The world is a mess, and it’s insanely hot, but...
It’s so hot in St. Louis that I want to move to Alaska tomorrow. Every time I go outside, I wonder why I live here. Why anyone lives here. How the humidity can be so high that I sweat before I start my run, and for an hour after. I have so much less patience than usual with this heat because, well, the world is a mess and I’m already using up all of my brain space on that.
So, just in case you’re feeling as chipper as I am about the summer, I thought I’d share a few things that are making me happy!
The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) new album, Gaslighter. I love them. I have admired their boldness since day 1, but this album is next level. It’s been 14 years since their last album, and you guys, they have apparently been through some sh*t and are singing about it. Lyrics like “I hope you die peacefully in your sleep — just kidding, I hope it hurts like you hurt me” paired with hopeful and loving parenting advice in a couple of the songs make for the perfect album. Check it out!
The book American Dirt is so good that I sometimes read a few pages on my phone while waiting in line at the store. When I saw Stephen King’s review that said “I defy anyone to read the first seven pages of this book and not finish it” I knew it must be GOOD. It’s the story of a mother trying to keep her 8 year old son safe after her entire family is murdered by Mexican drug cartels. Possibly not the best reading material to have a calm mind for sleep, but dang it’s a page turner!
3. Hypnosis meditations on Breethe. I love this app and have used it for years for meditation. I’d never heard of a hypnosis meditation before Breethe added them to the collection. I’ve been doing them pretty religiously for about 2 months, and I can tell a big difference in my energy (more!) and overall calm (more!) and quality sleep (more!). If you love the idea of meditation but have a hard time keeping your mind “blank” these are perfect for you. It’s a guided meditation but you are supposed to check out. I feel like I’ve woken up from a nap when it’s over.
4. Cold brew coffee. See rant above if it’s unclear why. Trader Joe’s version is my favorite! It’s the absolute perfect drink with french vanilla creamer and tons of ice. Ahhhh!
What’s making you happy during this difficult, crazy, hard, humid summer, my friends?