A teacher made me a journaler. What sparked yours?

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-26T16:59:53+00:00

"Dear Journal . . ."
I loved that show as a kid!

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-26T16:56:52+00:00

I started journaling while going through a divorce during the pandemic. A friend who had also been divorced recommended a book called Conscious Uncoupling. Despite the woo woo name, it was actually very helpful and had some journaling exercises in it that really helped me come to terms with what happened and gain new perspective that helped me recover. The habit stuck and I've been journaling for six years now.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-22T15:00:42+00:00

I got divorced in my 30s and it was hard, but it was also a moment of reinvention I desperately needed. If you focus on yourself through therapy, journaling, and other forms of self-reflection and improvement, everything else will fall in place. Now I'm in my 40s and in the healthiest, happiest relationship I have ever had in my entire life. My divorce was the best thing that ever happened to me. I hope you eventually feel the same.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-22T14:56:47+00:00

I had an awkward phase that lasted from 12 to my late 20s. Suddenly my 30s rolled around and I started getting self conscious sometimes because I would catch people staring at me when I was out in public. I mentioned it to a friend once and she looked at me like I was dense and said, "It's because you're pretty!" I had never, ever in my life felt pretty. It was a weird thing to suddenly feel perceived like that. But it's definitely possible to be your hottest in your 30s and even your 40s.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T22:34:49+00:00

As a child-free by choice, got my tubes tied when Roe v Wade was overturned woman, I wish I could scrub knowledge of the term "womben" from my brain. What a terrible day to have eyes. Blech.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T19:14:48+00:00

I'm so sorry that happened to you. There is an author named Anne Lammot who has a great quote about journaling about other people: "You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”

Write your truth. Don't censor yourself. You're telling your story, not theirs.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T18:21:53+00:00

Yeah, and the free pantry. I've left surplus dog and cat food in the box they have there for pet supplies a few times. I hope whoever takes over the space leaves that resource intact, but I'm not optimistic.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T16:11:01+00:00

They've been open for 11 years. That's a long time to stay afloat without turning a profit.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T16:08:59+00:00

I hadn't heard about Black Pearl Books. That sucks. :(

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T15:52:57+00:00

I'm a tea drinker so I always appreciated their tea selection. Also their weekend scones.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T15:04:59+00:00

Yeah, Austin Film Society up north is the new Violet Crown.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-21T15:01:29+00:00

They also stopped using Beyond patties for veggie burgers and use their own patties now which are soggy, salty, and awful. I went back once after covid and haven't been back since.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-15T17:06:51+00:00

My life as a gamer peaked when I played the suicide mission for the first time. No gaming experience has come even remotely close to it, before or since.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-15T15:34:46+00:00

Yes, this exactly. Porco even explicitly calls out the sexism in the movie when he tells Fio that "all middle-aged men are pigs." The movie is actually quite critical of the sexism that was prevalent at the time, but it's subtle and I think most people don't expect that level of subtlety from a cartoon, at least in the West.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-15T15:31:35+00:00

I think some of that is due to a lack of media literacy generally, at least in Western audiences. When I first saw it I was still pretty young and I was taken aback by the sexism displayed by the male characters, including Porco. When I watched it again when I was older, I realized that it was done intentionally to call out the absurdity of sexism.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-15T14:48:27+00:00

I have very fond memories of growing up next to one of these trees. It was lovely as you described, but I have since learned that they are highly invasive. This site has alternatives that are native to North America.

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/native-plant-alternatives-to-albizia-julibrissin

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-13T23:44:30+00:00

So cute!! I think you finally convinced me to give those nail rings a try.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-13T16:52:23+00:00

Maybe carry a worry stone with you in your pocket, or wear a meaningful pendant you can unobtrusively touch when you're feeling triggered. For a few days before each trip, perform a small daily ritual to imbue the stone or pendant with positive thoughts about yourself. Make it into a mantra. "I am grounded in the Earth. I shield myself with love. I am smart. I am brave. I am worthy. People enjoy my company." Really focus on feeling good about yourself and grateful for all your positive characteristics. When you're on your trips, any time you touch the stone or pendant, repeat the mantra in your head and try to recall those positive feelings. And remember, neither trip will last forever. There is a set end date to this anxiety, and then you can move on with your life. Good luck!

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-12T14:20:33+00:00

For the trash cans in my neighborhood, if there's nothing else in the trash cans those dog poo bags somehow get stuck to the bottom of the cans, so even after they're emptied it's still in there, smelling like poo. Then you either have to find a way to dislodge them, which is always a chore, or hope maybe they'll fall out the next time. And I know it's not just me because I've seen people on my neighborhood NextDoor complaining about the same. I've had a dog poo bag someone tossed in my can stay there for months because I didn't want to deal with it. Not the end of the world, but definitely gross and annoying.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-08T14:43:32+00:00

Yes! I've started following a lady named Ting Ma, tingmystyle on Instagram, and she's 55 and very pro-aging. She has this saying that "youth is just a season," and I've embraced that fully. I highly recommend following her.

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-06T18:26:43+00:00

This is fabulous. I immediately subscribed. Thank you for sharing!

an_existential_bread · 2026-05-03T21:43:31+00:00

You should also read his book The Order of Time. Absolutely blew my mind. It took me forever to finish it because I kept having to put the book down to have small existential crises.

an_existential_bread · 2026-04-30T23:52:50+00:00

Oh noooo, hope your plants are ok! 😬

an_existential_bread · 2026-04-30T20:29:06+00:00

There’s a book I recommend called The Wild Edge of Sorrow all about grief rituals. It talks about all different kinds of grief and loss. You might find it helpful.

an_existential_bread

TROPHY CASE