Vol. 64: Seasonal trepidation, tree planting & more

Yesterday was my first day back at work after 3 weeks off. For those keeping track at home, I had a4-day work weekall summer, a 6-week sabbatical this fall, then back for a month and a half before having another 3 weeks off. I know, I know - it’s a ridiculous amount of PTO! I feel both privileged and frustrated that this isn’t the norm for more people. Unsurprisingly, the more time off I have, the harder it is to come back, even though my job affords me the finances and flexibility to do the things I want during my time off.

Now that my my favorite holiday (my wife’s birthday!) is over, I’m entering January with a lot of trepidation. As I wrote in my 2022 wrap-up, the first half of last year was rough at best and dark at worst. I’m anxious that I’ll fall back into whatever depression hole I was in last winter. I work in conference planning and with a late-May event, my busy season is fast approaching. Last year I thought I was taking decent care of myself, but looking back, it’s very obvious that I was struggling.

I’m scared of going back to that place, but I also don’t want to inadvertently manifest it by viewing seasonal depression and work stress as a foregone conclusion. I have to trust that things are different this year - though that involves trusting myself, which I’m not always great at. I’m bolstering my self care practices this season and would love to hear: how are you doing the same?

Books, books, books

Currently reading

• I’m starting the year with a 400-page biography of legendy hip-hop producer Jay Dee/J Dilla, Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm. I love a good biography, especially of Black figures in recent history who have had a huge impact on culture and our daily life. J Dilla certainly got his due during his lifetime and after, but as someone who is not a hip-hop head or musicologist, I wasn’t familiar with his work or impact despite growing up 25 minutes from his hometown of Detroit. This book is well-written and fascinating. Thanks to Erin for recommending in her amazing newsletter (a must-read for books & music lovers!) and for sharing a complementary playlist!

Recent reads

• In December, I read Suleika Jaouad’s Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted. This was an incredibly moving and impactful story of her experience battling cancer as a young adult, navigating relationships through trauma and caregiver roles, and finding healing while navigating a new normal. If you’re looking for a compelling memoir to cause you to think deeply about how and why you live your life, I can’t recommend this enough.

TBR Alert

• Thanks to Court for sharing some recommendations for books by Indigenous authors here and here in response to my paltry 2022 wrap-up. I’ve already placed Calling For a Blanket Dance on hold.

Small Business Corner

• In my cart is Brujita Skincare, a Queer- and Latinx-owned business that is currently running a 20% off new years sale! I’ve never tried this brand, but they have a quiz so you can find out what works best for your skin type.

• I’m obsessed with all the earrings in this reel but this pair is next on my “to buy” list. 

• One of my favorite gifts I gave over Christmas was this customized first song print for my sibs-in-law. It turned out so beautiful and they loved it! 

Community Care

Black Women’s Blueprint is a Black feminist movement organization that is currently fundraising to plant 1,000 trees with Restore Forward: “Restore Forward is the future at Black Women’s Blueprint. We are building a place for all of us. We are engaged in conversation with the Earth itself on behalf of those who dream of a space beyond what we have expected. The work is ongoing and relentless, but know that each of us is committed for a thousand years, or at least until our body is sovereign.”

For Bae’s 31st birthday this past week, I planted a native evergreen tree in her honor. I’m inviting you to contribute what you can for them here.

Self Care Corner

I absolutely love the idea of creating a Bingo card for 2023 goals. I had roughly 11 goals in the intentions I shared last week, so will be coming up with some more to make a Bingo card with 16 (achievable! fun and not punishing!) goals.

Newsletter Feedback

As I reflect on 2022 and think about how I can improve this newsletter going forward, I’ve reopened my newsletter feedback form! Please share your thoughts with me here; I would also love to hear if you’d like to write a takeover, or have anyone special you’d like to hear a takeover from.