celebrating the little wins
just the hits #3
A few wins (little and big) from the week:
I spoke at two separate Harris-Walz events - a fundraiser I co-hosted with some heroes of mine (Susan McPherson, Cindi Leive, Gloria Feldt) and a phone banking event with South Asians for Harris. Most of my civic participation is offline (postcard writing with the kids, planning some canvassing weekends, fundraising), and this was a nice change.
We tackled all of the kids’ school things (school forms, clubs + sports registration, shopping).
I finished a needlepoint project - a very small one, but finishing it was satisfying all the same.
I accepted that it might take the rest of the year to finish this season of Love Island USA, and that’s not going to stop me from watching it. If you’re in the same boat or a fellow LI fan, I highly recommend treating yourself with this.
We’re currently in England for a family vacation. I’m raising my teacup to you, this chaotic summer, and my therapist/psychiatrist/family/all of you for the support and love during a very hard month.
While I have you, I’d love your help on two things:
I’d love your votes for my two SXSW panel submissions: Redefining Leadership: Humanity in a Digital Era and Redefining Work, Motherhood & Personal Brand Online
It would be my dream to publish an updated version of We’re Speaking (covering Kamala’s vice presidency and this campaign). Book sales will help make that a reality, so please please purchase a paperback, request it from your local library, or leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads/Storygraph!
Catch up on my latest essay & last week’s hits:
If you enjoy my writing, I hope you consider upgrading your subscription. Writing here has been my digital happy place, and I have more in store for my paid subscribers (this weekly digest will always be free).
Between Lovers and Friends
by
You know those books that make you choose violence with your sleep? The ones you stay up way too late reading, or wake up when it’s still dark to continue reading them? That’s this book - and I have zero regrets about my lost sleep. Shirlene’s sophomore novel reminds me of the best episodes of Gossip Girl - a backdrop of immense wealth and privilege with characters adjacent to the world (but never fully in it), the upsides and pitfalls of literary success, and the honest juggle of medicine and social media. Rarely do I call a book perfect, but this one is - it has it all, and Shirlene’s writing is achingly superb.
You can find my 2024 reads here, and my August reads here.
Coastal Grandmother Shirtdress ($27)
I bought one of these dresses on a whim - and after living in it for nearly 3 days straight, I bought 3 more in different colors (it’s what I’m wearing in the picture above). It is the PERFECT coastal grandmother dress - oversized, the perfect amount of pattern/texture, and 100% cotton for my fellow hot flash sufferers. I’m wearing mine as is right now, but will throw a sweater over my shoulders or pair it with a denim jacket once the weather cools.
This month’s Amazon favorites here.
After riding the manic-depressive roller coaster for the past few weeks, I decided to get off it after reading
’s smart, healing essay. This section was the jolt I desperately needed:“Fight like hell to stay in the positive-present. Speak openly and often about the good that will come of the change. Acknowledge the stressors and potential losses like fleeting thoughts and let them go on their merry way.”
I share smart & fun reads, cheap (and useful thrills), and outfits on Instagram, and random musings on Threads. If that’s your thing, please hang out with me over there!
Sharing
these pants are definitely a splurge, but they are perfect (fitted without being uncomfortable, chic and casual in equal measure). I’ll be living in mine, paired with this button down and my favorite chunky loafers.
a peek at our kitchen in our PA home.
my summer GOAT. After a year of consistent use, I only need to epilate my legs once a month, and the hair grows back so finely. It’s the same pain level as waxing the first time you use it, and it’s less painful on wet skin than dry skin.
These are my most popular recommendations.
Making
needlepoint bookmarks (my larger project is tucked away in a drawer as I bang out these smaller projects)
Answering (your questions about feeling lost and resetting after a funk)
One practice that’s helped me start or reset the day is morning pages - dumping out every thought, fear, or worry on the page (3 pages, actually). This is one of the first practices taught in The Artist’s Way, and it has truly helped my mental health this summer.
Whenever I set a goal or start a project, I write a Magic 20 lists - 20 tasks I can complete to make tangible progress on that thing. I block off 15 minutes to work on a task every weekday and re-evaluate how I feel about it once I’ve finished the list.
We’ve had our fair share of big emotional moments this summer. Whenever we do, I put my phone away and we drink some water, take 10 deep breaths, and go for a quick walk. It really does help.
Reading
Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi
Trying
a new anxiety med on top of my mood stabilizer. I’m glad I saw my psychiatrist to adjust my dosage and that she prescribed me this additional medication.
A gentle reminder that needing help - therapy, pharmaceutical intervention, breaks - is not a moral failing. My psychiatrist reminded me of this a few weeks back, and I’m sharing it in case you needed it.
Drink some water. Go for a walk.
And to echo my friend Cheryl’s advice, take exquisite care of yourself.
xo,
Hitha
Super interested in hearing more about the postcards you make with your kids if you are willing to share more.
I love that you’re enjoying the bookmarks! I’m about to pick some up for Christmas presents.