A "Caiçara" in the Windy City

There are days when I feel just blue. I may not know the exact reason, or I might be aware of it but lack the strength to dive deeper. Sometimes, it’s a combination of concerns that leaves me feeling overwhelmed.

It’s not hormonal or related to my metabolism; it’s just this heavy feeling of sadness. Could it be due to global warming? Or the anxiety I feel when I watch my little girl and can’t envision a good future for humanity?

It could also be work-related. Perhaps I’m dissatisfied, or maybe it’s the constant issue of money. In the system we live in, financial concerns are always present. I believe money should not be an issue for the top 0.1%, and I certainly am not one of them.

For each of these challenges, I need to find ways to calm myself and regain hope, believing that I can overcome this and emerge stronger and more optimistic.

People have various coping mechanisms. Some enjoy meditation, while specialists often suggest breathing exercises. Others prefer physical activity or indulging in comforts. I think I like to combine several of these solutions.

Above all, I love to watch Friends. It might sound funny, but Friends has been with me since its inception. I’ve watched every episode numerous times and know many of them by heart. Even though the show was created a long time ago, it hasn’t aged as poorly as some other sitcoms. Sure, there are issues in the content, but reading comments on social media can sometimes be worse than some outdated jokes from 20 years ago.

Friends feels like my comforting sitcom-next-door. It brings me solace and allows my mind to relax, helping me feel hopeful again. I recently watched an episode that featured a surprise appearance by Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. Their brief presence was enough to make me laugh and appreciate their greatness.

After enjoying an episode of Friends, I savored a delicious gluten-free, protein-rich, sugar-free banana cake (which sounds awful but is actually quite tasty) paired with a giant cup of coffee. My heart warmed, my mind settled, and I was ready to start my day—planning amidst meetings and setting aside time for running and ho’oponopono to complete my healing combo.

What’s your combo? What do you do to calm yourself?

banana cake recipe
One egg
One banana
One scoop of whey protein

Mix them up and bake for 15 minutes in the oven, 10 minutes in the air fryer, or 3 minutes in the microwave. If you like, you could add a teaspoon of oats and a tbsp of chia seeds.