My monthly P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D 💌

Rather than asking myself what I should write, I’m starting to ask myself what I want to remember.​ So I’m here with a new idea called my monthly P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. — an acronym for what I’m (P)laying with, (O)bsessing over, (S)tudying, (T)uning-in to, (C)reating, (A)ppreciating, (R)ecommending, and (D)oing for myself. (Thank you, Anna LETTERS IN THE WIILD, for the idea, based on your Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T.!)

So here goes…

In the past month, here is what I have been…

• (P)laying with: The language app, Duolingo. Is it the very best language app out there? Who knows. But is fun? Yes! It’s set up like a game with lots of dopamine hits, so I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to stay consistent. Today I hit my 50th day in a row!

• (O)bsessed with: Heated Rivalry (#iykyk). The show on HBO, the book series, the playlist, the stars, ALL 👏🏽OF👏🏽 IT👏🏽. If you haven’t watched it yet, watch it— it will change your life. If you have watched it, let me know so we can gush about it together. It is a source of light in a dark & heavy world.

• (S)tudying: In addition to Spanish, I’ve been really interested in learning more about astrology and how it helps me to understand myself and the world around me. I recently subscribed to the Chani app, and really enjoy how she delivers the messages. As an activist, Chani also helps us to see how the planets can help us to rise up and create positive change in our world.

• (T)uning in to: As Survivor fans, we’re excited about the new Season 50 that just premiered. The kids and I also just finished watching the entire series of The Good Place and loved it. I am loving listening to the new Mumford & Sons album. And it should go without saying that when I’m alone, I am rewatching Heated Rivalry for the 5th time.

• (C)reating: Today, I am on Day 10 of the 100 Day Project, which is a free global art project that takes place online. I am committed to “creating art every day” for 100 days in a row. Mostly, I’m doing watercolor, collage, and drawing, but you can choose whatever you want to do for yourself. I decided to join because the type of life I want to live here in Spain has space in it for art & beauty every day. So if I’m creating something each day, I’m living the type of life I want to live :)

• (A)ppreciating: Recently, we implemented the idea of “Family Dates” into our lives. As a mother who has gotten burnt out by being the “cruise director” of our family, we now rotate who is in charge of our family activities. Each week, someone chooses the indoor activity for Friday night— usually dinner and a movie. And another person chooses an outdoor activity for Sunday afternoon— so far we have gone on a hike, went to the petting zoo, and BBQ’d with friends. Each week, we rotate who in the family makes the plans, and we’ve all committed to doing/watching whatever it is that is selected. So far, it’s been so much fun, and it has taken a TON of pressure off of me ;)

• (R)ecommending: Switching from IG to Substack, both in how you create and in how you consume. Transition slowly if you want, but I highly recommend it. This is such a safer, more beautiful, and inspiring space to be. I am committed to pouring more of myself into this platform, and it’s way more fun if you all are here with me!

• (D)oing for Myself: I mentioned in a previous post that I invested in myself this year by working with a life coach. It’s been a while since I worked with a coach, and the last time I did, it was for business coaching. This time, it’s all about ME, and how I’m showing up in my life. What a gift to be able to talk about myself for 75 minutes every other week, and navigate the inner workings of my mind and heart. We’re talking about how my identity has changed over the past few years, how I am disengaging from hustle-culture and embracing a more laid-back, Spanish way of being, and how to navigate my family dynamics with recent ADHD diagnoses. It’s so helpful and a real gift.

Let me know if you also are into any of these things, or want to know more. I know times are tough out there, but sharing what’s good in my life helps me to feel better and more connected to the people I care about.

Sending love!