Over the past month, I have found myself with more free time than I know what to do with. Unfortunately for me, I tend to understand myself and how I relate to the world by what I am doing. So when I am not really doing anything, I pretty much have an impending identity crisis. Needless to say, I miss coaching, refereeing, and playing soccer. I miss working and hanging out with friends. I miss going out and being able to sit in restaurants or cafes to pass time. I am sure some of you can relate to this or how I am feeling. Then some of you might feel like you were born for this moment and are simply leaning in to this time to rest. I hate resting and being still though, so know I am going stir crazy! Since I am going crazy, I decided to write a post that highlights the shows, movies, books, and activities that are keeping me somewhat sane as a form of gratitude haha.
1. This is Football
If you have ever loved this sport, then you MUST watch this series. I will even give you my Prime login to do so! Ever since I was a little kid traveling the world, I realized that soccer is much more than a simple sport or luxury. It is a lifestyle, it is hope, it is a dream, it is redemption, it is love, and so much more. I cannot express how well this series ties the intricacies of life, community, and football together. It shows how soccer really is the world's greatest game. I cried multiple times in the very first episode of the season because of how deeply this show drew on my own personal experiences and love for this game. Even if you are not a big soccer person, this series can be eye opening on cultures around the world and one of the greatest uniting powers of the world. 10/10, would recommend.
2. All or Nothing: Brazil National Team
Yes, another soccer film. And yes, this one might come from a slight bias of this national team being my absolute favorite team in the entire world no matter what. And no, this is not bandwagoning as my father grew up in the Amazon and we have been there. I have always admired Brasilians and their culture. They are so full of life, passion, and joy. They embrace beauty and pursue it with fervor. They hold on to hope and pursue it with their entirety. Any movie or series in the world that highlights this culture I have come to love so deeply will always be recommended by me. Plus, if you know anything about Brasil, you know soccer is one of the best ways to get a look into such a beautiful country.
Other soccer films and series I adore are Nike's Joga Bonito series, Ginga, The Two Escobars and Dare to Dream: Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team.
3. MasterChef
By now you might be noticing that I enjoy movies and series that are documentaries or more educational. Watching these help me feel like I am not wasting my time quite as much, but watching tv in general is hard for me. I hate sitting still. However, MasterChef is more like a game show compared to everything else I watch. I simply love Gordon Ramsey and Joe Bastianich, who happen to be two of the main judges. I also feel like you can still learn a lot from the panel of experienced judges on MasterChef and the little excerpts from the competitors. Plus, who doesn't love a little competition?
4. Your Lie in April
My final suggestion for tv based entertainment is Your Lie in April. This one is an anime, but the artistic expressions throughout this series are wonderful! Plus this is a great anime to watch in the spring time or if you want to get stuck in a feels trip. If you love cherry blossoms, the intricacies of music, or coming of age stories - then this anime would be a great one! Another benefit is that this anime does not have an overwhelming number of episodes to become invested in. I do not want to spoil too much on this one, but if you have ever been curious about the world of anime, this is a great starter!
Other anime suggestions I have are: Naruto, My Hero Academia, Your Name, and anything Studio Ghibli of course.
5. Makoto Fujimura
Makoto Fujimura is one of my favorite authors and artists. This very talented Japanese-American man does a phenomenal job of tying theology, art, beauty, suffering, and his own distinct culture together in every single one of his books. I often feel like we American Christians miss the perspectives of our brothers and sisters from cultures that differ from our own. We tend to get stuck reading books that are all written by white males who are over the age of 40 with definite American backgrounds. I am NOT opposed to reading these, many of my favorite books meet this description! I just think we could do so much better if we hear the perspectives, critiques, and exposes of those with different backgrounds than our own. Fujimura's works offer a nice first step for anyone desiring to engage in global perspectives as he is both American and Japanese and expertly ties the two together. I highly suggest checking him out, even if it is just to enjoy beautiful and traditional artworks created by him!
6. Bob Goff
Now this author is the over 40, white, male theologian I mentioned that we tend to read books by in America. But many of these authors do have so much to teach us with stories we understand and in contexts that make sense to us! I am sure many of you have read Bob Goff's books, they are wildly popular after all. However, if you have not read his books yet, then you really should! Goff writes in such a simple but profound way. This makes it ridiculously easy to read his books within days and still be deeply moved by his stories. Goff uses story telling to get many of his points across, just like someone else we Christians all admire. These stories are emotive, convicting, and contextual for all of us. I definitely suggest this author if you want something moving and worthwhile, but without all the jargon many good books have.
7. Enneagram Books
I am one of the the many individuals who enjoys studying the enneagram. I do not view it as my absolute guide or even a core truth, but I do find it to be a useful tool in better understanding ourselves and others. I also do have some issues with how mainstream it has become or how I often see it used an excuse for certain unhealthy behaviors. Just because I am an "8" does not mean I get to belittle anyone or use my strength to get my way all the time. It means I need to become better at inclusion and learning how to trust people and follow them sometimes. Essentially, if you ever enjoyed any other personality tests or have an affinity for psychology, you would probably enjoy studying this ancient tool for understanding others! Just ensure you use this tool to better yourself, your relationships with others, and your relationship with God. Do not use it to judge or excuse anything! My personal favorites for studying this are: The Road Back to You, The Path Between Us, and The Sacred Enneagram.
Other authors or books I always enjoy are: anything C.S. Lewis of course, The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, Many Colors by Soong-Chan Rah, and John M. Perkins. I have many more beloved books and authors, but these are just a few favorites! I am always open to suggestions as well. Also, I condensed many of the books titles here just so everyone knows :)
8. Fitness/Athletics
I am sure this is a cliche one to feature, but I would have probably lost my mind already if I was not doing any form of athletic activity. My favorite activity to do right now is go out and mess around with my soccer ball. I have spent significant time juggling, passing, working on first touch, and doing technical work in my driveway with my husband and father. This is certainly an enjoyable way to pass the time and it feels like a worthwhile activity. I also have been doing many in home workouts. For these, I have to give some praise to Nike. I often get bored and lack creativity when I am stuck working out at home. Nike's free training app has been a life saver for me in this period! They have so many trainer led workouts with something for everyone. They have yoga, strength training, endurance training, specific muscle group workouts, and varying equipment level workouts. I am so thankful for them at this time! Even if it is just going for a walk, make sure you take care of yourself physically as well in this period.
9. Supporting Local Businesses and Neighbors
Whether is it ordering delivery or grabbing some food to go, we have tried to support local business that are fighting for their survival at this time. It has been enjoyable to try new local places, old favorites, or suggestions from friends and see how they are doing their best to handle this crazy context. The gratefulness these places express to patrons makes it satisfactory for us to budget this in the best we can. We also have been buying a few supplies here and there for neighbors who are too worried to go out right now. Supporting neighbors who ask for help has also been a pleasure. As important as it is to protect people through proper hygiene and social distancing, it is equally important to support them on a level of survivability and sustainability.
I would love to hear some of the ways you have been staying busy and keeping yourself entertained. Any great movie or tv shows you can suggest? Or how about book suggestions? Which activities have been keeping you sane? Let me know on a social media platform or by text!
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