Tell Me Something Tuesday: Resolutions and words for 2022

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 

It is co-hosted by (Linda from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, Roberta from Offbeat YA, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About, Berl's from Because Reading is Better than Real Life  and me) 

Join in by answering this weeks question in the comments or on your own blog.

If you would like to join TMST and receive periodic emails of upcoming topics, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. TMST is a laid back meme – join in or opt out depending on your interest in topics or schedule. 

Question: Resolutions/words of the year - do you do them? What are they for 2022?

Answer:       

THIS

I usually do a word (past words have been laugh, disconnect, simplify and joy. I like my words to be ideas or feelings rather than concrete things. Something to set a mood heading into the new year.

Last year my phrase was "My tranquility needs to be refurbished" lol A line from The Queen's Gambit. It seemed fitting after another chaotic year. 

*Heads up - this is going to be a bit rambly and personal so bail now if you'd like lol

2022 was a rougher year, mentally for me. I mean, I know it has been for everyone! but I really struggled at times. Overall, I am happy and doing well but I had a return of panic attacks - which I hadn't had for years. And sleeping/focusing is a struggle and I was developing OCD tendencies (but that started a bit after losing Fonzi in 2020). 

I got called for jury duty back in October (so many things about that trigger my anxiety and attacks) and I knew I needed to address things so I decided to finally get a therapist. She has been helpful and I've started practicing Cognitive Therapy.

Brief explanation from Very Well "Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous negative thoughts have a detrimental influence on mood.

Through CBT, these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic thoughts." 

This is not a magic bullet and it's not easy but these techniques have done more for me and my panic than anything else I ever tried before. Hello - just breath & think positive through it, it only last 5 minutes advice person. 

So much of it is retraining the brain. There's a lot of fascinating science to it about why the brain overreacts, or focuses on negative more than positive events and why we can't let things go. I think I'm going to save that discussion for a post during Mental Health Awareness month though.

But to the point of choosing my word for 2022 - the thing that comes up over and over in therapy and meditation is that you need to be present - meaning don't let your brain go to the past or the future but just stay here in the this. 

I know it's more complicated than that and I still get caught up and worry about things that have happened or will happen but I want to remember that THIS - this is where I am at any given moment. You can always return to the THIS.

I know it sounds a little new agey/woo-wooey and that's not really how I mean it lol It just reminds me when my brain is spiraling into dozens of different thoughts to come back to myself, challenge some of my thinking and then move forward again with a better sense of clarity and balance. 

If you are interested in learning more about cognitive therapy or anxiety, but aren't ready or unable to go to therapy - this is a YouTube channel that's been invaluable to me. Therapy in a Nutshell with Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Probably more helpful than actual therapy. I find her to be relatable and pragmatic with concrete answers and solutions (if you do the work!) and I learned so much about the science of anxiety and why we can't just *turn our brain off* and other bad advice. 

Just a note that the videos all have one quick ad at the beginning and she's talking about mental health so it's better to watch several videos rather than just one. A 7-10 minute video on it's own isn't going to give you all the information you need but put together she's incredibly helpful. She also discusses depression, trauma, OCD and other things - although less than anxiety and panic. 

Do you make resolutions? Have a word? What are yours for 2022?

That's a wrap(up): What I'm watching/reading this week

Happy New Year everyone! This year will be better. Right? RIIIGHT??!!! I'd say it can't be worse - but the world somehow keeps proving us wrong. 

I saw this on Instagram and I laughed so hard but also...TRUE

In the meantime watch or read something fun! (good topic transition there lol)

Disney+

Cruella - 2021 Live Action version - Consider me totally shocked by how much I loved this movie. I had NO urge to see it and accidently started it by hitting the wrong button and was too lazy to back out lol

It's a bonkers movie in all the best ways. Everything is over-the-top and dramatic and the retro music (Ike & Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Nancy Sinatra, Supertramp, The Doors, Bee gees...) was a blast from the past and added a whole other level. And it's a really great origin story. P.S. No pets were harmed in the telling of this story....

The Book of Boba Fett - I'm not a big Star Wars fan but I have been enjoying most of these new shows, like Mandalorian but this one is underwhelming so far. It's not bad but it's not particularly compelling either. We're only a few episodes in though and I know Kevin is going to watch the whole thing anyway so hopefully it gets better. 

Paramount Plus

We have Paramount Plus for 30 days and watched a couple of things so far but we're not going to sign on after the 30 days expire

The Quiet Place 2  - Eh. I liked the flashbacks to how things started and a few of the action scenes but otherwise I saw no need for this one. 

From Cradle to Stage - Is a documentary hosted by Dave Grohl and his mom Virginia Hanlon Grohl, based on her book of the same name. The interview 6 different musicians and their moms to discuss what they were like as kids, when the mom's knew they had *it* and the rise to fame/struggles. Really great show. Dave's story is woven throughout the series. Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons), Miranda Lambert, Pharrell, Brandi Carlile, Tom Morello, Geddy Lee (Rush)  & their moms comprise the 6 epsiodes. 

Brandi, Dan, and Dave's stories were favorites of mine. Geddy Lee and Tom Morello's moms were the best! Geddy's survived the holocaust and Tom's mom is quite the rebellious thinker, activist & a hoot with incredible stories to tell.

Amazon Prime

With Love is a 5 episode romcom that follows siblings Lily and Jorge Diaz, over the course of a year, each episode taking place on a holiday - starting with Christmas and ending on 

Día De Los Muertos

.

This has been my virtual date watch with my friend Jen and we have one episode left. It's light hearted, fun (a little drama, of course) and mostly works. Some of the fast forwards make you feel like you missed stiff but it's a cute show with a fun concept.

The Expanse   I am not much of a sci-fi watcher but I love so many characters on this show - especially the women who are powerful, vulnerable and complex. Same with all the relationships ( I'm not talking about just the romantic ones - which are few - but friendships, family, co workers, political alliances)

I'm reading The Lucky Escape (an arc I received from the publisher) and it's light, kind of quirky and kind of what my brain needs right now. 

Never Tell  was originally published in 2004 and just republished. I assume because Selena Montgomery is well known as powerhouse Stacey Abrams now. It's romantic suspense and it does have a dated feel. Also, there are very graphic descriptions of violence and death from the pov of the victim and I'm not sure I'll be finishing this one. (Received review audiobook via libro.fm)

My not so helpful reading assistant....

What are you reading/watching/doing this week?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Blogging goals for 2022

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 

It is co-hosted by (Linda from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, Roberta from Offbeat YA, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About, Berl's from Because Reading is Better than Real Life  and me) 

Join in by answering this weeks question in the comments or on your own blog.

If you would like to join TMST and receive periodic emails of upcoming topics, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. TMST is a laid back meme – join in or opt out depending on your interest in topics or schedule. 

Question: What are your blogging goals for the new year?

Answer: My well thought out, deep philosophical answer is - keep on keepin' on.

I am so far away from the days of scheduling, reviewing and all that so if I read and manage to keep a little spot to share my thoughts about books, tv, life...then I will be happy. 

Very boring answer but that's it!

What are your blogging goals for the new year?