Find a place where you live to have a “sit spot” every day. Ideally outside, but if weather doesn’t cooperate, where you can see outside. You don’t have to do or think anything, just sit (or stand) and enjoy the view. It doesn’t need to be epic, just something you like looking at. (In one of my places, it was the way a particular building interrupted the horizon that I found interesting.) No phone, no computer, no book - just breathe and observe.

It doesn’t need to be for long. Start with two to five minutes. I usually do longer when I can.

Yes, it’s a type of meditation. But a type that works better for this neurospicy gal than sitting in utter stillness or listening to music.

Currently, it’s the picnic table near my bird feeders first thing after waking for my spot. In the morning and evening they are most active, so I sit with a cuppa and enjoy watching them negotiate who eats first while I wake up and caffeinate. It soothes my nervous system in a way notifications and doomscrolling can’t, and makes me better able to handle my day.

Glad to hear it!

We’ve encountered this in both Canada and the US. My boyfriend tells me he’s also felt that double standard in Iceland. We’ll see if that repeats as we see more of Europe eventually.

Randomly holding other people’s children.

They see me as safe. I’m middle-aged, put together and usually knitting. Many times I’ve been traveling and the opportunity to support a harried parent arises. Most don’t even think twice before gladly accepting a hand.

If my boyfriend were to try even cooing at a child he’d be accused of abducting children or similar bullshit. I’ve seen people get weird if he smiles without me nearby That completely infuriates me.

Some cats get lonely and it’s not about play, but knowing they have options. When I had a similar situation, my 3 year old cat pulled out her belly fur from stress, so I got her a new friend. Over grooming immediately stopped. It took several months for them to be friends, but my first cat was MUCH happier having another cat.

The beep one of my monitors makes at power off (at the end of my workday) catalyzes my three cats into immediate action. They could be passed out or hidden, and ignore me when I walk by (I’ve tested this), but the moment they hear that “beep-chime” they materialize.

They know it means I’m available for cuddles and snacks. Confuses the hell out of them on the occasional weekend when I take a Zoom call for one of my volunteer gigs. I’ll also use it to summon them when one vanishes for too long and I need to make sure they didn’t get out.

About 12-15 miles a day over 5 days. Both times were vacation. Once in Chicago (nice weather, didn’t feel like catching buses) and another in the North Cascades of Washington, hiking.

Same.

But, you answer your phone? 😎 Nobody I want to talk to ever calls me anymore. (That’s mostly good.)

My favorite spammers are the ones who I explicitly tell “I’m not interested in doing business with you, but will keep your info on file…yada”…that double down. Like, FFS I make shampoo. There is ZERO chance of me buying circuit board subassemblies, vending machines, or livestock. Now if you’ve got a line on polyquat surfactants…call me.

Home Assistant setup, along with media hosting for a hard drive full of all my music and movies.