THE ROOT 9: 21.3

I've been thinking about the stream of information and self-talk our brains process daily. Just as our bodies need specific nutrients to thrive, our minds also require a balanced "diet" to function optimally. Sometimes, we might unknowingly deprive our brains of what it needs to flourish, whether it's self-love, a moment of gratitude, your favorite song, a quote we love, the voice of a loved one, or the space to process.

Things like the content we consume, the way we interpret situations, our internal dialogue. Is it a well-balanced diet of compassion, introspection, curiosity? Or does it lean towards judgment, anxiety, and self-deprecation?

Rereading Our Favorite Books

This week, I started rereading one of my favorite books, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. I'd been meaning to revisit it for a while, intending to look through my old annotations, but my original copy is back at my parents' house in Chicago. I repurchased the book and I'm interested to see how what I take away may differ slightly this time around.

Rereading a book, as special as it is, gains an even deeper meaning when you observe how your understanding of it changes. It's a subtle but powerful way to see how you've evolved since your last read. I'm a huge annotator (why I struggle with audiobooks) but I bet the notes I'd make in any book today would be different in tone, or in what stood out, compared to the first time. I wish I had my old annotations on the pages as I reread Man's Search for Meaning. I would’ve loved reflecting on them.

Maybe you've been craving getting back into reading but can't find the right book to start with. The answer might be simpler than you think. Perhaps it's time to pick up an old book from your bookshelf and reread it, I bet parts of it will feel brand new.

The Unexpected History of Banana Republic

I recently scrolled across a TikTok about the history of Banana Republic, and I found it eye-opening. (See below)

The original idea for Banana Republic was born when Mel and Patricia Ziegler saw an opportunity to sell vintage military surplus clothing. They recognized the value in the well-tailored silhouettes and durable fabrics of the clothing. The brand then transitioned to offering tailored casual wear made from natural fabrics. Later, it was acquired by The Gap and evolved into an international retailer. The brand's evolution is pronounced, just look at the stores then vs. now (below)

I think this is an interesting case of how a brand revises its image. BR faced criticism for exploiting the history of colonialism and imperialism; the term "banana republic" is often defined as a small, politically unstable country whose economy relies heavily on a single export, making it susceptible to exploitation by foreign corporations. I bet many of us who pass by or shop at a Banana Republic store would never guess this was the origin story. It makes you wonder, what's kept the brand from entirely revising just about everything except its name?