I had a long conversation with a friend this week about the peaks and valleys of life. “What do you think your purpose is?” is one of the hardest questions to answer. I don’t know if I’ll ever have a response that feels right. For all of my reflectiveness and self-awareness, I hesitate to define my ‘purpose’ because then I feel like it leads to questions like “How do you know if you’ve achieved it?” / “What happens if you don’t?”
Anyway, my answer was that I’m not good at thinking long-term, but I try to be a mindful, thoughtful, intentional person always. I try to make good choices every day and be kind to others. It sounds boring and basic IMHO.
My friend paid me a huge compliment after I said that, which I want to share here not because I want to brag but because I don’t have anywhere to put it and it’s something I want to refer to on days when I feel low (which come around pretty often):
“You have this unique ability to get people to reflect or learn about themselves through your individual ruminations/pursuits. You’re a trusted curator, with a mirror that reflects back on the viewer. What’s great is you’re not actively trying to impose yourself in other people’s self-reflection/transformation/discernment. It somehow just manifests as you live out your life, or be your natural inquisitive self who won’t run away from the hard or seemingly profound questions.”
Thanks for coming along on my journey, friends.
Currently...
Getting fully vaccinated! My second dose side effects were milder than the first dose. It happened a month earlier than I anticipated (I got AZ) so the timing was a very pleasant surprise. The venue was outdoors, with a view of a nearby mountain, and plenty of trees and a little pond. All in all, a good experience. (Please please get vaccinated.)
Celebrating my nephew’s first birthday today, Sunday. Big day in our household! We did a cake smash and spent a bit of time in the wading pool. My energy got very depleted and I took a two-hour migraine nap right after.
Starting to feel my synapses firing again by starting on some tasks for the family business. Feels good to be able to think again, without the old pressure.
Eating cotton candy grapes. It’s freaking wild, man. Grapes that taste like cotton candy, seriously!! I’ve tried two brands: Carnival and Grapery, and I recommend Grapery more. Look for it at your local fruitmonger because the prices vary wildly.
Watching LulaRich on Amazon Prime. It’s fascinating and brutal.
Re-reading Beach Read by Emily Henry, a book I loved last year, because I have a book club about it next week. My first time to join a book club; my introvert self is shaking right now...
Longreads…
I have not had the brain space lately to read articles so here’s a self-plug:
I’m featured in my friend KB’s zine “OK to Be” this month. The issue’s theme this month is Health, and I wrote an essay entitled “5 lessons from the worst mental health crisis of my life” :) The content written by other contributors, and the layout made by KB look incredible. I can’t wait to sit down and read it this coming week.
To get a digital copy, visit https://heykebe.gumroad.com/l/oktobezine3 (USD 5.99 / PHP 300) - you can use the code healthypinky for $1 off your digital purchase (USD 4.99 / PHP 250). This code is valid until September 30.
Print copies are also available at: https://heykebe.gumroad.com/l/kbzine3print (USD 8.99 / PHP 450)
content warnings //
-mentions of death, different kinds of illnesses, surgeries, and animal abuse
-illustrations of body parts, blood, skulls, and ghouls
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Yours from afar,
Pinky