Long day. Long week. Long month. Long year, huh? But hey, it’s Friday! And that’s cool! (I know people make jokes that every day is the same right now, but I’m down to celebrate Friday if you are!)
I was really intentional this week about shifting my mindset. About focusing on the positive. About not stressing over what I can’t control. About taking the anxiety as it came, and then moving forward. About, always, focusing on the health and safety of my family and loved ones, and being grateful for what we have and where we are. About being so incredibly grateful for the people on the front lines. And about putting love and kindness out into the world for people who are, in any way, struggling right now.
And along the way, I watched some stuff, I bookmarked some stuff, I screenshotted (screenshat?!) some stuff. And because sharing is caring, here are 10 little things making me feel a variety of emotions right now, and that you might enjoy, too!
1. The Schitt’s Creek series finale. While I am devastated the greatest show of all-time has come to an end, I loved the final episode. What a delight. I scream-laughed and I sobbed. If you haven’t watched this show, UM WHY??? Highly recommend starting at the beginning. I love this journey for you.
Meanwhile, I started watching Ozark on Netflix and I hate it and it’s stressful, but I am invested now, so here we go.
2. This video. I sobbed. I love it.
3. This sweatshirt. I live in it. It is the softest, comfiest, coziest thing I own, and if you want to be cozy, this is the best. I love a lightweight, snuggly sweatshirt.
4. This Instagram post. I spit-laughed. OMG. Hahahaha.
5. This video. Oh my god, the part when he puts on the uniform. Andy is a dream Ali on the Run Show guest for sure.
6. This piece by Erin Strout, for Women’s Running. This paragraph, in particular, brought out a whole flurry of emotions:
7. This video from Billy Yang, which is a few months old, but is worth a watch. The footage is so beautiful. So many familiar running faces! (How many past Ali on the Run Show guests can you spot?!) I really loved it when I first watched it back in January, and enjoyed watched it again, somewhere around 11:30 PM, one night this week.
8. I’m more proud than ever to be a lululemon ambassador. Not only is lululemon continuing to pay its employees while its stores are closed, the company also introduced a $2 million global relief fund for its store ambassadors who have been directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. For ambassadors who are studio owners or who own businesses that are suffering during this time, lululemon has stepped in to help financially support them. (I don’t qualify. I didn’t even apply. This is not for me! I’m just super proud of it and am thrilled to see a brand I get to represent doing this to give back.)
9. This article about dance icon Mark Kanemura. Shameless plug: I wrote it! I’ve had the privilege of working with Mark for several years now, and he is such a sparkly light in this world, now more than ever. Give it a read. He’s delightful.
10. Hitting 100 Patreon supporters. I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THIS! I launched a Patreon page a few days ago, and seeing the names come in every day has been so incredibly rewarding. I wanted to focus on connection and community this year, and this new way of living is providing an interesting challenge in finding ways to pursue those words, those goals, without in-person interaction. THANK YOU for the support on Patreon, and in every way you choose to show your support for me and what I do. I’m so deeply grateful and appreciative.
CHIME IN AND SPREAD THE POSITIVITY! What’s something you’re loving, liking, or wanting to share with the world right now? We could all use it!
7 Responses
Ugh, I LOVED Schitt’s Creek … but was SO DISAPPOINTED with the finale (crying face). I felt like it was rushed, left a lot of things unanswered and just lacked the comedic and conversational OOMPH that it is known for! Of course, the wedding outfits were superb. But boo – was so sad that’s how they left it…
I am loving Seth DeMoor’s channel on YouTube. There are a lot of great things happening with regards to the information that is available to runners allowing them to increase their enjoyment of the sport. When we have race after race it is easy to allow our results to become our measuring stick for our enjoyment and our dreams. The break from racing is helping me to dream bigger.
Loved Billy Yang’s video! Thanks for sharing! Love being able to clean and get things organized that I’d been putting off. Also grateful that I can zoom and FaceTime with my parents and nieces and nephew (can’t wait to hug them all again).
I loved all 10 of those things! Great list. You should definitely do this more often. As for what’s making me happy – we’re getting a playhouse delivered tomorrow for our backyard. My kids are going to be beyond excited – and totally occupied for a LONG time. Win win! 🙂
OMG, I somehow hadn’t seen that clip of Dear Evan Hansen and now I am crying. Just shared it with a few friends and family. Thank you for posting.
Thanks for making me smile! Right now I’m loving…
-The Peloton app- Free for 90 days and has thousands of classes- treadmill and outdoor runs, strength, cycling, yoga, etc. I did the Greatest Showman ride this morning and have been singing the songs ever since! <3
-The Doubletree chocolate chip cookie recipe- Enough said. https://newsroom.hilton.com/static-doubletree-reveals-cookie-recipe.htm
-These videos- quarantine art! Chorus Line in Quarantine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pALsCSZmWY, and an Italian a cappella group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtX1r0SzxlI
-Trying to spread some cheer to others with a new project each week(ish). Last week I made little coronavirus care packages (fun socks, bath bombs, face masks, etc.) and dropped them on friends' porches. This week my 16-month-old and I "painted" "rainbows" to mail to a local nursing home that had requested notes or cards for their residents. <3
Thanks for spreading happiness in these crazy times!
Guess I’ll have to jump on the Schitt’s wagon! My husband finished Ozark, he liked it but said I wouldn’t, not going to watch. Congratulations on hitting 100! I’m excited to see where this goes for you! You have such talent in writing and interviewing, I love your podcast!
Your little Annie is such a delight! Thank you for sharing her milestones and more!