The Sunday Digest 121
“They sat there, feeling happy together.”
Welcome to The Sunday Digest — a free Sunday newsletter featuring long (and some short) reads, original columns, things I’ve saved over the last week, relaxing playlists, episodes releases, exclusive product drops, and more. Yes, you can reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you. Or, if podcasts are more your speed on Sundays, we’ve got that too.
Sunday Read › Why middle-aged people have a duty to be self-centered
by Angela Garbes for The Guardian
Two months ago today, I turned 38. Before doing so, I told people something like, “I’m not too worried, I think turning 39 will be worse because it’s my last year before 40.”
And while 39 may be worse, I underestimated the difference between 37 and 38 despite that “difference” being mostly mental. I’m looking at my hairline closer than ever. I’m making faces at myself in the mirror to see where my worst wrinkles are. I’m even considering getting back on my dusty Peloton for reasons that have more to do with cardiovascular health than they do with anything else.
But as my favorite band from high school said 25 years ago, “Well I guess this is growing up.” And yes, I regret looking up how long ago Enema of the State came out.
Below is an excerpt from this week’s read, something that made me look at my approach to “middle age” a little differently.
“We cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life’s morning; for what was great in the morning will be little at evening, and what in the morning was true will in evening have become a lie,” he writes.
Dreams I held in youth – to be an artist, to be celebrated for my writing and ideas – have come true. Honestly, they have wildly exceeded my expectations. A younger version of myself would charge forward, seeking more success and recognition. But confronting difficult truths about myself has led me to a different place. Here, the life I have created is enough.
Read in full here.
The Sunday Haiku: “Does everyone hate me?”
Post-big night group chat:
“Hi. Do you guys still like me?”
And now we just wait.
New Episode › Retail Therapy 106: Wellness Clubs & Ash Trays
Barrett drops in amidst his absence to discuss all things vacation from the food to the pool chairs to the spa. We also discuss whether or not “wellness clubs are the new country clubs,” the popular camo Abercrombie hoodies, Cartier’s party for Timothee Chalamet (ding!), wine ash trays, $19 Kyoto strawberries from Erewhon, SAG fits, and more.
Listen to Retail Therapy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (see above), and anywhere else podcasts are found. And a reminder to follow Retail Therapy on Substack!
Things I Saved This Week
“How can I support Sunday Scaries?”
Buy our zine, Scenes of Note.
Listen to Retail Therapy.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Subscribe to all Washed Media Podcasts.
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