#20: You've got the power ⚡️
This week, we're just trying to stay cool. Also, a new activity to try instead of scrolling and a silky smooth hair mask to add to your shower.
I hate everything in my closet right now. Do you ever have those days? Everything I put on (except for the Carolina Panthers t-shirt and Fabletics bike shorts I’m wearing right now) feels like sandpaper.
But I know it’s not the clothes; it’s me. I’m hyper-aware of the way my clothes feel on my body right now. And it doesn’t help that it’s consistently 95+ degrees and oppressively humid in Charlotte. I get a sweaty upper lip if I so much as walk to my car. My frizz-prone hair won’t see the outside of a claw clip until October if this humidity keeps up.
But I didn’t start writing this newsletter to complain.
For me, extreme feelings of discomfort are augmented by a lack of control. I can’t change the weather or overhaul my entire closet right now. I can’t change the fact that this dumb old t-shirt is the only thing I feel like wearing.
But I can spend every afternoon cooling off at the pool. I can do a load of laundry every night to wash my shirt so I can put it back on the next morning. I can decide that yes, I might be uncomfortably warm for the next 60 days. Rather than get myself stuck in a spin cycle of negativity, I’d rather channel my energy into what will make it better.
When we let go of the idea that we’re meant to complain about what we can’t control, we open ourselves up to everything else we wouldn’t see if we were stuck complaining about it. Rather than focus on the weather, we might see how cool the clouds look or notice how good it feels to be in the sun. It’s pure freedom when we release what we can’t control.
To-do list:
📺 Do a puzzle while you’re watching TV
🥣 Stock up on your favorite cereal from childhood
💅 Take some time to clean up your nails
🎀 Try styling your favorite top in a new way
💙 Look up a volunteer opportunity near you
“Required” reading:
Who else wants to live in one of these university libraries?! (Architectural Digest)
Fall asleep listening to one of these calming audiobooks (Bustle)
Use this tool to do nothing for 2 minutes (Calm)
Collapse won’t reset society; a timely read (Palladium)
I love this list of approachable wellness and eating habits (Camille Styles)
This week’s aesthetic: sips
The heroine recommends: Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask
Dae’s hair mask is next level. This desert-inspired haircare line was founded by influencer-entrepreneur Amber Fillerup Clark; believe me when I say she doesn’t miss! Everything I’ve tried from Dae has been phenomenal. This moisture mask is my favorite. It adds so much softness to my hair and smells amazing.
A parting thought:
Your words are more powerful than you think.
xx, Annie