Hi friends, Happy May. My big theme for April was embracing being a beginner, which I explain further in my April Highlight Reel. And with being a beginner, I have also been in the practice of giving myself grace. Something I often forget to do. So the past month has been a learning period, and I hope maybe after this you too practice giving yourself grace.
Being a beginner
Playing tennis in the mornings
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel specifically
Outfit repeating
Watching walking tours of European countries on YouTube while writing
Listening to music my parents listened to when I was a child
Wired headphones
Red wine
Ole Henriksen’s peptide lip treatment
Taking a moment to ask myself if I really want to mindlessly scroll before opening Tiktok and Instagram
April was a slow reading month for me if I’m being honest. I’m currently reading Beautiful Boy by David Scheff. It is the story of a father’s journey through his son’s addiction. It piqued my interest as someone who has also loved someone with their own battle with addiction. David describes something I have always felt– we always hear the stories of those who have suffered from addiction, but we rarely hear from those who love them. While I have not finished yet, it is a story I find much comfort in with its relatability.
This month’s theme was embracing being a beginner. In fact, seeking out opportunities to be a beginner. I came across Morgan Riddle’s vlogs on YouTube and she has been one influencer to actually influence me. Morgan dates a professional tennis player and documents her life traveling across the world with him. She posted about taking tennis lessons, which sparked my interest. I grew up taking very casual tennis lessons during the summers. My brother continued playing at our High School while I dropped it to continue dance. But recently, I have been desperately searching for workout activities to keep me engaged. After seeing her playing with her friends for fun, I decided to rope my recently retired father into playing tennis with me in the mornings. I’m not great, but that’s not the point. I’ve learned there is something fun about being a beginner. There’s no pressure to perform to a certain standard and I’ve found it to be good to be able to laugh at myself. I’m laughing at myself often. It has lifted me out of a long-term workout slump and I’ve gotten to try something new.
Here’s a little note from the beginning of the month. I don’t know what made me write it down, and I’m not quite sure where I was going with it.
That’s all for now, friends. I hope to post at least once more this month before our next month-in-review. I hope your May is filled with more beautiful moments.
All the love,
B xx