In My Philosophical Era & Monthly Faves

Also, did anyone see Kendrick in a Canadian tuxedo at the Grammys? SAVAGE.

In My Philosophical Era

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”

― Albert Camus

In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus tells the story of Sisyphus—a character from Greek mythology who is sentenced by the Gods to spend eternity pushing a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down, over and over again. He embraces the futility of this pointless act and accepts the hopelessness inherent in his fate.

Despite this, as Camus points out, Sisyphus is happy. I can never wrap my head around that part. As humans, we crave rationality and want things to make sense or have a purpose or promise hope. But Sisyphus is content simply accomplishing his task and doesn’t care about finding a deeper meaning in it.

Photo by Yasuo Takeuchi on Unsplash

These last few weeks have felt like an entire year. It’s felt like one gut punch after another. And no end in sight. Things seem pretty freaking bleak. Though watching drunk Taylor Swift in her peak fan girl era at the Grammys on Sunday was an absolute treat! But day-to-day, it’s hard not to get swept up in all the drama in DC and natural disasters around the world and plane crashes and tariffs and USAID and Gaza and concentration camps. It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless in this messy world.

But I try to remember that merely existing is enough. Choosing to wake up each day, especially in a body this world wasn’t created for, is an act of resistance in itself. There’s power in that. And in spite of this cruel and beautiful world, maybe we can find a Sisyphus-like happiness in that singular accomplishment.

Monthly Faves

TV show: The Pitt (Max) - engaging drama series that is across between ER and 24. Captures the reason I love(d) medicine—shows how each patient is a different puzzle that needs solving.

Movie: A Real Pain (Hulu) - story by Jesse Eisenberg based on his life. Stars Kieran Culkin and his performance is fantastic.

Book: Know My Name by Chanel Miller - written by the once anonymous victim of the Brock Turner Stanford rape case. Gripping, emotional story that is so powerful and well-crafted. My new favorite memoir :)

Sweet treat - chocolate chip cookie from the Batchmaker (Charlotte). I nearly shrieked after my first bite. The flavor and consistency are perfection.

Quote - “I dust myself off, and go on.”

— Chanel Miller

Song - Black Girl Memoir by Doechii. Also her song Catfish. Her flow is 💯 and her performance at the Grammys was a revelation.

Favorite moment - I was back at school in Virginia at the beginning of January and I don’t think I can pick just one moment from those epic ten days. But all of it was magical and fulfilling and a celebration of words and human connection and empathy and art. I loved every minute, even getting snowed in and having to take an overnight train home. What a ride 😊

In the comments…

• any monthly faves?

• Super Bowl predictions? Grammys hot takes?

• Why is Sisyphus happy? Or, how? Make it make sense!

Okay, that’s all for now! Quick Grammys take: Yay Beyonce! Long overdue and VERY well-deserved. And someone please check on Drake.

See ya next month! ✌🏽

Yours,

Harshada