Seven Things: Making Space for Rest, Productivity, and Change
On attempts at productivity, social media breaks, and the need for rest
Hello! It’s been a while since I dropped by here. I apologize for the absence, since the last two months have been busy. I started a new job two weeks ago, and my new work setup is requiring me to commute between two cities. As of this writing, I am currently staying at our spare apartment, where I am learning the ropes of solo living.
During my work “break”, I was able to assess several paint points in my work life and how these pain points at work are related to my ADHD. I get frequently burnt out, I find myself wanting to overcompensate in everything that I do, and I get overwhelmed and stressed whenever I am faced with various forms of rejection and criticism. Moving forward, I have made a commitment to be more forgiving and gentle with myself— especially when I screw up. My last therapy session reminded me of that. Therapy is one way of accessing and reclaiming my humanity. In doing so, I have to unlearn my compulsion to overcompensate for my existence. I’m human, and it’s okay to make mistakes. I also have to remind myself to be more honest with things—even it can feel painful and shameful sometimes.
I may have ruminated way too much there, but allow me to share seven things that have made the past few weeks (and months) a little more bearable:
This Pancake House-Style Fried Chicken recipe by Pepper.ph. This is a new favorite! I recently got into a horrible cooking/adulting slump, which left me unable to clean, cook, and care for Berry. Cooking this recipe somewhat inspired me to get out of this rut.
GRWM Cosmetics’ Milk Tint in Cheesecake - I’ve been on the hunt for dupes of Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip in Baby, and this one feels like a close color match. It’s a neutral pink nude with some warmth to it. Formula-wise, it does feel like a light, malleable mousse similar to BLK Cosmetics’ all-over creamy paints. This tint has been compared favorably to the Rare Beauty liquid blushes, and they retail for a fraction of the Rare Beauty blush’s price too.
I made my first mini-vlogs! I may be talkative IRL, but public speaking and videography are some of the things that I find challenging. Anyway, here are some efforts:
Sonata - When Cherie Gil died last week, I was gutted. I wasn’t a big fan of hers, but I grew up watching her on TV, thanks to teleseryes like Dolce Amore and Ikaw Lamang. Not to mention, I found her to be stylish, articulate, and intelligent, whenever she’s being interviewed. She reminded me of a wealthy and fabulous aunt that’s rich in stories and life experience. I finished Sonata last night, and it was a beautiful story on living, death, finding one’s purpose, and seeing the joy in the little things. I’m probably going to watch it again to Feel Things.
Taking morning (and evening) walks. Ever since I started working in the office, I’ve been making it a habit to take walks around my new neighborhood. Not only does it help build some form of an exercise routine, it also grounds me in some way. It’s a reminder for me not to lock myself up in our apartment and take life for granted.
Suave’s Hyaluronic Infusion conditioner. If you have wavy/curly, 2B-2C hair like mine, you know that having moisturized, hydrated hair is a need. Ever since I subjected my hair to a horrible DIY dye job two months ago, I’ve been trying my best to rectify the damage by using color-safe, sulfate free shampoos and conditioners. Suave’s Hyaluronic Acid conditioner gives my hair the hydration it needs, while also making it more manageable.
Journaling - I’ve been journaling-slash-hoarding dotted notebooks lately, and I’ve been using my journals to process and figure out routines, thought processes, and ideas that I have about life, work, and my hobbies. It’s also a great way for me to get off the internet once in a while, as well as reflect on the greater scheme of things.
And that concludes this edition of Seven Things! I apologize if my writing has been very rusty lately. Anyway, I hope you all are safe and well.
Until the next brain dump,
Lea