Sunday Edition | July 27, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Because life is more than politics — and kindness still matters.
This Week: Triggers
We usually hear this word in a negative context—things that throw us off emotionally, set us on edge, or pull us into a spiral. But triggers can also be positive. Think of sounds, smells, or tastes that bring back beautiful memories or put an instant smile on your face. The key to managing the painful triggers—and multiplying the joyful ones—is awareness. Know what triggers you, when it tends to happen, and how you want to respond.
So today, let’s explore the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let’s get to know our own emotional patterns—and take our power back.
But first, here’s what happened in culture this week:
🎭 CULTURE SNAPSHOT
🎬 Devil Wears Prada 2 began filming in Manhattan. If you don’t want spoilers, maybe avoid Instagram—several key plot details have already leaked from set photos.
⚽️ Ted Lasso, Season 4 is filming in Kansas City, and the rumor is: it’s all about women’s soccer this time. Yes, please.
🎨 Amy Sherald, the acclaimed portrait artist behind Michelle Obama’s iconic painting, pulled her upcoming Smithsonian show. The reason? Reports say the museum was planning to remove her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty to avoid “provoking Trump.” Sherald stood her ground.
🌍 Tracee Ellis Ross on Solo Travel: In her new Roku Channel (free) show Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross, the actress explores the joy and loneliness of traveling alone: “There’s got to be something between cat ladies and Joan of Arc.” It's charming, insightful, and arrives right on time as solo travel continues to trend globally.
🥤 “Cortisol Cocktails” are trending again: Fruit juice + coconut water + salt = a “cure” for so-called adrenal fatigue? Not quite. Experts say adrenal fatigue isn’t a real diagnosis, and while the drink won’t harm you in moderation, it’s not a magic bullet—and can pack a ton of sugar and sodium. Another week, another viral wellness myth.
🎭 Broadway in Bryant Park lit up Midtown this week: Performers from current Broadway hits brought show-stopping numbers to a sea of lawn chairs and lunch breaks. If you missed it, we were there—watch the video here!
🫶 LET'S TALK ABOUT TRIGGERS
What Makes You Tick?
Not sure what I mean by “triggers”? Don’t worry—just answer these questions:
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What made you laugh?
When was the last time you cried? What brought it on?
What’s the food that makes you hungry just looking at it?
What’s your favorite song—and why?
When was the last time you felt confident in public?
What instantly calms you down?
What’s something you always look forward to on weekends?
These are your emotional triggers. Knowing them is step one. Using them to make life better? That’s the magic.
💪 FOR THE BODY
Let’s go deeper.
Think about a time when you felt really good—energized, relaxed, whole.
What did you eat or drink?
Were you alone or with someone?
What were you doing?
What started that feeling?
Write it down. Recreate it. That’s your personal wellness formula.
If you're an introvert or just not into crowds, I feel you.
Here are 5 kind tips for feeling better in public:
Find a “home base”—a coffee shop, bookstore, or bench where you can retreat and regroup.
Wear clothes that feel like armor—comfortable, confidence-boosting pieces you love.
Use headphones as a soft boundary—even if you’re not playing music, they can help minimize sensory overload.
Choose your moments—don’t go out just because everyone else is. Trust your rhythm.
Have an exit plan—knowing you can leave without guilt gives you control.
And yes, clothes do affect your mood.
Ever ruined your day with painful shoes?
Here are 5 tips for picking outfits that help you thrive, not suffer:
Comfort is confidence—if you’re physically at ease, you’ll carry yourself better.
Dress for you, not the algorithm. Trends are fun, but not mandatory.
Invest in “hero pieces”—items you know always work and make you feel great.
Try it on in real life—not just in front of a mirror. Walk, sit, test it out.
Plan outfits by activity—not just weather. Will you be walking? Dancing? Lounging?
LET'S COOK
Recipe Corner: The Green Goddess Sandwich
Ingredients:
2 slices of sourdough, whole grain, or gluten-free bread
1 ripe avocado
A squeeze of lemon juice
Sea salt & black pepper to taste
Handful of baby spinach or arugula
Slices of radish or cucumber (for crunch)
Optional: a soft-boiled egg, crumbled feta, or chili flakes
Instructions:
Lightly toast the bread if you like a little crunch.
In a bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Spread generously on both slices of bread.
Layer with greens, radish/cucumber, and any optional extras.
Close the sandwich, slice, and enjoy slowly.
Why it works: Creamy, crunchy, fresh, and comforting—this sandwich is a mood booster and a grounding meal all in one.
FOR THE MIND
Now let’s talk about not-so-bright moments—and how to soften their grip.
Here are some straight-to-the-point, loving reminders:
A person who leaves you overthinking after every convo isn’t a friend. Limit your exposure. Yes, even if they’re family.
That outfit that made you suffer? Not worth it. Fashion should lift you, not punish you.
If shoes need an entire roll of Band-Aids, they’re not cute—they’re torture devices.
Breaking news is recycled every 30 minutes. Choose a reliable source, check once a day, and let it go unless it’s your job.
You don’t need to live like an influencer. If 5am detox juice makes you miserable, that’s a clue: live your life.
Know what makes you happy (and healthy)—and allow it. Without guilt.
Life is limited edition. So are you. Eat the treat. Wear the color. Hug people tighter.
FOR THE SOUL
📘 Book of the Week: "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts—Becoming the Person You Want to Be" by Marshall Goldsmith
A thoughtful, science-backed guide to understanding what truly influences our behavior—and how to take control.
🎥 5 Family-Friendly Summer Movies:
Paddington 2 — joy in bear form.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines — wild, funny, and secretly profound.
Luca — a love letter to Italian summers and friendship.
Hidden Figures — uplifting, smart, and inspiring.
WALL·E — a nearly wordless masterpiece about love, loneliness, and saving the planet.
😀 HAPPY MOMENTS
Videos guaranteed to make you smile.
🕊️ CLOSING WORDS
Knowing what triggers you is half the job—acting on that knowledge is the rest. Manage what’s within your control. Let go of the rest. Live the life that feels right for you, unapologetically.
And while you’re at it, pay attention to your people. Don't wait for a special occasion to make them smile. Happiness expands when it’s shared. A kind word. A little gesture. A reminder that we’re all human, and all worthy of joy.
As always—Stay ONEST.
O.N.
Happy Sunday —And remember, life is more than politics.
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