Pooja's Picks: The case for a little life

Five links for big thoughts on living small.

Zoom out to zoom in. Photo by veera Batlu on Unsplash

Hi, folks!

Welcome to the May edition of Pooja’s Picks.

So many parts of life feel so BIG right now, even insurmountable. For me, it’s helpful to get back to the small, and intentionally turn my focus to the things I can control. I can focus on my own real self-care, doing a little less each day, and spending quality time with my husband and son.

Today, I’m sharing five links that helped me come back down to earth and start thinking small again.

As a reminder, Pooja’s Picks is my monthly list of reads, recs, and things that resonate. (Check out my March and April picks, too.) These recommendations don’t include affiliate links (unless specifically stated).

May recommendations from yours truly

1. The quiet rebellion of a little life by

caitlyn

I’ve read this post a couple of times now and find it to be grounding. As I settle into the home stretch of this pregnancy (lol who am I kidding, I still have a few months to go) and grapple with the uncertainty and trauma of this world I am bringing two more lives into, thinking about my rhythms and routines and the small habits that make up my life here in Austin helps me feel less anxious.

2. Older women should be on your moodboard from

Emma Lou Cogan

Enough said:

3. The myth of more by

Jen Fisher

During graduation season there’s always a torrent of advice for young people. Jen wonders what it would be like for us to offer Gen Z advice for a truly more fulfilling life, rather than just more more more.

Instead of advising young professionals to be "the one who outworks everyone else," what if we encouraged them to be:

• The most discerning person in the room: Able to identify what truly matters and what doesn't

• The most balanced person in the room: Demonstrating that sustainable performance requires recovery

• The most authentic person in the room: Bringing their whole selves rather than conforming to outdated expectations

• The most collaborative person in the room: Building others up instead of competing for limited resources

• The most resilient person in the room: Not because they never falter, but because they know how to reset and adapt

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4. How to find joy in an anxious world

I recently attended the New York Times’ Well Festival, and wanted to share one of the panels that most touched me.

Dan Harris

, Sara Bareilles, and Dr. Dacher Keltner had one of the most REAL discussions about anxiety, medication and getting help. Dan talks about his panic attacks and exposure therapy, which I found to be particularly powerful because it’s a reminder that when it comes to mental health, both/and is everything. You can meditate and take an SSRI and go to therapy. It’s not either/or.

5. Birkenstock: Arizona Essentials

I bought these Birks two months ago because all my other sandals are too small (yay, swollen pregnancy feet). They are so comfy! They required zero breaking in, and the sage color is fun and unexpected.

What’s helping you think small right now? Share in the comments!

xo,

Pooja

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