Bye June!
Hello!
It’s been a while. I wasn’t intending to go a whole month between newsletters but what do the French say? C'est la vie?
In fact, life has been a bit all over the place. I was recently in France—a few days in Paris with my sister and cousin before meeting our parents and “chaperoning” them to a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees to visit a major Catholic pilgrimage site (long story). My oldest son just graduated from 5th grade (how in the world am I a parent to a middle schooler?). And I’m running pain-free! Although I probably just jinxed myself, didn’t I?
Plus, if you are in NYC on Thursday, July 5, come practice yoga in Prospect Park with me! From 7-8pm, I’m teaching a free yoga class as part of the Prospect Park Summer Yoga Series. You need to RSVP and sign a waiver prior to your first summer yoga class.
What I’ve Written
The funny thing about being a writer is that you can work on something intensely but it doesn’t see the light of day for months.
In the past few weeks, several stories have made their way online like this story about a mom’s journey to run in 50 national parks in honor of her late daughter and this one about an incredible athlete gearing up for the Special Olympics USA Games. There’s also this piece on why people are turning to stretch studios (Yes, it’s a thing) and this one about one person’s work to create a cancer support network in Maine. This story will tell you why it’s harder to lose weight as you get older and while this one shares the stories of nine incredible women who’ve committed to their health and fitness.
You should also pick up the July/August issue of Eating Well magazine to read about the foods that will give you a little extra sun protection this summer.
What I’ve Been Reading
The Weight Issue (SELF): SELF just published a series of stories that challenge how we think about and talk about weight and health. It’s an incredible package. As someone who writes about health, fitness, and nutrition frequently, I’m often conflicted about how we talk about these topics. But demands of SEO and enticing headlines still drives many towards perpetuating the myth that losing weight = better health and the key to happiness. So, it’s refreshing to see a major publication take the lead in trying to change this conversation, including a style guide for how to talk about weight.
The World, wide open (The Undefeated): This essay from Roxanne Gay opens ESPN’s 2018 Body Issue and she writes about her complicated relationship with her body.
The Midlife Unraveling (Brene Brown): This piece from Brene Brown on midlife was like a sucker punch to the stomach. So spot on about how I’ve felt as I stare down midlife.
You Think It, I’ll Say It: I’ve always loved Curtis Sittenfeld’s writing and her new collection of short stories doesn't disappoint.
Actually, I’m Not Fine (NY Times): About the deep-seated need to appear fine and to act tough and what that means when you have a chronic pain.
Ira Glass’ Commencement Speech (This American Life): A perfect dose of kick-in-the-butt inspiration.
“Don’t wait. Make the stuff you want to make now. No excuses. Don’t wait for the perfect job or whatever. Don’t wait. Don’t wait. Don’t wait. One of the advantages of being a journalist is you don’t need permission. You can go and run down the story now and then find a home for it. Pay someone you respect - pay a friend - a little money to be your editor and the person you talk to about your next steps. Don’t wait. You have everything you need. Don’t wait.”
What I’ve Been Listening to and Watching
I just finished listening to Caliphate, a podcast that follows NYTimes reporter Rukmini Callimachi as she investigates ISIS. It’s really good and the last few episodes are really good.
The Americans. There is so much that I loved about this series, this season, and this series finale. Also, how did I not know there was a podcast about The Americans??
I’m also still fan-girling over Des Linden. Loved her chats with Rich Roll and with Michael Gervais.
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