June Journaling 21-24

I found a list of daily prompts for journaling in June and thought I'd give it a shot.
Yes, it's late; life happens.

21. What motivates you?

I sign up for races in order to motivate myself to work out. I work out to help mitigate depression and construct purpose in my life.

I work so I can maintain the lifestyle I like, including living in a house instead of an apartment, eating good food, and socializing with friends.

I volunteer to support my hobbies (trail rebuilding and race volunteering) and (clinic escorting) to atone for my teenage years spent as a rabid pro-lifer. 

22. What do you need?

Well, this prompt is painfully vague, isn't it?

I wish I had more time and social energy. I'd been looking forward to Queerbomb (the local anti-corporate-sponsorship alternative Pride event) for weeks and very much wanted to attend, but I had two migraines and slept very poorly every night in the week leading up to it and could not muster an ounce of energy to spend with crowds when the day finally came. I had strongly ambivalent feelings about not going.

I wish there were more ways to spend time with the queer community that weren't so late in the evenings or so spendy or so crowded always. Bisexuals are isolated enough; being an introvert doesn't help.


23. A way you relax:

I'm almost ashamed to say (because our culture insists it is shameful) that I spend a lot of my downtime with Netflix. I work full time and commute, which takes up 45-50 hours of my week. I'm training for a marathon, which includes cross-training and occupies up to 10 hours a week. I socialize a bit with my friends. And whatever is left after laundry, cleaning, and meal prep goes to sitting on the couch watching cute shows and petting cats.

I'd read more, but my job kind of burns me out on looking at words. I shouldn't have to justify spending time watching TV, but I feel like I have to because "laziness" is so reviled in our culture. Often I scan photos or work on crafts while watching TV, but then that counts as chores and work for me rather than relaxing.

Really, an episode of Charmed or Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is such a lovely way to unwind before bed: clever, kind, kick-ass women battle and defeat evil in an hour or less. What could be better?

24. The person you are currently grateful for:

I'm very grateful for the love, affection, and concern from my close friends and my sister. It's been a rough couple of weeks since the Orlando massacre, and it's been a huge help to know I have people who care for me and whom I can rely on. I've been sharing hugs and extra support with my housemates recently and lots of love with other friends as well.

June Journaling 16

I found a list of daily prompts for journaling in June and thought I'd give it a shot.

16. Reasons to feel happy: 

Today a friend posted a status detailing some of the struggles and loss he's gone through this week, saying also: "I didn't sleep well, but I woke up with a roof over my head, a dog at my feet, my love by my side and the whole world in front of me."

This is very meaningful for me today. <3 ...="" a="" alone="" and="" badly="" bed="" been="" can="" cats="" clean="" comfortable="" house="" i="" in="" is="" love="" me="" nbsp="" neighborhood="" nice="" p="" people="" run="" safe="" sheets="" since="" sleeping="" sunday="" that.="" there="" to.="" ve="" versa="" very="" vice="" want="" when="" where="" who="" with="">

Random Acts of Kindness: Abortion Clinic

I wrote and mailed this letter to an abortion clinic in my area.

Dear SW Women’s Clinic, 

Every day on my way to work, I drive past this office. And most days there are protesters sitting outside it pointing their signs at oncoming traffic. (Most often I see an old man, the kind of person who doesn’t have a uterus but needs to be in control of them, it seems.) And every day it makes me sad and a little offended on behalf of your staff and of all women.

So I’m writing this letter to say: Thank you for all you do. I can only imagine the flak and the hate you might face because of your job, especially in our conservative state. Thank you for continuing to do the work that you do.

In contrast to the visible signs of opposition you see daily, I’m writing this to show you support. I have never used your services and many women never will, but we appreciate and support you still. Know that you’re appreciated even by those who will never find cause to call or come in. Thank you for being there for those who need you, and thank you for caring for our sisters, friends, nieces, daughters, aunts, girlfriends, wives, and mothers. Thank you for being there despite the risks it means taking and despite the ill will directed at you.

Your work is important. My friends and I just want to say so.

Sincerely,

signed by me and 16 friends whose info I won't share here