I will try to add a quote at the bottom each time I post. Not necessarily from a book or an author, but just one I most likely found recently and enjoyed. There’s something about quotes. They don’t have to arrive from someone impressive or known- some of my favourites are anonymous, but how they can provoke such profound and irregular reflections every time you read them is so distinct. I love the way one sentence can make you feel so deeply. It reminds me of the value of words, their power and the potential they hold to affect each of us so differently. Harnessing this power is such an outstanding ability.
“what makes night within us may leave stars” – victor hugo
Thanks for reading.
Reading On A Star 
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