Everybody say LOVE š
Topic Tidbits
- What is IDAHOBIT? This Gay Times article will break it down for you.
- Taiwan Becomes First Asian Country to Legalize Gay Marriage
Category: lifestyle
What’s Making Me Happy This Week?
Good morning, friends!
I’m writing this just before 8:30 am Eastern time, so excuse the exclamation. You’re probably thinking “turn down, dude, it’s way too early for that.” Forgive me, I’m just trying to will some energy into this post and today’s intentions.
In honor of one of my favorite NPR podcasts, Pop Culture Happy Hour, I wanted to start sharing what’s making me happy on a weekly basis. The daily grind can be extremely draining and make it hard to strive for excellence, so it’s important to focus on the little things; the simple bits of joy that keep anxiety and stress at bay.
It’s been a trying winter season and the seasonal depression that came along with it has been real. With that being said, what’s making me happy this week is being able to refocus. With the arrival of warmer, get-outside-and-take-the-dog-for-longer-walks weather, has come a much needed boost of energy. For the past few weeks I’ve been meeting workout goals and getting back to feeling good; inside and out.
Something I’ve discovered about myself is that I need alignment in my life. If I’m eating healthy, staying physically active, and taking moments to enjoy happiness, I feel so much better than I do while I’m getting caught up in what task I may or may not have time to get to today.
This isn’t to say I’m not getting work done and having a ball. Think of it as a daily refresh and remember: how you organize your life influences the kind of energy you keep around.
What’s making you happy this week? Let me know in the comments wherever you’re reading this.
J.
04-04-1968: Remember the Love
On the 51st anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jr., I want to remember one of my favorite quotes.
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
Remember the love. We all have our faults, differences, and lessons to learn. Listen to each other. Love each other. Be kind to each other.
J.
Say NO to Hesitation & Fear
I tend to struggle a great deal with tackling various tasks, life adventures, or projects out of fear of failing. Who will join me in just going for it? What do we have to lose anyway? Take this note into the weekend, let it sit and simmer on your brain, and letās all start next week off in full slay mode. Happy Friday!
3 Things I’m Obsessing Over
Hello! Itās been a minute huh? Weāve been pretty busy here at Gays in the Life headquarters, but I had to pop in and share 3 things Iām currently obsessing over:
First. Marie Kondo and her Netflix show Tidying Up flew into our lives and completely turned it upside down. Iāve always been great at going through my closet and donating items I no longer needed, but the Marie and her KonMari method helped us take this process to the next level. S and I quickly dove into every closet, cabinet, and drawer and ended up completely reorganizing our condo. We feel light these days! And itās all thanks to Marie Kondo.
Second. Michelle Obamaās November 2018 release, Becoming, absolutely stole my heart. I enjoyed the book via Audible and loved every second of every hour of Michelleās voice in my ears. Getting to learn about the little girl who became the social and political force that is Michelle Obama lifted my spirit and felt like a giant hug. She shared wisdom, love, and an honest perspective of what itās like in her shoes. Being an African-American male, it didnāt take much for me to connect to this book. Michelle shared struggles and triumphs that all black people experience. The better part of this point, however, is that the stories shared can resonate with any reader with a heart and an open mind.
Last. Troye Sivanās Bloom is contagious. The Australian singer’s second studio album was released August 2018, but have only just now hit my earbuds. I canāt share how many times Iāve let this album play on repeat on commutes, during gym sessions, or cleaning sprees, but the number is pretty damned high. My favorite song is the title track, Bloom, and my second favorite is What A Heavenly Way to Die – so beautiful and moody, that one. Give Bloom a spin if you havenāt already! You wonāt be disappointed.
More Barbershop Talk
Reflecting on LGBTQ discussion I overheard (and joined) while I was at the barbershop.
Some of My Daily Tools
Just a few items that helped me start my day today. After a shower and quick cold-water rinse of the face, I dug into some of my fave daily tools:
– Now Solutions apricot oil for a flawless glow. Yes gentlemen… you too can glow. Skincare is essential.
– Murrayās pomade (mixed with coconut oil) to lay down the frizz.Ā Ā My hair is crazy, crazy I tell you! Even at this short length. A good brush comes in handy for my hair type.
– Wilma Schumann collagen eye patches (before apricot oil is applied)
– Bath and Body works Bourbon Shea Butter Body Cream. Donāt sleep on these body creams, gentlemen.
– Burberry London cologne, because, duh. Burberry is my favorite!
– A good trimmer to touch up the beard and hairline in between haircuts
Rise and Grind
Early morning studies. Rise, grind, and work for your dreams.
What is Queer?
What is your definition of queer, friends? Are you queer? Even a little? The dictionary says queer means strange, odd, freakish, or bizarre. Those of us in the community know itās an umbrella term that represents anyone who isnāt heterosexual or cisgender, but what does āqueerā truly mean to you? I am peculiar. I am odd when I want to me. But! Iām also a tough, charming, and a fierce intellectual. My being gay and super-scorpio-sexy just adds to it! Soā¦ What does queer mean to you? Whatās your version of queer? Can you answer me this, friends? Spill the tea in the comments and weāll dive more into the significance of queer later this week.
Meditative Monday Mindfulness – 11.5.18
Good morning, readers!
I’m super proud of myself. Wanna know why? I managed to get to bed at a decent hour, after doing homework and things for the podcast, woke up at 4:30 a.m., and got my ass to the pool for open swim. I know, I know, 4:30 a.m. is crazy early, but I desperately need to be back on a regular workout schedule.
After about thirty-five minutes of swimming this morning, I spent a good fifteen minutes in the dry sauna.Ā I really enjoy the heat of a sauna, especially after a workout. Your muscles get a nice, relaxing blast of heat and the restorative benefits are pretty great. The feeling in the dry sauna reminds of me a hot yoga session – except you aren’t doing a series of poses. I like to sit with myself, in silence, and roll my neck and shoulders gently as I enter meditative thought.
I’m not particularly social in the mornings, so it’s a bonus that by the time I get to the sauna, that I’m the only one there. This makes it easy to meditate. I closed my eyes and let the thoughts flow. In two weeks, I will be thirty-two years old. The past few years have been very formative for me as a young professional and young man. I feel like when you enter your thirties, you truly enter your adulthood. I decided this morning that as I push forward with any personal goals, projects, or career moves, that I need to keep it light. It’s amazing, the amount of pressure you can put on yourself without realizing the true weight it exerts.
I spent the majority of my fifteen minutes in the 120-degree heat processing how I accomplish this: Take baby steps and go forth with confidence. Not putting too much pressure on myself if something proves to be more difficult than planned. Being as supportive as I can be to everyone supporting me. And remembering to be patient. What is meant to be, will be.
I plan on starting every Monday this way, so I can keep myself on track throughout the week. It’s easy to get caught up in the crazy, maybe sharing these little blurbs will help some of you remain centered and focused too.
Have a great Monday, everyone, and a gorgeous week š
