6 Happy Things To Celebrate
Weekly Reminders to Stay Positive #5
Hi sweet friends, welcome back to the biweekly series where I share happy things little and big that have brought me knowledge and joy. I have officially bumped this series into six things instead of five because I was adding a bonus every week. Life is indeed overflowing with gratitude worthy moments.
1. Good reads I have been finding interesting these past two weeks:
This comforting essay on the case of Working From Home by Ethan Strauss
“Work had already swallowed up our private quarters, the trendy office open floor plan offered little room to focus, so this [working from home] is both our revenge and reclamation of sanity…”
Why Do Unpleasant Emotions Exist? from The Present Psychologist Newsletter
So, are negative emotions always okay?
The magical word, like with so many things in the mental health field, is balance. Our emotions are valid and exist for a reason. Undergoing them is necessary and part of what it means to be human. I always tell people to not suppress them but instead let it overwhelm you every now and then, as processing your emotions will help with healing and growth.
This essay from Noahpinion publication written about the case for U.S. skilled immigrants, how that fare with similar countries like the U.K., Australia or Canada. I found this section particularly relevant, it’s rare to see writings about international students struggle in the U.S.
They [US. Immigration System] force the immigrants who still want to come here through poorly designed and restrictive temporary visa programs that limit their opportunities while they wait for a green card. Many students who lose the H-1B lottery elect for more schooling they don’t really want since they are barred from employment. And many people stay at “safe” companies rather than take risks with startups.
This essay called “safety” from Ava Huang that inspired my last week’s massively loved and popular essay on love (thank you for all the sweet messages!)
The Art (and Wisdom) of Friendship from Perennial Meditation newsletter.
On the merits of tiktok and how it exposes us to newness and teaching us the things we don’t think we would enjoy from the zoning out newsletter.
2. My middle school friend Pink started her graduate school journey at UMass Amherst this past week. That is almost ten years of her journey with Chemistry, crazy to think about.
3. I’m putting together furniture and interior designing my room in Austin. Most of them are used and stapled pieces from my prior place but it’s beginning to feel cozy and colorful. Adulthood is filled of surprises it seems; I have never taken interest in decorating my living space lol.
4. My successful security of the Austin Public Library card (that doesn’t expire for 5 years no less) Now I can start devouring all the books without ever worrying about my local book stores not carrying them. As an Austin resident, membership is also free.
5. My little sister Jordyn finished her summer internship and receive her full time offer to work in Boston this past week. Really pumped to see to see her soon(ish)!
6. My little commentary tiktok on life in Texas vs. Minnesota got semi viral, that is more than 1000 people actually like it. It’s time for a career change?
Thank you for reading the Life With MD newsletter, please share this newsletter with a friend if you have enjoyed it and subscribe if you have not already. Comment down below a good read you have found this past week, I’d love to know.