Women, Don't Tear Each Other Down!

There's this perception or stereotype in many fictional stories regarding the natural rivalry between women. They fight over a man. They fight over a status position. They generally act b*tchy towards one another. 😕       

I was watching a fictional drama series on Netflix (I won't say the name) about a dance school with a mysterious murderer, etc. etc. As in many shows, there is a lot of backstabbing going on especially between the female characters--they are, after all, vying for the starring role in the current dance production. I was only mildly entertained by the show and to be honest, it's still sitting in my queue waiting to be finished. 

During the holiday break, my family and I started binging some shows on HBO Max because they have a lot of content that interests the family, mainly in the DC Universe. 😊The Huz & I have a lot of shows we watch together but it's nice to have some content to watch with our teenagers too. As we were deep into watching one of the shows called "Titans", I was struck by the connections being portrayed between the female superhero characters. What felt different?  They are actually friends! I mean, they were rooting for each other, protecting each other, listening to one another & even better--not fighting over a guy or their general place on the team! It was so refreshing! When a new female character was introduced, I expected another character in the same age group to start throwing minor fits or jealousy tantrums. I was surprised to see, however, a very civilized interaction in which the new character is welcomed and no conflict involving tensions between two women for just being two women. I mean, as such, there's all kind of conflicts and plot holes 😁and the show is far from perfect.  But I have to give big kudos to how they handle female interaction.  Good for the writers! And let's see more of that! 📣

Another show I viewed on Netflix that does a good job with portraying female interaction is a movie called "Fall Out 2: You Got This". In no way am I recommending the movie due to plot or story--this is one of those movies not everyone can sit through due to the general cheesiness and what-not (I'm all about it. LOL!). But what I just wanted to point out is that, again, they portray girls cheering each other on and wanting their female peers to succeed. Yes, there's a villain and the resident bully and whiner, but the idea of women supporting women is there. 

I hope that we make a conscientious effort to show and teach young women that there is enough room for everyone to succeed and define their own individual successes. We don't need to tear each other down--there are enough people ready and willing to do that already. Women have come a long way fighting for their rights to be seen and valued in the world. Our journeys are varied and each one of us is amazing and fabulous--whether we choose to be mothers, career women, nurturers, bosses, and/or all of the above. Breast feeding, no breast feeding, changing your name, not changing your name, getting married, choosing to stay single, wanting and having kids, not ever wanting kids--these are all choices women have fought hard to be able to make for themselves. As women, let's support and celebrate our fellow women whatever they choose and be cheerleaders for each other. Leave the cat fights for the cats or the MMA fighters. 😁

As always, sending light & love to you all. 😘

   

48 Hours Post-Covid Vaccine #2--A Perspective

This perspective was written by a doctor from CHOC Hospital in Orange Country, CA. It was shared by someone I went to high school with who's also a nurse that currently works at this hospital. I share this for those seeking more information on the effectiveness of the vaccine or even those that feel this virus is not a big deal. You may feel differently after reading someone else's first-hand experience or you may not.🤷  Again, as with anything, allow yourself to get all the information you need to make the wisest decision for yourself and your loved ones. Wear a mask. Keep your distance. And be safe. Wishing you all love & light! 😘

48 hours post COVID vaccine #2

Yes it’s true that after the second vaccine many people felt pretty crappy. I got pretty tired, had a headache and had to lay low. Fortunately I was able to still work and even squeeze in a mini low impact ride. I actually was relieved to have symptoms because I wanted to know that my immune system was working to build my defense against COVID. Small price to pay considering the alternative.

We are living in crazy times and this virus is out of control. It’s still thriving among us. I only see two ways out of this mess: you’re either getting COVID or getting vaccinated. If you get it, you risk being hospitalized in our overwhelmed system. ERs are crowded with COVID on a daily basis- one of our peds units was recently converted to adult beds to accommodate the overflow. Our children’s hospital is now accepting young adults up to 32 years because there is simply no room in the adult hospitals. Listen, I’m a pediatrician taking care of adults.

Sure, COVID most likely won’t kill you (but there’s always a chance)- yet the multitude of problems people are having from it are not always short lived. You’ll just be the stepping stone it needs to move on and hurt those around you.

In the hospital we’re still seeing kids with COVID and we’re also seeing children with the multi system inflammatory disease. So yeah- it’s not commonly killing kids, but these inflammatory diseases are no joke. These kids didn’t originally have signs of COVID, but are facing the after effects of being exposed, most likely from close family members.

So how do we stop this virus? Clearly we aren’t able to control it with what was asked of people: masking, being socially distant and being responsible. So now we have to scramble to end this virus from surviving in people through vaccination, because it’s definitely not stopping on its own.

I’ll take my 24 hour fatigue and headache if it means we can get closer to being able to see my parents, family, and friends again. That’s a no brainer.

#ibelieveinscience #covidsucks #thisisourshot #choc #doyourpart--

Dr. Georgie Joven Pechulis

 

 

Imperfectly Living a Lower Waste Lifestyle

Our family has always been pretty good with low food waste; buying perishables we know we can consume before expiration dates and having an adequately stocked rotated pantry with hardly anything going to waste. It's an ongoing activity though, and it requires diligently being aware what's ready to be consumed and planning meals around them. As the primary food preparer in my family, I have a solid system and I'm pretty proud of our very minimal food waste. 

 

In the last couple of months of 2020, I've been drawn to the idea of a simple, more minimal lifestyle and de-cluttering concept. There are many helpful YouTube posts that offer inspiration and offer practical tips to move towards this way of life. My goal in the coming months is to slowly let go of clothes I don't want or need.  Sounds like a simple task, but I have a hard time parting with my belongings because I'm one of those "what if I need it" people. I aim to break out of that & just release things, even if it's one item here & there every few days or so.  I also plan to be more conscious & intentional about everything I buy--from pants to shoes.  I don't need that many.  I'm just going to say that again.  I don't need that many. 

Here are some of my favorite YouTube channels dedicated to the idea of simple living: 

Ashlynne Eaton

The Minimal Mom 

Sarah Therese

Gittemary Johansen

Remember that these folks are just examples or inspirations toward a more simple, waste free lifestyle. A little at a time or simple swaps here and there are worthy goals. For me personally, I know that being completely a minimalist just wouldn't work especially since I live in a household of collectors. I refuse to dictate others' spending habits or overall consumption.  For me, just making sure that we utilize reusables, continue to be a relatively low-waste household and controlling my own intake of material possessions is what I choose to focus on. Perfection is not a goal. 

Be kind to yourself. Sending light & love out there. Make it a good one! 😘

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