Are You a Perfectionist?
To me you are perfect, but that's not the same thing
I chose goofy, weird photos for this issue because sometimes I just want to make you laugh - and remind myself not to take things so seriously all the time. Maybe you’ll relate to this: I beat myself the hell up quite a lot, mentally and emotionally. Today it’s about debt; other days it’s about how much caffeine I consume, the food I feed my cat, or anything else that can take my brain for a nasty spin.
I’m so used to doing it that I don’t even realize it until I talk to my shrink or read something from
or or another one of my “writer-teachers.” Thank goodness for books, newsletters, and speakers who remind us to go easier on ourselves.A brand new episode of Social Anxiety Variety Hour, my public podcast, is up now. I ask, "Are You A Perfectionist?" I try to look at the issue gently in a way that will help listeners to relax. It’s on Spotify and Apple and other places.
It’s nearly the end of August, so let’s get right into some recommendations. I hope those of you in areas affected by rough weather are doing okay, mentally and physically. I hope that for all of you, of course, but folks in the path of the storm do have a lot to deal with at the moment.
Recommendations
“What Skills Did You Miss?” - The latest episode of my patrons-only podcast, The Audio Letter, is now up. It comes out four times a month. I’ve been reflecting on things I felt “everybody” learned growing up that I, for some reason, did not. Perhaps you will relate.
Lauren Halsey’s rooftop exhibit at the Met - My mom and I didn’t get to go see it due to inclement weather, but I’m going to try again soon. Lauren’s work is dreamy and vital and weird and sweet and loving and brilliant and loud and quiet all at once.
MiesmesaBerni - The brilliant Latvian mask designer who did the goat and owl masks you see way up above. Order ASAP for Halloween revelry! Tell ‘em I sent ya!
Videos of Alice Neel - She’s been bringing me comfort lately. I don’t quite know why. I don’t even know that much about her! But I’m learning.
The Only Goat Girl - a collaboration with friends. Short fiction. It was fun to do this early last year.
A refined, chaste and gentle literary essay I wrote about Rudolph Giuliani for
Fashion Brand Company - They make very silly weird clothes like the Sex House sweater I’m wearing above and below. Penelope Gazin is the designer.
Okay, back to the emotional regulation salt mines with me. Take good care of yourselves, please.
Love,
Sara
Venmo for tips (great for folks who don’t want to be paid subscribers but do want to say I LIKE YOUR STYLE, with monies)
A place to buy my books: Bookshop.org
Work with me on your writing project
A favorite nonprofit: Miry's List
Another favorite nonprofit: RAICES Texas
Help my SAG-AFTRA & WGA union siblings at Entertainment Community Fund