Sometimes I like reading articles on Atlas Obscura, which I subscribed to on Feedly. They're interesting and weird and intelligent. A great alternative to news. I only read local news anyway -- another sanity-saving secret. Although that too can be grim. Better to read books and interesting articles on history, culture, art, etc.
I had a good conversation with my dad last night. He called after I sent him funny photos I took yesterday... I'd entertained myself by dressing up like old photographs of my ancestors and doing side by side comparisons. The results were hilarious and it was fun playing dress up. My favorite was my version of my great great grandpa with a mustache and bowler hat. Next maybe I'll try mimicking looks from my own embarrassing childhood photos, complete with 80s hair.
Avoiding negative draining horny chronic complainers is still working well for me. Without their influence I find myself having fewer negative thoughts myself. I didn't even have weed yesterday, because I had zero people-related stresses. I prefer a very small circle now, refined down to the necessary loved ones, my dad, my ex, and an occasional check in with a couple female friends. I finally checked the mail and saw some cute holiday cards from friends. I don't do Christmas, and it seems some friends sent cards anyway, but they included funny photos of their smiling faces, so I didn't mind.
My grandpa's cousin died of covid a couple weeks ago. She passed peacefully at the age of 96, and I last saw her almost 15 years ago, so I am not distraught, but it is a loss for the family. I remember the stories she told about my grandpa and great grandparents, with whom she was very close. Stories from elders are like gold to me, and my mind is an archive that keeps every memory it can. Memories make me happy and my ancestors give me a lot of inner strength.
Off to do a little yoga now. I gave myself a stiff neck from skipping yoga and slouching too much the last few days, and today my body is using pain as a reminder of why it is important to make time for yoga every day. I should be good as new by tomorrow or this evening.
10:42 a.m. - 2021-02-02