A Superficial American's Take on The Royal Estrangement

 

A compelling tweet, as it does for me, invoke a sense of truth.

 

I've been quietly following the Royal Family from a superficial perspective for quite some time since I was a little girl watching my Mom admire Princess Diana and her fashion, to being enthralled when Prince William & Princess Catherine married, then Prince Harry and Meghan married, to now watching the whole "Meghxit" & all that drama play out in front of the world (or whoever cares to pay attention).

It's such a roller coaster and people have strong opinions on both sides--it's almost like watching American politics--with all its vicious polarization. Ultimately, we're not them & we don't REALLY know what is going on behind the scenes except what is told to us by "insiders" so we can only comment on what we can gleam from interviews, books written, and frankly what is NOT said mostly by the Royal Family themselves. 

But again, on a superficial level, I have formed my own opinions on the whole matter between The Royal Family & Prince Harry and Meghan. When the two first decided to leave for America, their statement(s) were leaning towards continuing public service and adding good into the world. But instead, they participated in a "complaining about everything interview",  they've put out a Netflix piece that basically trashed (at least that's what they intended, in my opinion) members of the family, have been dropped from big-cash media deals, accepted weird awards no one has ever heard of, inflated paparazzi attention and various other publicity stunts. Meanwhile, The Royal Family has continued on, without any public comment and been seen carrying out Royal duties supporting charities and bringing social issues to public attention. 

Now, there are concerning illnesses in the Royal fold and instead of being a help to the family, Harry and Meghan have put themselves in an untrustworthy situation and can not offer significant working assistance to the family. It's all unfortunate...but it could have been avoided if Prince Harry and Meghan did not go out of their way to talk negatively about the family and purposely cause such a tremendous rift. It's normal to have issues and not get along all the time--most families can relate to that. But when you blast your issues out into the public arena it puts you on a road of no return, which I think Harry & Meghan have put themselves in. 

As an American that doesn't know anything on the inside and have no true stakes in the game, I am Team William. I think he's been through a lot--losing his mother at such a young age, his grandparents, the current illnesses in his family and his (probably forever) rift with his only brother, caused in my opinion by his brother. He offers no statement on that matter, has not publicly renounced his brother, and probably will just continue on without mentioning him, ever really.  

And I don't think Prince Harry and Meghan feel they are in the wrong...which is a self-centered, dare-I-say narcissistic trait. Self awareness and reflection is the best way to work towards being a better human. It's easy to blame others, but what exactly is your own part in the situation? Public service is about doing--not about bashing others, elevating yourself with self-praise and accepting weird awards, which Harry and Meghan have many examples of doing. I still cringe at some of Meghan's speeches (you can find these on Youtube) praising herself. I'm literally cringing right now remembering some of her words (she definitely pats herself on the back as often as she's able to).

But I'm not trying to join the bashing side or anything like that. And I'm not trying to claim that I'm unbiased. But I feel I formed my bias based on what I've seen, heard and read about the situation. I liked them all at one point, but if you've been following the events, it's hard to remain neutral.

That being said, sending out love and light into the world, as usual. XOXO

  

Do it Your Way, Do it Differently

I am someone that naturally leans towards simplicity and the simple ways of life. That's such a general description and honestly can be taken any sort of way, but for me, it just means, I don't want for much. My main sources of joy are reading, watching entertainment (movies, TV shows, performances etc), eating good food & trying out new places & different genres as well as cooking and experimenting with food combinations, traveling and spending time with my loved ones. And if I can get bargains along the way & spend little money, I find that such a bonus. 

I've eaten at fancy restaurants, stayed in expensive hotels/resorts and been generally around people that put high value on money. Throughout life's ups and downs--struggles and anxiousness--I know the truest form of gratitude and I'm in constant thankful mode that I can even make the previous declaration--a privileged yet humble life. 

The absolute happiest and most content I am in life is when it's not about something expensive or fancy. It's a tasty, affordable satisfying meal. It's a feeling of wonder when I'm experiencing something new with my loves--like a new amusement park, a boat ride, a movie we enjoy, a belly clutching moment of laughter. I don't want a bigger home, I'd rather have a paid-off, charmingly quaint home. I'd rather save money than be in debt.  That kind of thing.

And I know that in this hustle culture of, more is better, bigger is best, my simple vibe--perfectly happy with less--isn't normal or maybe even desired. But it's ok. I know what makes me content. And I'm deciding to own that. 

Drink a lot of water, but it doesn't have to be in pink Stanley cup. Enjoy a good cup of coffee, but it doesn't have to be from a popular franchise everyone goes to. Buy the car you want or need, but it doesn't have to be the car that gives the perception of wealth. Travel with & to places that bring you joy, but not because you want to show off on Social Media. Do it your way. Do it differently, if that's what makes you happy. 

If you live in privilege, enjoy it & be thankful. But it's acceptable to choose to live a humble life--whether by necessity, or whether by choice. Embrace being de-influenced. You don't need permission or approval to have or want less. 

XOXO to everyone receiving it well. 😘
 

Reading: We Sit, We Breathe, We Escape

I feel like my reading habits fluctuate. There are times when I just keep on reading, book after book. Then there are times I take a huge hiatus and barely even turn my Kindle on.  I'm not sure what triggers these reading moods, but when I do get back on it, I revisit my great love of stories and being transported to whatever time and space the authors take me to.  If  you end up reading any of these titles, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Allure by C.A. Harms: Rhett believed that Harley was his forever. But in one conversation, she changed everything by revealing that she was moving with her family and later, more life future plans changed when she decided to go to another college. Rhett began just existing and in the state of “waiting” hoping Harley would come back.  But again something changed & he felt compelled to try and move on.  Enter A.J., a fantastic girl and someone he enjoys being with.  But A.J. understandably feels insecure about Rhett’s true feelings and wonders what they have is authentic.  I found Rhett charming in this story and I felt vested in what would happen to him and his true love—whoever that ends up being. 

 

 

Give Me Yesterday by K. Webster and Elle Christensen: This story is an incredible emotional story of love and loss. We are introduced to Victoria and her journey through the stages of grief when she loses her young husband and toddler child to a terrible traffic accident.  She is closed off to love and doesn’t really complete the mourning process because she would rather run away from the pain.  But she ends up meeting Chase and his persistence allows her to face her feelings and open up to the possibility of love again. Chase too is mourning a loss of his own.  Together they try to heal one another with their love and connection until more pain threatens to break up the union.  The journey of reading their story, with the emotional ups and downs, was a satisfying roller coaster ride. 

 

 

Country Heaven (Dare River) by Ava Miles: Rye is a country singer estranged from his family and Tory is a graduate student who lost her parents in a car accident and raised by a grandmother who instilled in her a love for cooking. Tory ends up taking a position as Rye’s chef while he is on tour and they become good friends (who also happen to be attracted to each other). The story is filled with themes of family (and some toxic aspects associated with it), forgiveness and acceptance. Tory also “shares” some of her mouth-watering recipes including Lemon Meringue Pie and a Chocolate Chip Pie. And if you like country music, there’s so much of that type of vibe in this story.  So many cute and heartwarming moments in this one and I enjoyed it.