January Spotlight
Stoicism, de-cluttering, Star Wars and British history - here's our tips on what to do, read, watch, and listen from the month that passed.
While many choose resolutions to kick off the new year, others are more fond of picking a word to keep in their minds and heart throughout the year.
For me, the word I chose was heavily inspired by Epictetus and his euthymia, which he describes as
"believing in yourself and trusting that you are on the right path, and not being in doubt by following the myriad footpaths of those wandering in every direction".
So naturally I'll be keeping the word believe close for the next 12 months. As we reset our mind for a new year, here are our first picks of 2022.
Reading
On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
Continuing down the rabbit hole of Stoicism I found myself diving into Senecas writings. This time it Senecas thoughts in the art of living, the importance of reason and morality I am exploring, and I've got to say it is really a wonderful journey.
Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller
Emily Doe is assaulted on Standford's campus, there are witnesses, they catch the guy trying to flee the scene and evidence is secured. It's a slam dunk, right? At least, it should've been. Many of us will remember this case, some will never forget her victim impact statement that was read out loud in court and later posted online - where it went viral.
I remember how upset I was when I read that letter. Reading the book was another upsetting thing. But this time, it's her side. This is Emily Doe reclaiming her identity and telling how this case affected her life. It's a book that truly demonstrated how messed up sexual assault cases are handled, how society looks at them and the victims. Highly recommended.
Streaming
The Witcher season 2 (Netflix)
Geralt of Rivia is back! Picking up from where season 1 ended, Geralt and Ciri are finally together. Yennefer's fate after the Battle of Sodden is unknown. And as we are introduced to Kaer Morhen, Geralts' and the withcers' home, unrest is still brewing in the background. Great show for fantasy lovers, and if you cannot get enough there is always the games and books.
The Book of Boba Fett (Disney)
Every galaxy has an underworld. Finally time to get to know our favorite bounty hunter of the galaxy far far away: Boba Fett.
The bounty hunter returned to Tattooine to claim Jabba the Hutt's old turf and I am so here for it. The perfect series while we wait for the next adventures of Mando.
Listening
Stuff the British Stole (Spotify)
Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of stuff. Today those objects are housed in genteel institutions across the UK and the world. They usually come with polite plaques. In this podcast we get into the not so nice history behind those objects. A really fascinating and interesting podcast and perfect for the history geek.
Other podcasts we are enjoying this month:
Self-care and mental health
This really started in December 2021 when I realized I just had so much stuff I didn't use filling up my small flat. It started with me thinking of how to minimize my stuff and declutter my closet and developed into a little project for January. I am currently taking part in my own version of the 30-day minimalism game by the minimalists.
Day 17 and I am not sure if I should be upset that I am actually able to find 17 things to get rid off or if I should be upset about all the money I've spent on things I rarely/never use. So far this month I have declutter my closet, my kitchen and bathroom. This has, at least until this moment been a positive experience, I finally got rid of all the clothes that do not fit and probably never will fit again, things that have been on my "what if" list for years and well things...I bought but didn't like. Dont ask, I've got no idea what I was thinking.
My closet has never been smaller and at the same time its never been better! I have reduced it to the items that I actually like, that fit and that I can use in different combinations. I am finally finding my style and really thinking about which things I would like to have and need. No more impulse shopping.
The biggest surprise for me has been how this decluttering game has changed how I feel in my own home. I've got less, but I feel better. By having things I actually like around me, I found some peace.
This blog post was written by Gabriela Saez. You can follow her reviews on Instagram @bookstrider
