Pooja's Picks for October
Five links for recalibration, reclaiming your time, and breaking up with alcohol.
Austin folks! I will be at Book People on Thursday 10/24 (tomorrow!) at 7 p.m. with Meghan Keane, the creator of NPR’s Life Kit. We will be discussing her new book, PARTY OF ONE: BE YOUR OWN BEST LIFE PARTNER. It’s free. Sign up!
Hi folks! I hope everyone is enjoying their pumpkin spice lattes and digging their fleeces out for the season (despite the highs still being in the 80s here in Austin, I have in fact dusted off my trusty Patagonia).
Welcome back to Pooja’s Picks, my monthly list of reads, recs, and things that resonate. (Check out September’s picks, too.) As a reminder, these recommendations don’t include affiliate links (unless specifically stated).
On to the good stuff!
October recommendations from yours truly
1. The Secret Lives of Women Who Snap by in her newsletter,
I loved this conversation between writers Sara Petersen and
about Bieker’s new novel, Madwoman, a story about “the mighty things women do to keep themselves and each other alive.” They hit on the complicated, hope-filled relationship between motherhood and consumerism; the romance of platonic female friendships; hitting a breaking point in abusive relationships; and much more.
2. Breaking Up with Alcohol by Deepa Lakshmin (my sister!) in the newsletter
My sister wrote this gorgeous piece about breaking up with alcohol. (Yes, I am completely biased, but really, it’s great!!) She takes us through her first year of adulthood sans alcohol and, spoiler alert, she loved it so much she made it permanent.
3. The Hidden Brain podcast — You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time
Want to feel more in control of how you spend your time? (Don’t we all?) Listen to this episode with researcher Cassie Mogilner Holmes all about the illusion of time scarcity and how to reclaim your time.
4. Do You Need Recalibration? by in
Many of us are still settling into Fall, which means it’s a great time for a recalibration ritual, “a way to ground ourselves in the knowledge of external factors and expectations while holding steady to our own magic.” I find Kaitlin’s writing on working with cycles and seasons to be especially grounding. Her book Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day is one of my favorites as well.
5. Everlane Luxe Rib Crew
I bought this Everlane shirt when I was in Boston to record a podcast interview a few weeks ago (Mel Robbins — see below!). Once I arrived in town, I realized I had only packed a single shirt that was nice enough to give a keynote speech in the next evening, and the rest were sweats (yes, I live in sweats). I treated myself to fish and chips on the Seaport and, luckily, there was an Everlane still open on my walk back to my hotel. This shirt is soft, comfy, and the right amount of curve-hugging. When I bought it, it was 30% off, but Everlane has fairly regular sales.
What are you into this spooky season? What can you not stop gushing about? Tell me in the comments!
xo,
Pooja
I’m on the Mel Robbins podcast this week! Listen now to Focus on Yourself: 3 Signs You’re Giving Too Much & What to Do About It Right Now, or watch the interview below. We discuss one of my favorite tools for real self-care, boundaries, and how to reclaim control of your life when your commitments get out of hand. And, also — a big welcome to all of the new subscribers who already came over from the episode!
Thank you for the recs - please share your sweatpant / sets recs too!! Waiting for cozy season in similar-to-your-Austin 80 degree weather in SoCal :D
I always look forward to your monthly picks. Thanks 😊