10 things I'm consuming right now
cleansing my media diet
Cleansing my Media Diet
Practicing conscious consumption isn’t the abundance mindset that the Titkok witches want for me. Human behavior has never been more gluttonous or hedonistic, and we’ve done a great job at rebranding this as “you deserve it, girl!” “treat yourself, queen!” and most days, I do.
But lately I’m feeling like I’m consuming more than what serves me. I’m letting voices, stories, content, opinions into my space that don’t deliver me any larger benefits.
So this month I’m practicing conscious consumption with my media diet. What that looks like for me, is less time scrolling and more time digging. I want to sink my teeth into a juicy article, I want to get lost in books, albums, movies, and above all, I want to sit with my thoughts and opinions on what I consume before welcoming anyone else’s. Basically, I want less short form content.
Rule #1: Tiktok Intermittent Fasting
I’m not allowed to open Tiktok (or Instagram!) after 8pm and before 1pm. My goal is to give myself a daily cleanse to be able to sit with my thoughts, without scrolling through a million videos of other people’s thoughts, mindlessly.
One of the things I struggle with in the social media age is how many hot takes I hear about the same things. It makes me feel like no one has a individual perspective on anything, and worse, no one is keeping their thoughts to themselves.
Over-sharing is something I already struggle with in real life, I don’t need to hear everyone else’s thoughts everyday, all day, over and over. So between 1-8 it is. Because I’m usually busy during these hours anyways.
Rule #2: No Buy July
One of my friends and collaborators, Hilliary Salamanca has inspired me to participate in No Buy July- ironically, she’s documenting this on Tiktok where I can enjoy updates between 1pm and 8.
The premise of No Buy July is in the name, but essentially I won’t be buying anything new this month. Obviously, necessities are not included here.
For example, I really need a new pair of sneakers; but instead of rushing out to buy a pair, I’m using this month to get more wear out of all the other shoes I already have in my collection. It makes me realize that a) maybe I don’t need something new, I have so much already. And b) I’m being more creative with my footwear choices which is expanding my expression of style.
July so far: My Media Diet
Ten Things I am Consuming:
Micky 17- Clones, Cults, and….. fleas? This movie was bizarre and I can’t stop thinking about it. The first 45 minutes had me locked in, the story was interesting, the sets were cool, but then it gets, just like, whacky?
The saving grace was that Robert Pattinson was amazing. I barely recognized him in this performance. He is not attractive here, if that’s something you expect from him. Personally I was never really into him like that, the Twilight craze wasn’t for me. I have too many trust issues to buy into a story where the only thing keeping him from killing Bella in the middle of the night is love. The fact that he’s biologically charged to feast on blood, and his relentless hunger, wouldn’t be hot to me. But that’s just me.
Love Island- I’ve had the last two episodes spoiled for me and I don’t even mind. I was falling off of my militant schedule because this season makes me angry. No one likes each other, everyone is awkward and bratty. There is no charm!!
The finale is on Sunday and I’m going to a watch party. If I was really invested, I would want to watch the finale at home alone. But I’m not attached to anyone so I don’t care if a million people are talking over the show and someone spills beer on my shoe while Pepe is saying something boring.
If Nicolandria wins I’ll be annoyed… we can’t let the producers win! We must fight back against the establishment!
Crying at H Mart- This is my book club book this month (maybe read along?) and so far I’m loving it. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and I’m happy to finally be diving in. Next I hope we read Waiting for Britney Spears.
The Valley- The darkest show on television. When I describe The Valley to people I say: on the surface it’s about a group of married couples with kids living in The Valley, but it’s actually about husbands realizing their wives are entire people and not being able to handle that so they turn to various forms of abuse. Plus: Jax Taylor. Jax, our greased up monster, time to hang up your hat and gtfo my screen.
Virgin by Lorde- I’m still on this! I really like this album, definitely some skips, but it’s been a great wash of music for me to zone-out to on my runs.
Political Podcasts- This is my favorite way to digest political news. I like throwing on an episode while I’m cooking or cleaning my house. Doing something active with my hands while I’m listening makes me more engaged, and also grounds me in real life so I don’t become overwhelmed with despair in this cruel, cruel world!
Some shows I listen to frequently are: The Tara Palmeri Show, Pod Save America, Ezra Klein, and The Daily. (This is not me endorsing any of these people- this is just my political media diet at the moment!)
Sirens- I’m loving this creepy Netflix show! I’m really impressed with the performances considering the dialogue writing is pretty mid. I’m only half way through so no spoilers….
Substack- I’m reading your Substacks! I’m loving them and saving them and thinking about them a lot. Some recent favorites are Deez Links: online culture, recommendations, vey NYC centric. Dabbling: branding, graphic design, art direction. Soft Power: beauty & treatments, the beauty industry, cultural takes on beauty.
Three Women- Bad title, good book. I’m reading this in tandem with Crying in H Mart (for book club). Believe it or not, it’s about the stories of three women. The writing feels very tactile and tangible in a way that I like.
Acne Studios runway & couture content- I am drinking this up!! I’ve been scrolling through their runway looks, their couture photography- YUM!!! Everything is playful and full of whimsy without losing the toughness that Acne is known for- gorgeous.
The Cutting Room Floor- Surely you’ve seen this ultra-viral podcast come across your feed. Recho Omondi is one of the most important voices in fashion right now and one of our only journalists who brings the intensity and education to conversations about clothes, PR, and marketing. I think she’s brilliant and this subscriber-only show is worth every penny.