First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

What, me worry?

In the days leading up to my annual internist appointment (which was today), I have waves of heart-pounding anxiety. It’s not logical. I’m in excellent health and take really good care of my body. By now, the feeling is familiar, and each year, I try to understand it. But mostly all I can do is breathe through the experience.

Don’t Worry by Martin Creed

What Are You Reading? Fall Edition

For my career coaching work, I’ve been reading The Power of Habit, which I highly recommend if the subject interests you. I’ve also been catching up with Ta-Nahesi Coates’s essays in We Were Eight Years in Power. These days, my heart doesn’t seem to be into lighter fare. What about you?

Illustration by Ella Frances Sanders

Our New National Conscience

Without moral leadership in the political realm, we now turn to late night TV entertainers to guide our way. Trying to enact gun safety in the U.S. feels like the most hopeless endeavor. But something has got to change. Maybe this time, a comedian can make a difference.

End of Week Zen

I’m off to synagogue for the Day of Atonement. At my congregation, we’re asked to fast, wear all white, stand much of the time in prayer and do some serious spiritual excavation. It’s a kind of altered reality, though the people in this painting by Alex Gross look like they’re having a lot more fun. Whatever you’re up to this weekend, I wish you the best!

I’m Ready to Laugh Again

Curb Your Enthusiasm revs up again on October 1. Are you a fan?

Spirit Board

Honoring Our Uniqueness

One of my favorite moments at the Emmys this year was the rousing speech from Lena Waithe who won the best writer award for Master of None. She prefaced the remarks below with a shoutout to her LGBTQIA family, and even though I’m straight, they had a real resonance for me going through life as a single woman. 

“The things that make us different, those are our superpowers — every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.”

How I Nurse a Cold

After days of New Year’s holiday festivities, crammed into close quarters with nearly a thousand people, I came down with a cold. It was worth it, as one of the holiday highlights was sitting a few seats away from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, who attended services this year at my synagogue. Upon waking up with a raspy throat, I immediately walked to Trader Joe’s and bought supplies. Fixings for chicken soup, honey and lemon for tea, and salt water to gargle. I find that this ritual and the mixture of ingredients helps me mend more quickly. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

Looking Forward to a Sweet New Year

To all those who celebrate – l’shana tova! May it be filled with meaning and sweetness.

White lotus and chestnut flavored popsicles by Ray Ray

Upside of Being Single #445

This decision is entirely up to you.

Diagram by Instachaaz