Staying Flexible
Daily conundrum: How to keep a stiff upper lip and agile at the same time.
Image: Geoff McFetridge from his solo exhibition, US As a Logo, now in Copenhagen.
Getting Rid of the Thought Bubble
After feeling a weird pain in my mouth for the last two weeks, I finally decided to go to the dentist. By the time I sat down in his chair this morning, I was totally freaked out, expecting to hear the worst. Extraction, root canal, oral surgery. Before grabbing the probe, the dentist took my hand, and suggested gently, that I try and change my negative thoughts. It’s easy, he said. Just like flipping a switch. It turns out, he was right. All my teeth are okay. My mind could use some flossing.
Illustration by Andrew Bannecker
Words of Comfort on a Hard Day
One of the quotes that helps reorient me when things aren’t going my way, is from the influential theologian, mystic and social activist, Abraham Joshua Heschel: “I did not ask for success, I asked for wonder.”
Illustration by Daniel Danger
Is It Possible to Unwrinkle Your Brow?
In Los Angeles, I’m surrounded by botox. So far, I haven’t made the plunge. But I get the impulse. Aging is a bitch.
Illustration by Petra Börner
I Am More Than My Face
Sometimes looking in the mirror can be really challenging. Especially on a bad hair day. As an alternative approach, check out this playful series by Japanese photographer Mitsuko Nagone.
Buy This Book!
Before I ever wrote my first word about single life, there was Dr. Bella DePaulo charting the course. She is a constant source of information and inspiration, and I’m honored to have contributed to her important new book. I hope you’ll all get a copy.
Too Much Testosterone
Yesterday, I went to the California State Capitol in Sacramento as an immigrant rights advocate, where I sat around a dark wood table with lobbyists and legal types, mostly men, who postured and hurled precedents at one another, without much regard to the laws impact on real people. At the airport, waiting for the flight home, I slurped a tall draft beer, watching CNN report on the dalliances of Anthony Weiner.
Image: Activism by Christopher David Ryan
6 Uplifting Activities To Do Without Company
1. Read Jennifer Egan’s fantastic book, A Visit from the Goon Squad
2. Bake Nutter Butters from Bouchon Bakery
3. Watch a bad romantic comedy (no suggestions. Too many to choose.)
4. Deep condition your Hair
5. Tend an herb garden
6. Nap with a cat
Image: Solitude by Katia Fouquet
Archive for June, 2011
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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