On the lighter side of things: What guilty (or innocent) pleasure has helped you survive the past two years?

Dear Readers,

I have a really good idea for my next post brewing (related to changing the narrative); but in the meantime, to break up all the heavy news we are getting bombarded with, I thought it would be fun to share the guilty pleasures that we have relied on the past two years to make it through in one piece. This could be something you’ve always relied on or maybe something new you picked up.

As for me, it’s a little hard to admit because I don’t watch or stream much and this likely falls into the Trash T.V. genre (sorry, Nev and Max!), but if you ask around the household, it’s watching episodes of Catfish!

I had heard the term “catfish” for years, but only learned what one was this past year from watching this show. I think I’m on Season 5 … No spoilers here!

Anyway, it’s the way I’ve found to almost completely turn off my brain while still psychoanalyzing people's behavior, trying to solve “the mystery", being in awe and often bewilderment of the unique situations out there, and as always hoping for some miracle to occur. Hmmmm, well not too different from my time NOT watching Catfish, come to think of it!

Another less guilty pleasure, but something that has kept my mind off all the crazy things going on … Spartan racing!

Yes, I’m that unusual neighbor that only surfaces to sporadically train at the park; incessantly for two to four weeks straight, playing on the playground equipment, doing burpees in the grass, and running with the mantra “I will not comply!” repeating over and over in my head — with every step until I can't run no more.

The other huge plus of obstacle course racing has been carving out time to work towards a goal with my boyfriend and our families. I am grateful to have a form of physical activity that keeps challenging us and reminds me of the things I enjoyed doing as a kid.

Not to mention the very best part … not a mask in sight :-)

Lastly, I relish listening to my kids play music spontaneously around the house. From acoustic and electric guitar to the flute, drums, keyboard, ukelele and even kalimba, such a blessing to have the gift of music floating in the home. It helped brighten my days in an unexpected way.

So, I’m curious, (since I did my race for the year, and I don't know how many seasons of Catfish are left!), what has helped you — whether guilty, innocent, or just plain old needed — to make the past two and a half years bearable?