The second red flag event for me is the annual Triple J Hottest 100 which I listen to religiously every year and again falls just before the dreaded end of Summer vacation. This year the Hottest 100 happened yesterday, heralding a foreshadowing and awareness that my days of self indulgence and pleasure seeking are rapidly coming to a close. In short, I have two days left of Summer break, however on the upside the first week back has been reduced to a very manageable 3 days which is actually quite heavenly and very welcome.
And in spite of COVID-19 still looming about in the shadows like an repugnant stalker I have actually had one of the most relaxing, productive and deeply enjoyable Summer holiday breaks of my life, and my sights are now firmly fixed on making this year - my year to shine! When I say shine, I really don't mean in the spotlight, I mean that this year I really want to feel like I have a better handle on my own wellbeing in every possible way.
Last year I had my hysterectomy and it felt a lot like of a year of repair for me. I spent a lot of time resting, doing meditation and generally getting myself well and strong again. This year I really want to up my game and add some more things into my everyday regimen that will serve me well in many different ways. Of course I will not be dropping my daily meditation or yoga sessions, that stuff has become non-negotiable for me now and I couldn't imagine not doing those things on the daily. However, this year there are a few other key ingredients that I want to add into the mix, or should I say that I have already added into the mix this year and want to continue to stay committed to doing from here on out.
They aren't really huge changes, but over a long period of time, they will deliver grow into my life and should make me healthier and happier in the long run. Here is a list of the new things that I have added to my personal regimen and committed to doing for myself in 2021:
- 10,000 steps a day
- 20- 30 minutes of cardio three times a week
- 10 -15 minutes of brain training daily (Elevate)
- 10-15 minutes of learning another language (French)
- Drink 1.5 litres of water/ herbal tea a day
- Cut back my alcohol consumption
Let's hope I am writing a blog about the successes of my extra self commitments over the coming weeks and not about navigating the pitfalls of an over scheduled life - but hey I will keep you posted about that, watch this space!
Release Date: 2020
Rating: M
Running Time: 96 mins
A comedy/drama written and directed by Sofia Coppola that delivers a short, sweet tale about a father-daughter relationship. Not nearly as memorable as Coppola's previous endeavours, On the Rocks is a much lighter and more mainstream approach than we have seen in previous times, however it still has Coppola's keen eye for excellent male-female relationship dynamics all over it, which makes it quite enjoyable.
Laura (Rashida Jones) has a growing suspicion that her husband who travels a lot for work may be engaging in an affair. She confides her concerns in her father Felix (Bill Murray) who decides that her husband is clearly cheating and the two set out on a covert mission to discover the truth.
Jones and Murray are truly great here together with a deeply plausible onscreen connection and a good smattering of humour which really elevates the story greatly. Sure it's no game changer, but it is a fun exploration of child/parent bonds, marriage and fidelity.
FINAL SAY: It must be very nice to be you.
3 Chilli Peppers