Hi! Hello! I want to introduce you to Chaser (as in ‘shot, chaser’): a shorter edition of STTA that focuses on joy and well-being as a palate cleanser to the more politically focused, educational newsletter that I aim to produce each month (most recent: The Politics of Mental Health). The more I learn in progressive /feminist spaces and the spiritual/self-development education, the more I understand how joy is vital for the sustainability of life. You have to replenish yourself to replenish the spaces and relationships you occupy. And if we are to continue in a multi-crisis, super-speed human experience, then we need to replenish ourselves consistently. I do my best to maintain an active, daily practice of mindfulness which includes gratitude, intention, accountability, and forgiveness. No, this doesn’t mean perfection, and no, this doesn’t mean I don’t get upset. What it means is that I am actively trying to alter where I mentally dwell. I am trying to sustain joy, curiosity, and contentment as my dwelling state rather than anxiety or negativity. Again, this requires an active practice of intention…which results in fuck ups, forgiveness, and finding moments of joy.
The photo above is a recent memory where I FINALLY went to the beach at 6 am to watch the sunrise. I wrote in my journal from the beach,
“The whitest blue shimmer and reflective water. The sky looks like it was just born. The clouds wrapped around like a blanket. Nothing could be as beautiful. This must be what Heaven looks like. The beach at sunrise.”
The reason this morning hit like this is because I intentionally chose to be the person I always thought I was. I always wanted to wake up early and go to the beach but I never followed through on it. An aligned action didn’t follow the desire or thought. I made every excuse to not follow through; “it’s too early, I don’t have my own car, I’m too tired, what if I have to go to the bathroom, I’ll just go tomorrow.” It became a cycle of self-defeat. Deflection. But then I chose differently. I set an intention and took action. That’s it. I was so grateful and aware that morning on the beach that I noticed a suspicious bundle of red roses dug into the sand. It’s just so funny, maybe romantic, maybe silly, but it was intentional!
My point: you need to intentionally do things, weird things, comforting things, the things you desire, to cultivate joy. And this is what Pride means to me. In honor of true joy, community, activism, acceptance, and freedom…this newsletter honors the last day of Pride month with a few recommendations that celebrate and honor queer joy<3
Joyful Recommendations
Listen: Age of Pleasure. I am a big, big, fan of Janelle Monáe - the musician, singer, rapper, actor, and sci-fi author. They are the true essence of un-boxable creative expression. The sound is pleasing - it will make dancing in the mirror feel like sipping champagne in the Caribbean sun surrounded by the best people you know. The album visuals are an incredible display of the queer gaze and Black beauty. Play the record and enjoy yourself <3 *wink wink*
Read: Big Magic - Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. Speaking of un-boxable creativity, Big Magic tackles the myth that creativity is some elusive gift reserved only for the most trained, talented, or tormented amongst us. Instead, she offers practical advice and anecdotes to practice creativity; as a way of life, expression, and connection. Honestly, 10/10 recommend. I borrowed the audiobook from my library, which you can too through the app Libby (you need an actual library card first).
Watch: RuPaul’s Drag Race. I mean…the laughter, the tears, the “Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent.” This freaking TV show is an elite competition series. If you haven’t seen it and are looking for inspiration or a heart-warming, pants-wetting program…throw this on. And then support your local drag queens by attending a show or Drag Queen Story Hour.
Support: For no reason other than violence and fear, the LGBTQ+ community is facing an active genocide at the hands of conservatives, whether that be lawmakers or their next-door neighbors. When we do not actively, consistently, and loudly support the existence of LGBTQ+ humans, we contribute to the harm. Support can look like many different things, including donating time and/or money to 100 Organizations Supporting Trans People in All 50 States, attending a local board of education meeting to support LGBTQ+ kids and curriculum, standing up for LGBTQ+ people in your circles, and even interrogating your own discomfort or preconceived ideas if you do have them. I am so grateful for queerness and although it is the final day of Pride month, the celebration and support of the queer community are forever!!!!
I hope you can find and spread moments of joy throughout the day. If you have a moment, I invite you to let me know what you think about this new format and follow me on TikTok (new handle: @SomethingtoThinkAbout__)
Adriana <333