23 Comments
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Diana's avatar

going for my little trash picker walks is so grounding for me. using the trash picker is actually fun, (soooooo satisfying to pick up tiny cigarette butt on first try with rubber claw thing!) a few neighbors generally say thank you or make some sort of conversation, and I can often pick up a full bag of trash just rounding my block.

And yes to careful media consumption. I'm not ignoring the news, I'm extremely extremely engaged, but you can curate your consumption (where and when) in an effort to not destroy your nervous system. Like I can't be sobbing before client calls about us bombing Iran. (I'll do it after my call, I guess)

JZ's avatar

I bought a trash grabber last fall and it was WAY MORE FUN to use than I expected! :)

Crystal Young's avatar

Such a kind and gentle read. It’s great when home is your safe place. Being in The Word is what brings me peace.

Rebecca's avatar

Standing outside for fresh air and listening to birdsong helps me 🤍

Mackenzie's avatar

This is a great list! Getting outside and going for a walk helps so much 🌿

Jobie Lay's avatar

One lesson adulthood keeps teaching me: control is mostly an illusion.

I love this focus on small, tangible decisions.

For me: it’s espresso and a long walk outside with my dog. Starting with my body instead of a screen makes a huge difference.

Melissa Osigian's avatar

Handwriting 1,000 gifts (things that I am thankful for) in a pretty journal helps ground me

Shira Gill's avatar

So good!! xx

Kris Farren Moss's avatar

No screens until I've listened to the birds!

Shira Gill's avatar

Perfection!! xx

Jenni Muir's avatar

Thanks Shira, great as always

Kate @ Sorted State's avatar

I'm also paying attention to the hesitations and stories I'm telling about them- like calling to schedule doctor's appointments, dealing with life admin stuff.

Getting this work accomplished is more than just the task, it's dealing with "why am I avoiding it?"

This weekend I did some digging and journaling, and I feel back on the right track!

Christina Pontecorvo's avatar

Just had a convo with my husband about what we can actually control so perfect timing. Finally deleted a time suck app off my phone that I have been planning to delete for weeks!

Shira Gill's avatar

Yay, love that! xx

Geri Hirsch's avatar

Love this! xx

Carolyn Miller's avatar

I love this list! My daily walk to work including an occasional stop at my favorite coffee shop for a latte and happy conversation with local friends is the loveliest!

Abbey's avatar

I just texted a friend and deleted a time-sucking app — thanks for the nudge!

Liz's avatar

I want to share that your substack email is one of the very few that continues to survive my ruthless unsubscribe habit. When I think about "auditing my inputs" I'm confident that I get lots of value and peace of mind from your writing and advice. Thank you for treating your readership with as much care as you treat your own daily habits. <3

Well done Meatloaf's avatar

Thank you so much I feel better reading this anyways when things are out of control I always go for journaling

Ramee Cyr's avatar

So true, and thanks for the reminders of what we do have agency in and little ways we can help to not lose our minds!