Filthy Casual for Life

I’ve been trying to focus more on peace lately. It isn’t that I have a whole lot of life stressors right now. I just live in a constant state of anxiety and depression. One of the things we talk a lot about in therapy is ways to change perspective, and that can be hard for me. I don’t necessarily like change. I have learned that a change in perspective can start with a little spark. I try to surround myself with little sparks. Here are the five things that I depend on to bring me peace in those moments that I am not at peace.

Anime.

This should not come as a shock to anyone. After all, I dedicate as much as my free time to this blog that pays homage to anime. Anime soothes my soul. I’m whisked away to a different world speaking a different language. Albeit with subtitles. When I get home, anime cheers me up. It lifts my spirits.

Digital Picture Frames.

Digital picture frames have been around for a long time. However, the technology has gotten a lot better. Now, you can upload pictures to friends and family through an app. So convenient. I bought one for my mother-in-law for her birthday, but fell in love with the idea for myself. I purchased a digital frame for my home office and for my work office. I filled the frame with pictures from my cruises and of my family and pets. Who knew it could be so grounding? When I feel my temper rising, or my frustration growing, or boredom creeping up, I look at my picture frame and become grounded. I’m inundated with happy moments that reset me.

Japanese/Korean Baking Videos on YouTube.

There is something so relaxing watching Japanese and/or Korean baking videos. I think part of it has to do with being immersed in a different language. Although I can’t speak or understand it, it calms me. On top of the ASMR aspect, there is the end result of absolutely stunning cakes, desserts and/or street food. I tend to watch these at night while trying to fall asleep.

RGB Lighting.

I love anything with RGB lighting. The bright colors. The fun patterns. I currently have a Govee Lamp on my work desk that helps ground me back in the present. It helps me refocus. At home, I have a capybara night light that makes me smile. In my home office, my husband has Govee lighting on his side, and I have a neon light on my side. Even our Christmas tree has Govee lighting. I love color.

Food Trays.

I don’t like my food to touch. I like individual bowls or segmented trays. They bring me peace. Something about the compartmentalized food makes me happy. Can I eat food that touches? Yes. Do I want to? No. It does bring me stress and thoughts that my day will be ruined. Don’t worry. We work on it in therapy.

Those are five things that bring me peace. What about you? Do you have something that brings you peace?