#3: Comfort foods 🧀
This week, we're talking about what it means to be kind to ourselves. Also, an artist I'm obsessed with, a pasta recipe that you have to try, and a few reasons to be hopeful about the future..
Where do you turn when you want a familiar comfort? Do you have a specific food, show, or sweatshirt that just feels like a hug?
I have this whole routine when I need a little bit of self-kindness. I put on this old sweatshirt from my dad and watch a TV show that I’ve watched before; right now, it’s Marvel’s Agents of Shield. Most of my comfort foods involve cheese or chocolate, but never at the same time.
I think we sometimes get caught in the idea that things have to be “bad enough” to warrant these little kindnesses. But we’re the ones who impose the idea of what’s “bad enough.”
There’s never not a time when it’s okay to show yourself little kindnesses. I hope you’ll excuse the double negative, but what it comes down to is this: you are deserving of small comforts on your good days, bad days, and all the days in between.
DO’S and DON’TS: a non-exhaustive guide
DO: look for easy recipes on TikTok. I had great luck with this cajun pasta recipe (and it took less than 20 minutes).
DON’T: work through lunch if you don’t have to. Take a break, babe.
DO: French braid your hair. It’s such a classic look and is the perfect hairstyle when you want to put zero effort into your hair.
DON’T: scroll through your camera roll this weekend. There’s a time and place for nostalgia, but this weekend isn’t it.
DO: charge all of your devices. We all know that crusty Kindle from middle school is still working, you just haven’t put the effort into finding the charger.
DON’T: lean too hard into spring cleaning. Having some stuff is kinda nice, ya know?
“Required” reading: articles to get you thinking
11 reasons to be hopeful about the environment (The Good Trade)
How to tell science from marketing when shopping for clean beauty (Byrdie)
19 unbelievable basketball courts from around the world (Architectural Digest)
26 books that are becoming movies & shows this year (Literary Hub)
25 nutrient-dense soup recipes to counteract the winter blues (Camille Styles)
This week’s aesthetic: cheese
The heroine recommends: “Typical of Me” by Laufey
This delightfully jazzy EP sounds like if Ella Fitzgerald and Norah Jones got together and made an album. I love listening to Laufey’s voice while I work or make dinner; it’s truly been my life soundtrack recently. “Like the Movies” is my favorite song right now!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Music
Have a recommendation? Let me know at annielikeswords@gmail.com!
Go forth: a parting thought
I hope you are as kind to yourself as you are to others. 🖤
xx, Annie