Is it possible to isolate ourselves from exterior negativity? Can we dim the chaos around us like a filter on an Instagram post? I wonder…
I find myself clenching my teeth more and more. I already have an enamel problem with my teeth and wear a guard at night, and my dentist says that I must be grinding my teeth during the day, too. Soon, I won’t have teeth left if I’m not careful!!!
At the beginning of the year, I wrote in a blog saying that “optimistic” would be my word of the year. Was I in La-La Land? I hope not…but as the days go by, day after day, there is more and more chaos to weigh us down. One day we are up, the next we’re down, and I’m finding my mental state fluctuates with the newsfeed. Finding that delicate balance between being informed and overwhelmed is elusive.
I’ve been talking to myself (maybe I am losing it!), saying it’s time to step away from the noise. Reading seems to be the best way for me to disconnect, and lately, I have been spending time perusing decorating books. This week, “Joie” (Joy in English) has occupied my time.
“Joie” was written by Ajiri Aki, an American woman who moved to Paris as an adult. She writes about the French lifestyle…living and appreciating a good, simple life by practicing self-care, slowing down, finding beauty in experiences, food, gardens, etc. It reminds me that it is possible to remove myself from the chaos and create the lifestyle I want.
I have found some YouTube videos that offer great escapes for a few minutes in the day. One of my favourites is by Sarah K. Although she is Japanese, you can turn on English subtitles in settings to see what she is saying. She lovingly takes care of her small garden, her home and her dog, and makes delicious meals and desserts for herself. Her lifestyle is quiet but elegant. She has found a beautiful way to ground herself.
: Her YouTube Channel
: Her Instagram Account
Soon, Spring will be here. We can escape to the outdoors, breathe in fresh air, work hard, and at the end of the day, fall exhaused into bed for a blissful night’s sleep. No chaos to weighs us down…dare I say, I’m optimistic? xox Judy❤️
P.S. I have had quite a few emails letting me know that you are having trouble leaving comments. This has been going on for some time. Unfortunately, I have no idea why this is happening and have no solutions either. For those who are not comfortable leaving a public comment, you can email me directly at ccon104a@telus.net. I am happy to answer any questions from that address. Thank you, Judy
My dear Judy, you are not alone… I think many of us are feeling tremendous disbelief with what is going on in the world today!
I for one stopped watching the news, I’m actually too busy to anyway however I like the idea of moving to Paris❤️
Hi Catherine, good for you for not watching the news…I may have to go into rehab to step away! As Audrey Hepburn said, “Paris is always a good idea”. xox Judy❤️
My dearest Judy, today’s blog from you reflects everything I’m feeling lately and I welcomed that empathy. Your suggestion to immerse in pleasurable reading is just what I need! Thankyou for soothing messaging!! Love, Mariola
Hi Yolanta and Mariola, I think we are all feeling the same anxiety. I hope you have a tall stack of books to keep you company…reading is the greatest escape. xox Judy❤️
Thank you for providing your island of beauty and calm – so desperately needed in these times!!!
Thank you Cathy, soon we’ll have our hands in the dirt and all will be well in the world. xox Judy❤️
I too have a “news” problem. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush we experience when we watch the news and all the crazy. I am so very much looking forward to the Spring when I can get outside, instead of being inside where the tv news is a temptation?
I agree that beautiful books are a great way to escape, and Joie is a lovely one.
I am also experiencing posting comments here, but I now “copy” what I write, and just keep “pasting” until the site actually takes it.
Thank you for the Youtube and Instagram suggestions Judy!
Hi Karen, I’m thinking that Spring can’t come soon enough for all of us to keep our sanity! Wouldn’t it be great if that adrenaline rush was enough to impact the scale like a good workout might? I may be more agreeable to it then! I hope you enjoy the YouTube channel. Sarah has a wonderful, calming effect and appreciation for beautiful things. I have been wondering how you have managed to post a comment when so many others are having trouble. Thank you for your persistence and suggestion. xox Judy❤️
I may just have to start reading the sun also rises instead of watching the news!
Hi Jack, Can’t wait to hear what you think of the book! xox Judy❤️
Hi Judy, I feel the same way you do and my dentist has told me the same thing…if I don’t stop grinding my teeth I won’t be able to handle anything other than applesauce 🤪. The sickening state of the world these days is iso maddening and stressful. I’ve been trying to sit down each night to think about what I’m going to plant in my garden and what else I can do to create my little “escape” out there….when the snow disappears! French Countryside Diary and French Country Life are two of the YouTube channels I like to watch to relax and unwind. I always find it comforting to read your blog and know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. I love that saying by C.S. Lewis. I agree that when the load weighs me down I should try to carry it a little differently ….that will be my more optimistic approach! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi Karen, I don’t relish the idea of an applesauce diet anymore than you do but I’m heading down the same road. I hope you have found some good ideas for your garden. I’m struggling a bit as to what I want to do in my garden this year. Although I love winter, this one is going on and on and I’m getting restless. I haven’t watched the two YouTube Channels you’ve mentioned but I look forward to checking them out…thank you for the suggestions. Hopefully, the sun and fresh air will be enough to lighten our load! xox Judy❤️
How to Renovate a Chateau and Our French Chateau are probably my favourites Judy but I think you probably already watch them. Can’t wait to get my French market bag out and head to the markets again…even if I’m only in Edmonton and not France🤷🏻♀️…oh well, a girl can dream LOL. We’re almost there…Spring is just around the corner! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Yes, I do watch these channels…where would we be without them! But I’m always happy to hear of some new ones too. xox Judy❤️
Thank you again for sharing Sarah K’s Instagram and Youtube channel Judy. I had a lovely, calm evening yesterday, and didn’t watch a minute of news. 💕
Hi Karen, I’m happy you found the Sarah K channel as calming as I do. xox Judy❤️