things I currently enjoy
It’s easy to let time pass by without truly living. The definition of living is different for everyone. For me, it means using my free time with intention. I don’t want to always resort to binge-watching a Netflix series or sleeping the day away. With work and exploring my options for higher education, I’ve especially began to take my free time seriously. Here’s a few things I currently enjoy.
Studying law and philosophy
As a deep-thinker, I decided to expand upon my contemplation by reading more books based on law and philosophy. I’ve always had an interest in philosophy and took an ethics course in college where I learned about the different theories such as utilitarianism, consequentialism, etc. Books that I’m currently reading include Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and The Symposium by Plato. In regards to books about law, I started off with reference books that give a standard overview of law, one giving a full history called The Law Book by DK Big Ideas and another giving a brief overview of legal basics called Law 101. I’m also enrolled in a Harvard 0L course where I’m learning in-depth about American law.
Going to the movies
Post-COVID, it feels as if more people are opting to stay at home to watch movies. While I was certainly one of those people until recently, I’ve slowly made my way back to enjoying cinema as it was meant — watching it on the big screen. I recently watched Challengers, not once, but twice, at the movie theater and it was absolutely amazing. I felt like I was in the movie. Nothing beats a big screen. I also indulged in my two favorite movie snacks, cookie dough bites and popcorn, along with a Vitamin Water to drink. Doing this twice in one week felt like therapy. Challengers was great, in my opinion. It was an intense movie with impeccable cinematography, but anything by Luca Guadagnino is sure to leave a mark.
Italy
Speaking of Luca Guadagnino, ever since I saw Call Me by Your Name in 2017, my desire to visit Italy has remained strong. Everything about that movie made me fall in love with Italy. I’ve never been, but I feel like it would change my life. I’m not even sure where I’d go between the Amalfi Coast or Cremona, in northern Italy. Most people opt for Rome or Milan. I would be pleased to visit anywhere in Italy, but it just seems like the coast is most picturesque.
Tea
While I’m certain I’ll return to coffee one day, for the past two weeks I’ve retreated to only drinking tea. Within the short time frame, I’m happy to report that drinking non-caffeinated tea just might have been life changing. Drinking tea isn’t new for me, but choosing it over coffee and making it my default hot beverage of choice is new. The benefits reaped since the new change include feeling more at ease than usual and having seemingly healthier digestion. I especially enjoy spearmint and peppermint tea.
Jazz & reggae
My appreciation for all kinds of music spans back to when I was a child. My dad and I would drive around listening to different radio stations ranging in genres. I accredit his appreciative music ear to my ability to connect with a range of music. Lately, I’m choosing jazz and reggae as what I listen to majority of the time. When cooking, I put on jazz. When exercising, I put on reggae. They both exude an essence that centers me. The lyricism is transcending and romantic. I think that’s why I’m really enjoying the two genres more now than ever. I’m learning to romanticize life, even the most mundane moments such as cooking or taking a walk. Jazz and reggae help me appreciate the small things in life.
Taking walks
Connecting with nature always makes me feel better. Sometimes things in life can get the best of us. When I take a walk outside, disconnecting from my worries and looking out into the world, realizing how large the universe is, I feel at peace. Taking a walk helps me practice gratitude. I find gratitude in being able and existing in the present moment.
Cooking at home
I never imagined I’d fall in love with cooking. Opting in for a healthier lifestyle, I decided to maintain my meals at home or eating cleaner options (no more Chick-fil-A!). Recent meals I’ve successfully made include ground turkey nachos, tomato sauce based pasta, chicken pita, salmon with rice and veggies, and even took a stab at making homemade brownies using bananas. It feels rewarding cooking my own meals. I also think it’s helping my gut become healthier. The only downside is that I have to do dishes.