I hate conversing on a cell phone, so I got some bluetooth headphones (the earmuff kind, not the stick-it-in-your-earhole kind) with a built-in mic, and now phone calls are much more enjoyable.
So enjoyable, in fact, that I am CALLING PEOPLE ON THE PHONE FOR FUN which is a thing I haven't done much in recent years. I'm learning that I need to begin these conversations with, "Everything is okay, no one has died, I'm literally just calling because I like you."
Social media is becoming a bigger heap of white nationalist garbage each day, but I think we all needed it to transparently suck so that we could finally move on. Instead of scrolling, the first thing I check on my phone in the morning is what new podcasts have been released. I'm also starting to follow more newsletters of specific people who share thoughtful content. There is nothing to be gained from being inundated with hate by people who feed off our shock.
So, I'm pretty pumped for connecting more deeply with those in my inner circle and continuing to read and listen to smart people who give me a better understanding of the world, including local context. Spending time in these spaces motivates me to take action in impactful ways.
I think finding real community by truly connecting with friends, family and like-minded humans, instead of being tricked into thinking we're connecting by following each other on social media, is one of the most impactful things we can do. It's our lack of this community that makes us susceptible to the influence of conspiracy theorists and an us/them mentality. Don't underestimate the feeling of community your delulu high school friend is finding in alt-right and "wellness" spaces.
What I'm saying is start an a cappella group, call your friends, and listen to Vibe Check pod. There, I fixed everything.
My first thought of the new year was, "TIME TO START THE GARDEN" which is cute because no, it's not. I can't plant outside till the middle of May. HOWEVER I did start winter sowing last year and will do so again this year. It's a fabulous way to start seedlings outside in January or February. Essentially, you plant in plastic containers that are open at the top so moisture can get in. They act like little greenhouses. I want to cover my property in flowers this year so I harvested a bunch of seeds from some of my favourites (natives like cardinal flower, bee balm, dense blazing star and non-natives like zinnias) and I'll winter sow a bunch so I have seedlings that are ready to go in the ground in May.
Oh goodness, of course I'll show you some pictures of last year's garden. Thank you for asking!
In 2008 I was on a CBC talent search competition called, "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" An old theatre school classmate made me a Wikipedia page at the time because of how famous I was*. She put my birth year as 10 years later than it actually is (1988 instead of 1978) because she didn't want people to know how old she was and figured they'd deduce her age by her association with me. It was bizarre to me, but kinda funny, and I left it there (mostly because I didn't know how to make Wikipedia edits).
Anyway, I don't have a Wikipedia page anymore and I am now 46 (in Wikipedia years that's 36). Aside from some weird perimenopause symptoms, like hating bras and stupid questions, I feel very into myself at this age. I am comfortable in my body and have confidence in my opinions. It's a work-in-progress, but I'm truly learning what I authentically want and feel without being swayed by all my early life training in compliance.
It's feckin' great.
Tell people how old you are if you want. It's fine. Also eat some cookies.
*not even a little bit famous
I started going to the gym again, motivated partially by a new personal wellness benefit at work (bless). Because I'm older and because I've done a lot of work at breaking down my relationship with my body and not being so concerned with the male gaze, and having a healthier relationship with food, I feel SO. FREE. in my Body Pump class because I DO NOT LOOK AT MYSELF IN THE MIRROR or, when I do, it's not with any sort of judgement. Also missing is counting calories. To be at the gym purely to gain strength and mobility, maintain mental health, and straight up feel good is a joy. And it took time to get here.
I love it here.
It's the best.
