No. 23 - Between the Lines: Reading as a remedy

Plus, an interview with Ali LaBelle.

Dear reader,

This week I have been thinking a lot about something Lorig Purutyan wrote, titled URL vs IRL Beauty. Much like myself, Lorig had been through a phase of internet burnout, and as she puts it, felt the URL seeping heavily into her IRL. As a remedy, she decided that all her commuting and down time would be dedicated to reading, redirecting her attention from the screen and back to the present.

I tried something similar last year, and not only did I end up reading a surprisingly large amount of books, I also managed to significantly lower my stress and anxiety levels, just from actively choosing pages over pixels. There’s something to be said for going “analog” in a digital world.

To me, reading has an almost meditative quality to it that brings with it peace and presence. There’s no such thing as multitasking while you’re reading, and you can’t click next if a section is not attention-grabbing enough. And you know what? There’s beauty in that.

The irony of sharing this message to you online is not lost on me, but if there’s ever a chance to promote reading, you know I’m going to take it! For your next commute, why not treat yourself to some quality time with a good book? For example, the Storm Journal Book Club’s February pick, Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano!

Love,
Carolina

THE MOODBOARD

This week I’m wrapping myself in layers of black, mourning the Jil Sander hat that got away. If anyone has seen something similar, I’m all ears!

Trench coat, Filippa K. Top, Róhe. Book, Alice Sadie Celine by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright. Ring, Arket. Hat, Jil Sander. Bag, COS. Perfume, 19-69 L’air Barbes. Trousers, Róhe. Boots, Jil Sander.

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