A damn fine cup of coffee (or two)
Black as midnight on a moonless night.
It’s hard to know what to write about, here in these wild times. As I alluded to in the first issue of this “news” “letter,” I am trying to focus on day-to-day moments, connections with people, small moments of hope and joy.
I recently read this quote from Dolly Parton’s memoir Dream More:
I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.
What a treasure she is.
This quote reminds me of a couple of things I keep coming back to lately:
At a time in my life many years ago when I was really struggling with anxiety and depression, I started seeing a therapist whose office was in my hometown, which was the opposite direction from my workplace. She’d been recommended by a colleague of one of my college professors who I trusted, and I immediately found her to be helpful in learning to deal with my emotions. Still, it was a pain to make the trek, and I was not doing super hot overall.
My drive to her office, though, included a pass through a hilly, semi-rural area that brimmed with greenery and vitality during most of the time I was making this drive. On more than one morning, I caught a view of a particular tree perched atop a lush, grassy hilltop, struck just right by the rising sun.
Despite all my inner turmoil, I immediately felt a little lighter and more hopeful whenever I saw it. I’m not sure I processed it at the time, but I think my brain knew: “It’s not all bad. This little vista is here when you need it, unbothered by the highs and lows of human life.”A couple of years ago, I finally watched David Lynch’s (R.I.P. to a real one!) “Twin Peaks” series, and was immediately hooked. It’s weird and surreal and upsetting and confusing, but there’s a comfort in Agent Dale Cooper’s steadfast optimism and confidence amidst some dire situations.
I honestly don’t remember the context, but this line of advice from Agent Cooper stuck in my head the moment I heard it and I try to follow it whenever I remember:
Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee.
None of this is to say we should bury our heads in the sand and miss out on opportunities to help those who are going to suffer during this truly horrific and shameful time in our history. But this is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ll run farther if we’re taking care of ourselves. So get some sleep, notice the trees on the horizon, and treat yourself to your own personal version of two cups of good, hot black coffee.
XO,
Grant
P.S. Congrats to Kendrick Lamar on his Super Bowl win.
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Currently/recently listening to:
The Wonder of Stevie podcast
A whole bunch of Stevie Wonder
Dollar Store by Ben Kweller feat. Waxahatchee
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Visit grantshellen.com for more from and/or about me.