6 Happy Things to Celebrate
Weekly Reminders to Stay Positive #12
Things I have been consuming:
Book: All creatures great and small by Alf Wright (a wholesome read, following the footsteps of a veterinarian in the Yorkshire region in England. Think Dr. Aibolit if you have read that Russian children classic)
Podcasts:
This podcast episode of Colin and Amir show with one of my frequently watched Youtuber ur mom ashley.
This podcast episode with Lana Blakely from the Deep Dive podcast discusses her journey to Youtube and general intention in life + taking the leap.
Conan O Brien Needs a friend with Professor of Physics Brian Cox. Prof. Cox discusses a wonderful idea of what democracy looks like among many things, very hilarious and educational per usual.
Creator Campfire episode with Mayuko. I love her calming energy and intentional approach to content creation and community building. One of the Youtubers I truly respect. The host Bhav Sharma does a great job of posing thoughtful questions that generate very insightful discussions.
Essays:
Re-reading this post by Ava Huang - Effort
Donna Tartt once said in an interview that if the writer’s not having fun the reader isn’t either. I think people make the best things when they love the process, when they willingly shoulder the inherent uncertainty and pain that comes with it. It’s almost like a form of prayer: you offer up what you can even though the reward is uncertain. You do it out of love.
The speed by which you do one thing is the speed by which you do everything.
Collecting data points is almost always more globally productive and personal pace-increasing than introspection
and this part where she lists her favorite characters in people, I resonate with all of them!
Curiosity
Consistency/obsession
Contrarianism (especially about people, e.g. extending reputational lines of credit to unknown/disliked people! I think a lot of people are currently overindexing contrarianism towards ideas)
Understanding the question behind the question
Having a heart-led reason why you’re doing a thing (spite is fine too, this doesn't have to be altruistic — any personal-experience-built emotional investment will do)
Ability to make people feel good around you
Writing well, quickly
Fast processing speed and ability to update beliefs/identity quickly
Having an early rock bottom experience and persevering (more of a commonality than a quality)
23 going on 40 by my friend Valerie, on the thought of quitting the rat race and living a peaceful slow life.
Mumbling about: the meaning of life is what you make it
I got my driver’s license! *Cue Olivia Rodrigo* It was equally exciting and momentous. I jokingly announced on Twitter that this is the day I am fully assimilated into America. I guess I can get a dog now?
Sweet packages from Viet Nam (thanks granny and Linh be for making this a dream) This is a concerted effort that requires complex logistical coordination across continents. Despite my grandmother's technology skills, we manage to shp it across the Pacific Ocean it and now I have lots of golden bear cookies to munch on.
Running again
Sunset running view Lady Bird Lake is a wonderful spot for running. I particularly enjoy the Boardwalk. One of my friends is doing a half marathon in 2023 and I am feeling very tempted despite being very behind on training.
Reading (I am onto the 42/45 books for 2023). I am whizzing my way through the rest of my book pile from the library but will update on my progress in three weeks.
December - the month of many birthdays. I am celebrating my friend Trang, Hong, and Nghiem Linh’s birthdays this week and last. They are all turning 23 finally! Join me in wishing them the best of birthdays.
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Nourishing mind (books/podcasts), body (nature/walks), soul ✨ I love it!