I still haven't found my groove when it comes to New Year's resolutions.
For the past few years, I joined a friend in her 17 in 2017, 18 in 2018, 19 in 2019 structure.
I have to be honest. Those numbers are high. Even if some of those resolutions are things like "wear earrings more often" or "rewatch all the Harry Potter movies," it's unattainable.
I'm still pretty jazzed about one I committed to this year: find ways to make my cultural memory stick.
In a typical year, I consume a fair amount of content and cultural experiences. (OK, yes, it slowed down a bit post motherhood and pandemic).
Yet, I found it hard to remember many details about what I consumed. I don't only blame my memory. I also blame things like always-on social media, streaming services churning out forgettable entertainment, and falling asleep.
One of my solutions is to allow more time for reflection after the fact. This includes journaling, listening to related podcasts, and tweeting out thoughts to see if I get any bites.
And lists.
Lists are memory underdogs. They are most often used to remind us what we need to accomplish (buy milk!) or what we like or don't like (top 5 everything!).
I also use them as memory stickers. Every month, I'll write about what I read, watched, and spent dedicated time listening to with a one-sentence takeaway.
Here's August 2020. I'm warning you. Anything outside of "watched" is slim or non-existent.
She's Gotta Have it – I didn't remember how experimental Spike Lee was at his beginning, and I like it.
I'll be Gone in the Dark – Witness how obsession eats people alive.
Black is King – Wanted to rewatch immediately, but settled for listening to the album on repeat.
Seberg – Maybe light on her Black Panther involvement?
The Last Dance – Scotty Pippen seems like the bigger jerk?
Jo Jo Rabbit – Charming tone in an evil setting.
Shirley – Men are still the gatekeepers even when it comes to a VERY SUCCESSFUL female author.
The Assistant – A young woman enters the patriarchy.
The Boy Downstairs – Could have been part of the forgettable entertainment bucket, but I enjoyed that there was no obvious jerk.
School Daze – Experimental and uneven, with many "A Different World" cast members showing up.
Marianne & Leonard – Privilege: Move to Greek island, write one song that becomes a hit with the help of Judy Collins.
Comments