A Peek into My Current Thoughts & Entertainment

I don’t know about you, but lately, I’ve had zero motivation to do any of the things I usually enjoy. Every time I sit down to write a blog post, I get bored and leave yet another unfinished draft in my folder; I haven’t been able to sit down and write anything since I finished a short story a few weeks ago; and earlier I couldn’t even make a playlist because my music taste is all over the place right now. I’ve felt very blah lately, so I wanted to take some time to sit down with you lovely voyagers and catch you up on what I’ve been thinking about, as well as all the things I’m currently consuming.

So, grab some iced coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), a cozy blanket, and let’s chat.

✧What I’m Thinking About✧

As a creative, I’ve spent a lot of today thinking about how far I push myself and the expectations that I set for myself. I want to always be producing content on my social media accounts, writing stories, building my brand, taking aesthetic book photos, learning how to edit my photos better, and a million other things. But, I’ve felt very burned out. My creativity has been low these past few months, and it’s been a struggle to sit down and just create.

I think a big part of the problem is that creatives expect themselves to produce and write and create constantly. We don’t like resting and taking a break because it makes us feel lazy, and ultimately, guilty. But this is such a lie that we have to stop believing. It is not lazy to take care of yourself—you don’t need to feel guilty for giving yourself a chance to recharge and find the joy in creating again.

One of the things I did to help me get through a rough patch about a month ago was create different kinds of self-care lists. I think they might help you too, so here are some ideas to get you started (in case you want to make your own lists).

✧What I’m Reading✧

There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

“This is Ireland, Finley. It’s rough. It’s wild. And it is holy.”

I’m listening to the audiobook because I adored the movie, and I love how easy it is to follow. There are some heavy topics in it, like grief and death, but I really like how the author is handling them. I read some reviews where people expressed disappointment with the religious element, and while I think it probably could have been handled better, I don’t entirely hate it. However, if you prefer not to read Christian fiction or fiction that involves religion, I’d recommend skipping this book.

Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined by Stephenie Meyer

“Seriously, though, this wasn’t a life and death situation—it was just high school. It’s not like anyone was going to bite me.”

I’ve had this book on my home library shelf for a few years now. I was in a bit of a reading slump, so I decided to revisit this familiar, comfort world, and so far, I’m not disappointed. It is mostly a line-by-line recreation of Twilight, but with changes to accommodate the gender-bent characters. This one seems to be pretty hit-or-miss for most fans, but I’m really enjoying it so far.

Embrace Your Almost by Jordan Lee Dooley

“You’re not stuck. You’re not behind. You’re simply on divine middle ground.”

I preordered this book a few months ago, and while I haven’t picked it up in a minute, every word has been incredible. I really struggle with feeling like everyone around me is living my dream, and it’s been so refreshing to have Dooley remind me that I’m not alone in feeling that way, nor is that feeling a dead end.

✧What I’m Watching✧

Finding You

“It doesn’t matter what the notes are, it’s how you play them.”

This was such a cute movie. I loved it so much that I watched it twice within a few days! The romance was a beautiful slow burn and I really enjoyed that their relationship was about more than just a physical connection. They liked being together and helping people together, and I don’t think we see enough of that in YA movies anymore.

Content warning: Brief profanity.

Panic

“The opposite of fear isn’t courage, it’s believing. And finding something worth believing in.”

This show was really a masterpiece. I hate that there was so much language (much of it was unnecessary), but the story itself was written and presented in such an amazing package. The characters were so complex and nuanced, and the suspense kept me watching “just one more” until I’d binged the entire show within three days!

Content warning: Strong profanity, underage drinking, drugs, reckless behavior, fighting, domestic abuse, blood, mentions of suicide, passionate heterosexual and homosexual kissing, implied sex (no nudity), a naked woman’s breasts are visible on a poster, a brief scene of girls pole dancing in very scant clothing, and sexual language.

The Lost City

“Miss Sage, surely this isn’t how you want your story to end.”

I saw this movie in the theater, and it made me feel so many things. It’s such a funny movie, but also incredibly heartfelt and emotionally-moving. Sandra Bullock was flawless (as usual), I loved the idea of an author getting pulled into her own fictional world, especially since she had no idea how to survive in that world.

Content warning: Sexual language, male nudity (his butt), off-screen death (blood splatters are shown and the death is a jump scare), profanity (including taking the Lord’s name in vain), drinking, smoking, and violence (not graphic).

✧What I’m Listening To✧

The Commission by Cain

I’ve gotta go now for a little while
But goodbye is not the end

I stumbled upon this song while driving to work, and I instantly fell in love with it. I think we oftentimes think about the Great Commission as this intense, heavy thing that we have to do. And while it can be those things, it’s honestly one of the greatest gifts that God has given us: the ability to share His love with others. So, I really love this song because it helps me remember that our calling is really, really special.

Long Live by Taylor Swift

If you have children some day
When they point to the pictures
Please tell them my name.

Tell them how the crowds went wild
Tell them how I hope they shine.

Honestly, this is my favorite song of hers at the moment. I love the nostalgia and hopefulness and sentimentality that’s all tied together so harmoniously in this song. It reminds me of graduating high school, but it also feels relatable to any kind of ending and and new beginning that we face in life.

Never Come Back Again by Austin Plaine

I wanna wake my soul
Climb the highest mountain
I wanna write my name in the clouds and never come back again

This song speaks to the wanderlust in me. I’ve always been hesitant about traveling (it’s a lot of anxiety), but I also really want to travel across the world someday. I love exploring beautiful places, learning about the history, and honestly just breathing in God’s craftsmanship. So, if you also have the wanderlust vibe, definitely add this song to your shuffle.

Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham

There will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again

I also found this one because it came on the radio while I was driving. I’ve always had a deep love for Phil Wickham’s music (especially Living Hope), and this one just solidified that love even more. His vocal range is incredible, and this message has given me so much hope lately.

Let’s Talk!

What are you consuming lately? What thoughts have you been pondering? Do you have any TV show recommendations? I’ve been enjoying TV shows more than normal lately, so drop your favorites in the comments below!