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On Wednesdays, we’ll reflect: See below for some some of what I’ve learned from the week to inspire reflection, a well-being soundbite, and a view of my wish list / recs / things I’m currently obsessing over. 🙂
1/3. W.I.L.T.W (What I Learned This Week)
Our lives, in their raw and unedited state, are just as beautiful as the curated glimpses we admire from others. There is beauty in the process.
We're constantly bombarded with curated glimpses into other people's lives through flawlessly edited photos and videos, often condensed into 20-second to one-minute snippets. These portray seemingly effortless travel, glamorous dinners, and challenging workouts that appear enjoyable with the right music or scenic backdrop. This creates an illusion of unattainable perfection, starkly contrasting with the messy reality of our own lives—the travel mishaps, the rushed mornings after hitting snooze, and the everyday frustrations that rarely make the highlight reel. We question why our lives aren't as seamless, forgetting that those polished moments represent only a tiny, carefully selected fraction of their reality.
Recently, I began consciously documenting my own experiences to see how it would feel. Could I capture the same magic? Would it enhance or detract from the moment? I started filming my hikes, runs, and even mundane grocery trips, aiming to reveal the beauty inherent in my everyday life.
As some of you may have noticed, the initial results are, admittedly, a bit rough—more indie film than blockbuster, and likely to remain so for a while. Yet, the shaky footage, the heavy breathing in the background of a panoramic shot during a run, and the accidental finger-in-frame moments led to genuine laughter and a greater appreciation for these small moments
Editing my own life revealed a simple truth: our daily experiences, including the rough moments that don’t make the final cut, are inherently beautiful and worthy of appreciation. It’s all a part of the process - just like everything else.
Often, we become so caught up in our tasks, goals, and schedules that we fail to appreciate the present moment. We rush through our days, missing the beauty of our surroundings. We perceive others' lives as idyllic, neglecting the fact that our own experiences are equally valuable. While I'm not suggesting you document every moment, realizing that our lives are equally worthy of being romanticized is a humbling and fulfilling sentiment.
2/3. Well-being Weapons
Ring In Rest: The Power of a Bedtime Alarm to Prioritize Recovery
For those of you who have always found it easy to prioritize your sleep, I envy you. I used to be someone who oddly found pride in my ability to thrive on less sleep than the average - it was almost a super power? It caught up to me, but there is still a part of my mind that feels oddly guilty if I feel like I have slept enough because it’s such a new practice in my routine that it almost feels like I’m not working enough, not being productive enough, etc…
What’s helped me find the mental value in sleep is structure it into my day, just like I do my other priorities (I know, Type A coming out). The "Tonight, I'll be in bed by 10:30" always turned into 11:15 sneaking up on me because I didn’t take it seriously. But just like morning alarms dictate our day, a bedtime alarm can anchor our evenings, preventing the "just a few more minutes" trap.
Our days are structured with deadlines and appointments; but structuring my night with a deadline is a rule that reclaims control of my evening and helps me prioritize rest.
The alarm isn't just a signal to get to bed; it's a cue to begin a conscious wind-down. Dim the lights, put away the screens, and engage in activities that soothe my mind. This intentional transition from "doing" to "resting" can also dramatically improve sleep quality.
For me, just as a morning alarm shapes my day, a bedtime alarm encourages me to manage my time more effectively and ruthlessly prioritize tasks throughout the day, reducing last-minute stress.
Though Apple and other technologies now have built in features that tell us when we should go to bed - I find that being the agent who consciously sets the alarm and decides when I unwind makes me buy into prioritizing sleep versus just seeing the reminder on my phone and rolling my eyes.
To me, it's a small act of self-care that can lead to improved energy, focus, and overall well-being. So, set that alarm and be a butler to your future self (for those of ya that read Monday).
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
As someone sensitive to light when I sleep, the FRESHME sleeping mask has been a game-changer. I bought this on March 3rd of last year after a recommendation from a friend alongside two other masks to try - it was my favorite. It has a remarkably soft texture and an adjustable band, allowing for a tailored fit. I wear it every night.
Pro tip: I put it by the window to have it be a bit cooler when I go to bed and it’s the best.
I know everyone has different preferences when it comes to sleeping but if you are interested in trying it out or are a fan of a sleeping mask - this is definitely the one I’d go for.
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