I’m a bit sniffy about the current trend for self-care. It’s the ‘self’ part that bothers me, because I associate it with being self-absorbed, self-centred and self-indulgent, none of which leads anywhere good. However, I have realised that this past week I have been indulging in exactly that. To start with, I’ve imposed a news blackout on myself. This is easier than it might otherwise be because my other half is away and Jasper the cat is essentially non-political. The American election is of no concern to him as long as he’s fed regularly and stroked often.
I simply avoid the subject as much as possible. I don’t watch or listen to the news, skip all related articles in the newspaper and don’t listen to any political podcasts. I have barely discussed the outcome with friends and acquaintances, either in person or by text. My book club met on Wednesday evening and we briefly commiserated, then drowned our sorrows in wine. The book we read this month was Station Eleven, which, although very good, might not have been the best choice. It’s an apocalyptic tale in which 99% of the world’s population has been lost in a pandemic, so it didn’t exactly cheer us up, but did serve as a distraction and the wine helped a lot.
It’s surprisingly easy to just switch off. I’ve avoided watching the deeply political Have I Got News for You this week on TV and chosen the very silly Colin from Accounts instead. After reading the quite gruelling Station Eleven, I have moved gratefully on to Mary Poppins Comes Back. No, I have not yet entered my second childhood, but am feeling nostalgic for some of those classic children’s books. I am thoroughly enjoying re-entering the world of Mary Poppins and her young charges, and have decided that next year I’ll re-read Alice in Wonderland, another great childhood favourite. I’m sure it’ll seem like a very different book than the one I read years ago.
My daughter is visiting for the weekend and together we are happily absorbed in a jigsaw depicting a charming, but highly unrealistic-looking bookshop. I do realise that this might not be everyone’s idea of self-care. It doesn’t involve taking scented baths surrounded by candles or applying moisturising face masks. My method is simply distraction and avoidance, and it’s working just fine. I’m following the example of Mary Poppins and just floating above it all…
Have I Got News for You was presented by the American host of the US version. He was quite funny, getting quite a few jibes in against us Brits!
I liked the bookshop jigsaw. 😊📚📖
I think I’ll have rallied enough to watch it this week. We need to organise that jigsaw swap.
Any excuse for a visit here or there! 😊👍
Did you know Emily St John Mandel is Cdn? Now rich and famous bec her novel was made into a v popular Netflix series. Haven’t been able to bring myself to read or watch it. (Who wants to revisit the pandemic?) Hear hear for self-care after the US election. What a harrowing experience.
I did know she was Canadian. In fact, the book starts in Toronto and most of her characters are Canadian, but end up in the US for some reason. Better Weather? It’s not an easy read, for sure.
It’s very sad when a story about 99% of the world’s population being wiped out is preferable to the news about the fascist in the White House.
I agree with Joyce, The American host of this week’s HIGNFY was very good.
I wouldn’t say it was preferable, but the company and wine were comforting. Reading Mary Poppins is definitely helping.
I think I’m nearly ready to watch HIGNFY now. I can’t pretend forever!