Friday Reflection #16: Wild and free!
Sad about smut, baby's first comic, and quirky home goals
Welcome to Friday Reflections! A weekly newsletter sharing 3 thoughts and/or things I loved and learned from the week as I navigate learning how to create a life I’m nourished by, and thriving in, without my mom (or caregiving for her).
Hey hey!
Ah, a recovery week…
And a miracle happened! I’ve been wanting to keep a physical journal for a long while now, but my hand hurts within a few sentences. I’ve tried different holds, pens, paper… And it’s never worked.
What’s more frustrating is that I used to journal! But something must have shifted and clicked cause I wrote three pages–nonstop–in a “training wheel” journal!
It was supposed to be a journal from around the house that I vowed to commit to until finished, then I would allow myself to invest in a nicer journal.
… But I caved. Haha!
It won’t come until after this newsletter goes out, but I just got some pens to write with (needed thinner ink for smaller margins), some Crayola super tip markers, and an emerald green notebook that folds back on itself that’ll be perfect for travel (something we’re doing several more times this year!).
I didn’t wanna switch back and forth between this “training wheel” notebook and the new one when we head out to travel… Or even bring this bigger notebook that doesn’t fold on itself soooo…
Invest I did!
Not much else has been going on. I’m on the hunt for the perfect romance novel (I am picky!) after reading a YA novel that was a bit cringy but had a strangers-to-lovers development that ended up kinda rushed… It left me romantically emaciated.
So I’m looking for a well-written contemporary romance novel that’s more strangers-to-lovers and is closed-door or clean BUT still flirtatious and/or steamy.
*Sigh*
I’m reading a couple; we’ll see how they go.
Lastly, I’m still trying to figure out how to successfully record myself playing Stardew Valley and have ordered a mic to see if that fixes all the issues I’ve been stumbling across. Wish me luck!
Now on to the three things for the week.
Thing One: Untamed
This book is one I’ll have to buy physically to highlight.
I’ve seen Glennon Doyle’s book for years and remember hearing that the queer community liked it… But after a therapy session, I decided I wanted to find a book that helped solidify this need and desire to show up no longer silencing myself and my feelings…
And oh baby, this book is IT.
I believe most of this book is a must-read (or even listen) for everyone.
Not only are her metaphors and anecdotes able to drive home her points with exquisite power, but she’s hitting on A LOT of points that just wash over you, are needed, and are enlightening.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself.”
― Glennon Doyle, Untamed
“I will not stay, not ever again - in a room or conversation or relationship or institution that requires me to abandon myself.”
― Glennon Doyle, Untamed
“We weren’t born distrusting and fearing ourselves. That was part of our taming. We were taught to believe that who we are in our natural state is bad and dangerous. They convinced us to be afraid of ourselves. So we do not honor our own bodies, curiosity, hunger, judgment, experience, or ambition. Instead, we lock away our true selves. Women who are best at this disappearing act earn the highest praise: She is so selfless. Can you imagine? The epitome of womanhood is to lose one’s self completely. That is the end goal of every patriarchal culture. Because a very effective way to control women is to convince women to control themselves.”
― Glennon Doyle, Untamed
Thing Two: I’ve fallen in LOVE with quirky homes!!
Watched Jnaydaily’s most recent video and she debuted her friend Claire to the vlog. And wow, did I enjoy Claire!
She seems fun and quirky, and her home is exceptional!
I’ve never been one super into home decor. At most, I’ve realized I like white bathrooms with black hardware (is that the right word?) and… green and gold kitchens? I think?
But Claire’s style is her own, and it speaks to me.
I like quirky items in a house. That’s another thing that’s bubbling in me. I mean, I had my friend paint me a Bold and Brash (if you know what that’s from, you get a gold star!) that I need to meet them to buy and pick up eventually!
I want the kitten socks for my chairs and table legs (NOT an affiliate link)! The burrito blanket (if it’s cozy… Also not an affiliate link)!
And I’ve decided to let Claire be my newest inspo for my future spaces now, too.
Here’s a few stills of her place:
Thing Three: Diving into Beatrice Kamau’s world
The Self-Love Fix podcast has been on and off my radar for years, and it’s been so cool to see the podcast host—Beatrice Kamau—grow during her journey into someone who’s running her own business now around self-love, self-trust, money, and relationships.
I’ve only ever listened to her podcasts, but she was offering a free, live 4-day event that would also talk about her newest program (Money Made) running next week.
It’s the kick in the pants I’ve been needing, and her energy, stories, and clear explanations make me really want to be in her aura more.
This year is the one year I’m letting myself go all in and all out trying to make creative work (and especially this newsletter!) my growing income source, and I’ll need any help I can get to get my energy there and to cease any more self-sabotaging.
I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m pretty sure I need way more of Beatrice!
We’ll see.
BONUS: I shared my first comic
It was giving me cringe, but we all have to start somewhere when learning something new!
I’ll probably someday post it as an actual comic post later on.
Anyway, you’ve just gotta keep going no matter what level of cringe something you’re doing that’s new give you.
How much does what you’re doing mean to YOU? That’s what matters.
Alright! Now that we’ve gotten that uncomfortable moment out of the way, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
See you next week.
I read Untamed during quarantine. I love Glennon and Abby's love story. I don't think I have ever cried reading a book as much as I did this one. I am so glad you read it and enjoyed it!
Liking your comic, Cierra! A funny caption and skills with the doodle! 😅