On a new year
some good reccos + resolutions post . . .
congrats everyone on another year. it’s a new one in the evolution of ourselves. 2024 has already started and, like everyone, my mind is spinning about all the potential things to look forward to, as well as make space for.
i’ve learned A LOT last year — documented and also not shared in this newsletter — and, as one who approaches life from a learning pov, it’s all part of this wonderful process called becoming. rather than feel burden by life’s trials, i’m embracing everything as lessons that puts into perspective about what do i truly want.
sometimes in reflection about the past, we get caught up in the nostalgia and let its feelings overwhelm our now. i’m by no means saying death to our memories; they are such precious things, meant to be cherished and kept to define us. in the same breath, we just can’t let its strings hold us from embracing the now > the open future.
keeping this approach in mind, i wanted to share my personal take on the popular In//Out list trending on the internet. it’s such a witty and hilarious way to reflect on last year so i had to jump on the bandwagon with new categories.
KEEPING
(aka what’s staying from my 2023 life into 2024)
hot yoga, pilates, just moving my body
maintaining my sober curious mentality
reading for fun
spontaneous friends’ trips
cooking Salvadoran food from my childhood
intentional spending, esp on clothes
walking away from situations that don’t serve me
carving out time for loved ones
ADDING
(aka new things joining my 2024 life)
speaking mostly Spanish
healthy connections
embracing flexibility — physically & emotionally
strength training
long-term financial stability
living in another country
more timeless furniture to my apartment
reaching my yearly reading challenge (hehe but actually)
there’s so much more i could add, but i figured it’s best to start small and be realistic about what i can truly do. fingers crossed they happen, regardless one should just live your life — most of the times it ain’t about the goals, more so it’s about the journey.
cheers to whatever 2024 has in store!
—Tenny xoxo
*side note: i’ll be busy with some exciting new things so shifting this newsletter to a biweekly basis . . . even though i rarely stuck to the weekly cadence.
books on deck
i ain’t playing about my 2024 reading challenge and plan to read a book a week this year. so here’s what will be on my bed-stand this month:
The Beginners by Anne Serre | the main character Anna falls in love with another man, even though she’s happily married with someone for 20 years. charming love triangle with a good surprise . . .
Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu, translated by Tiffany Tsao | a short story collection by an amazing Indonesian author, aiming to present moments of almost happiness.
Boys Alive by Pier Paolo Pasolini, translated by Tim Parks | saw this book in a store and loved its focus on chaotic young men in the streets of Rome.
Theorem by Pier Paolo Pasolini, translated by Stuart Hood | since i’m reading another of his books, i wanted to check out more of his work and this one’s enigmatic plot in the Italian countryside is very interesting.
Conversations Vol. 2 by Jorge Luis Borges & Osvaldo Ferrari, translated by Tom Boll | i mean what’s better than writers in conversation?
for your ears only
been a little behind on listening to new music, but here’s what has been keeping me going for the past few weeks.
Silent Alarm by Bloc Party | a 2008 classic for my indie sleaze folks who love UK alt indie
nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana by Bad Bunny | it grew on me and became my NYE soundtrack haha. just listen to Hibiki.
Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies by Snoh Aalegra | Ya girl was in her feels and playing Indecisive on repeat :/
Take Me A_Part, The Remixes by Kelela | Uhhhh if you haven’t listened yet, please don’t miss out!
