On Women I Admire, Becoming a Sports Fan and Peach Caprese Salads
No matter how you slice it, this weekend has been difficult.
I haven’t really felt as though I’ve had anything new to add to the conversation so I’ve laid low in my own content. What I will do, is this.
Here are the women whose content I appreciate, and whose perspectives have been integral for me as I process.
On Insta:
For real words of solidarity and a commitment to nuance, I go to @shannanwrites. This post of hers, particularly:
Shannan holds spacethat places emphasis on humanity in a way that I just, at this moment of time, cannot. I always appreciate how she approaches things and even if we don’t always come to the same conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with her overarching message: we are meant to be good neighbors to each other.
@deirdreriggs has been my go-to follow. Her reminder made me breathe deeply. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfPZWANp36e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If ever I find myself caught up in the emotion of the moment, and realize that I actually need more information about legislation, history, or how our government works in general, me (and the rest of the world, it seems) head to @sharonsaysso. This post was helpful this weekend:
I’ve followed @nithweiseth for years now. I’ve admired her in ways I can’t even process on paper- but she’s been my number one example of what it looks like to live out your faith in ways that are honest, authentic, and uncertain. Her post this week got me.
@candicebenbow expresses herself in such a vulnerable way. She doesn’t have to. But she does. I’m grateful for her words this week; and every week, truly.
To hold space for every woman’s experience feels like an impossible task. I’m not going to get it right, and that feels risky. I can only, truly speak for my own story. What I will say is this: this weekend has been devastating to wrestle with in all the ways for those of us who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, infant loss, compromised health- those of us who would be unable to bear a child and live through the experience. Women like me. There is nothing black and white about humanity; all you’d have to do is listen to someone’s story to recognize that. I wish we would do more of that.
Lastly, as someone who is deeply committed to loving human kind in all of the ways, I feel it needs to be said; Black and Brown women have already lived through The Handmaid’s Tale. To express how this is where the world is headed for women is privileged, and harmful. There is more work to be done on my part.
Take away every legislation, bill, decision, edict, stance and you’ll find a person with a story. Make it your mission to find all of the stories. All of them. Meet people in person and look into their eyes when they express their passions, their sorrows, their experiences, their stories. Turn off your alarm system for a half hour and let them share with abandon. Really, really listen. We’ll all be better for it.
And, now. To the good stuff.
Things That Are Saving My Life Right Now
I love to swim. I love cute swimwear. Finding a supportive, cute suit I can seriously swim in proved to be difficult. This one does the trick:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WHLRDLD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Can you believe I went to Yankees Stadium for the first time in my entire life a few weeks ago???? Here were some of my thoughts about being a fan.
3. I was so thrilled to have been interviewed by my friend, Brooke Turbyfill this week about my writing and the process/es I use. You can view part 1 of our Q&A here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfPOdhaJJnM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
4. I made a commitment in May to move my body 3-4 times a week. I’ve only, at one other time in my life, been able to keep such a commitment. It’s been 6 weeks now and I haven’t missed a week. May I be very, very honest: moving does not make me feel good in my body. I know, I know. I know all the research, I know the science, I also know my experience. Folks who have struggled with body image their entire lives do not always have positive movement experiences. It has not made me feel better in my body, it has not helped me sleep any better, and sometimes, it actually increases my anxiety ( this happens, sometimes, to people prone to anxiety attacks- when your heartrate goes up, it mimics an increase in heartrate due to anxiety). What it HAS done, and why I will keep doing it is this: even if it doesn’t FEEL good, I know it IS good. I want to be around for quite a long time, and thus, this is necessary. It gets me outside, which I love. Vitamin D is real. I need it. When I make a commitment to myself and keep it- it honors something inside of me that says I believe that I’m worth it. And that is a beautiful thing.
5. Lastly- it’s summer, so I’m basically only eating peach caprese salads from now until September. Here’s the loose recipe:
(Feeds 2 People):
Slice two peaches, skins on
a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
a handful of torn basil and mint
6 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
Balsamic reduction, olive oil, salt and pepper
Toss all together or layer in pretty patterns. Enjoy all summer. :)
May you find some joy in today; a baseball game, a summer salad, a coffee with a friend who really listens to you.
And if you have to eat your words- do so with humility. And a side of mint chip. It helps.