Friday Musings—20/06/25

What's new with me

As I mentioned last week, I've fled to the Alps and am currently sleeping with a duvet!

I look forward to some peace and quiet (at least until mid-July, when things around here start getting busy), walks in nature, lots of reading. I've also decided I'd like to eat outdoors more often—just pack a lunch and go eat by the river or under a tree.

Aside from anecdotal evidence, there’s growing research suggesting that eating outdoors can significantly reduce cortisol, lower inflammation, and even boost immune function (here's one such study). In the UK, they apparently have an entire "National Picnic Month"!

🎬

I still haven’t settled on a consistent YouTube schedule, but I'm not going to stress about it. I'm always slow to start something new, but the important thing is to move forward and enjoy the ride.

That said, after not posting for three weeks, I’ve just uploaded a new video where I talk about how reframing things and being curious about why I feel a certain way helped me go from nervousness about a company retreat presentation to learning a ton about communication skills and our “vocal image” (yes, it’s a thing).

🗞️

I've shared plenty of media content on the pros and cons of living in the digital age. Given our ever-growing digital footprint, how would you like to at least be able to manage, own, and profit from it?

Brazil is testing the option of turning data into commercial assets for citizens, the very first proposal of this kind in the world. The aim is “a correction in the historical imbalance of the digital economy”. Of course, the project has sparked several concerns as well. I'm really curious to know what will happen next.

🤔

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for". (Epicurus)

I came across this quote the other day and it made me pause. As you know, I often feel frustrated with the current state of my health. I also wish certain family dynamics were easier. But that quote reminded me that my current life is something I could only dream of until a few years ago, when eating disorders dictated my life and I'd wake up every morning scared of where my own mind could lead me to. And family dynamics were "easier" just because I completely avoided any conflict and was unable to set any boundaries.

😡

Speaking of handling conflicts and setting boundaries. Last year I shared how the psychologist who followed me for a few months "forced" me to finally confront my repressed anger, which I was too scared to even acknowledge. It hasn't all been smooth sailing since, and I find myself periodically reverting to my avoidant ways, but that has definitely been a turning point for me.

If this resonates, ask yourself: is it true that I don’t feel anger–or am I just really good at repressing it?, as the author of this article so eloquently puts it. It's also good to know that there's a well-established scientific link between (repressed) anger and anxiety, which explains so much of my past behavior and reactions.

Anger tends to be a neglected emotion, which even psychotherapists may be cautious to approach. Part of the problem is that we often conflate anger with aggression or even violence. But it's important to note that aggressive behavior is a choice we make, while the emotion itself is legitimate and often has something insightful to say.

Quote of the week ✍️ 

"Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy".  (Guillaume Apollinaire)

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have any suggestions or insights, feel free to share them in the comments. And if you know someone who might enjoy my musings, please pass this along, I’d love to grow this community.

Until next time,

ML