Captivations v118 – What’s Next

Here’s a recap of my January 2025. Captivations is a monthly post with links, stories, and news that captivated me.

January Recap

It’s a new year and finally time to acknowledge that it’s the beginning of a strange time. Already, political news has many fearful and natural disasters and human disasters continue sadness. I hope more and more people realize it’s all connected, from how we grow our food to how we treat others. What a privilege it is to look away and what a gift it is to stay vigilant, vocal, and compassionate.

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie, physicist and chemist

Miniatures

I’ve been long fascinated by DIY dollhouses and my friend gifted me a DIY kit for my birthday last year. I spent 7 straight hours putting together the miniature bakery in that photo at the top! It gave me a strange amount of joy and satisfaction, from creating something out of hundreds of pieces and because it’s so cute. It continues to do so as I admire it on my desk.

What is Travel?

I learned this long ago – you can’t run from yourself. You may find adventure and experiences in a new place and it may transform you, but it’s still you. Love this post for teaching this.

Awe

How do you find satisfaction and happiness in life? Measure your awe. This article is a good read on what that means and how to do that.

Free Little Art

You may know about free little libraries but do you know about free little art galleries? See this map to find ones where you live.

Sit There

What should you do next? What should you do now? Maybe the answer is not to do something but to stop and wait. This article explains it well.

Volunteering

If you’re looking for ways to give back in Austin, this list has a variety of opportunities. Also, check out this list of food-related volunteer jobs.

Japanese Cruise

I don’t love cruises, but I have a feeling this Japanese cruise would be perfect. It has 19 rooms, beautiful design, delicious dining, and more. Prices start at $3,700.

Menopause

I’ve noticed that menopause is being vocalized more in the media. It might be that leading Hollywood ladies are getting older and/or there is a great need to share these stories. As I’m getting older, I’m becoming in tune with this too. I know very little about menopause and the chaos that it creates in a woman’s body. It’s a normal, routine part of life, but almost taboo. I’m glad it’s becoming a conversation topic out in the open! Here’s a podcast episode with Gabby Bernstein and Naomi Watts that shares more.

Friendship

I love this article sharing 24 ways to supercharge your friendships. As I get older and busyness comes and goes, it’s important to make an effort and take care of my relationships.

Attention

The most precious currency: attention. This was a good, thoughtful read about priorities, connection, and meaning.

5 Things I Love Lately

• Celebrating Lunar New Year (this post is still relevant)
• The show Severance – just finished season 1
• Reading
• Trip planning
• Peek of spring weather