Things to love
We know the last thing you need is another guide on how to be productive during this time of isolation. While it’s certainly fantastic if you can be productive, it is also fine not to be. Each day brings with it a new challenge, and we, quite frankly, think that you deserve a standing ovation for simply making it through another day.
With this in mind, we simply offer the following; a few moments from our time in isolation that have brought beauty and joy into our daily lives. Compiled by the Clinch Belts team, we hope these will inspire you to think of the little things that keep you moving forward - and no detail is too small to be beautiful.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."
- C.S. LEWIS
C.S. Lewis famously quipped, “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” There has never been a better time to throw your hair in a bun, put the kettle on and settle down on the couch and tuck into those books sitting on your bedside table. We are currently reading Modern Love, an anthology of The New York Times’ famed essays of the same name, edited by Daniel Jones. These are stories of love that transcends and endures, despite the challenges of daily life. It is a humbling reminder of the timeless power of love and connection, and the many forms it manifests in our lives.
“It is a podcast that will encourage you to discover your purpose, and live out loud.”
Oprah has never failed to inspire, and her Super Soul Sunday podcasts are providing us with inspiration and admiration alike. One that resonates with us is her interview with Tracee Ellis Ross, titled Your Life in Focus. Here, Ellis-Ross shares her own insights on finding her voice, facing her fears and living by her own rules. It is a podcast that will encourage you to discover your purpose, and live out loud.
“If you are what you eat, then we certainly want to be every delicious meal inside The Beauty Chef’s Gut Guide.”
If you are what you eat, then we certainly want to be every delicious meal inside The Beauty Chef’s Gut Guide. Based on science that reveals a strong correlation between the health of our gut and skin health, this collection of recipes takes pride of place on our kitchen bench. We recommend the baked yoghurt and herb salmon with fennel and lime; it packs a beautiful citrus punch, along with all those natural good-for-your-gut oils that your tummy will thank you for.
“...we are turning our attention to more traditional ways of connecting, in an effort to slow down and make way for more meaningful interactions with those we love.”
One of the greatest realisations this year has revealed is just how much we need and crave connection with one another. While we have always known this to be true, we have been given a stark reminder of why it is so important. We are lucky to have a platter of digital tools at our fingertips, but we are turning our attention to more traditional ways of connecting, in an effort to slow down and make way for more meaningful interactions with those we love. One way we are doing this is by putting pen to paper, and sending off a letter in the post. Perhaps just to say hello, a quote or an extract from a poem; slowing down to connect ‘offline’ can create a wonderful surprise for the lucky recipient.
“There is a sunrise and a sunset every day and you can choose to be there or not. You can put yourself in the way of beauty.”
- CHERYL STRAYED
Even from the confines of our homes, there are still so many opportunities to marvel and wonder at the world around us. Perhaps it’s an orange-lit sunrise, a fresh-cut rose, morning kisses with your loved one or a hot cup of tea. There is still so much beauty to admire and appreciate. We were reminded by a quote from Cheryl Strayed’s reflections when she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in the US, when she remembered a saying from her mother. “There is a sunrise and a sunset every day and you can choose to be there or not. You can put yourself in the way of beauty.”
We would love to hear of the things you love. Do you have a favourite podcast, book or recipe you are currently enjoying? Share them with us on Instagram, or by sending us an email here.