This is tough to admit. I succumbed to a new addiction.
It's called TikTok.
In case you're unfamiliar, TikTok is a platform for small creators. Of course, some celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon, but it's primarily ordinary people who speak on specific topics.
TikTok will feed you videos; if you *heart* one, you start seeing more like it. If you aren't interested in what pops up, swipe up for the next.
You’ll be surprised at what the algorithm delivers. For me, my feed looks a lot like this:
The Sister Wives - This show is a case study of polygamy. I used to watch it on TLC, but I don't anymore because the creators parse out the most note-worthy (I mean disastrous) clips. Several women, including a pop psychologist, dedicate their channels to discussing the reality TV show in which husband, Cody, is married to four wives.
After Cody married the last younger and prettier wife, she became his favorite. The older wives are now very pissed off. Cody’s got 18 kids, none of whom want to become polygamists after watching their parents’ trainwreck marriages.
I know I shouldn’t watch this mess, but I can’t look away. Remember to keep me and this newsletter as a judgment-free zone!
Plants - Creators show how to propagate, grow and solve problems with indoor and outdoor flora and fauna. I have a greenish thumb, and I want to make it greener. The most important thing I've learned is how to get rid of fungus gnats-it's important stuff, people!
(I should have written a trigger warning for my husband before sharing that. Sorry, honey!)
National & World News- Who needs television or Twitter? Before the top story hits the ABC news waves, I know everything in real-time- inflation, the war in Ukraine, and all the scoop on the politicians I love to hate.
Wrapping Presents - Do you know how many ways there are to tie a bow? A lot! My family should expect to be wowed this Christmas.
Folding Clothes - I had no idea how much people cared about folding clothes. The fitted sheet is friend, not foe, and the Laundry Lesbian is my guru.
Dementia - Well, this one came out of left field, eh? Children and grandchildren feature their loved ones suffering from this debilitating disease. And suffering it is--for all parties.
My mother died a couple of years ago after having vascular dementia for seven years. It was horrible. Since my mother's life unfurled, I now feel compelled to see how others handle it.
I'm amazed at how much education there is on the topic. Teepa Snow is a dementia educator who posts videos about what to do when a loved one exhibits challenging behaviors. If interested, subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Kathy and Jean are the creators of “The Kathy Project.” Living in British Columbia, Canada, Kathy has early-onset Alzheimer's and knows she has it. She wants the world to witness how she and her family handle the ups and downs of the disease.
Heart-rending and heart-warming with a dash of humor, too.
Her sister Jean films the clips and describes what's happening when Kathy doesn't have the words to tell us. Kathy lives at her parent’s house on the weekends and a memory-care facility during the week. It seems to be working for them.
Death and Dying - Yes, my list is going downhill. Sorry about that. I discuss this topic in my newsletter, and if you're still reading, you shouldn't be surprised.
I was with my dad when he died, and the experience wasn’t what I expected. Natural death doesn't look like it does on television. How do we know what happens during the dying process unless we've witnessed it firsthand?
TikTok to the rescue!
One practical thing I learned is that most of us won't experience sudden death. People die over a period, a slow process with predictable stages. Dr. Sammy Winemaker, a palliative care physician on the app, discusses the trajectory of the dying process. In the end, people grow too weak to take care of themselves. They don’t have the energy to do meal prep, laundry, or shower.
She asks, “Who will be your person at the end?”
People with terminal diseases film their final days on the platform. Now please don’t get your underwear in a knot about this! The creators willingly do this.
Here they can be open about their fears, the comfort meds they’re on, and what kind of funeral they would like. They get so much love and support from viewers across the globe, making their final days meaningful.
Education and removing the fear of death and dying are positive teachings we can receive from TikTok.
I feel empowered and more prepared from watching. Yoga is an even better facilitator on this topic, too.
Speaking of yoga, the final class for the year will be on Tuesday, December 20th, at 7 p.m. It’s a free class to celebrate the Winter Solstice, but you can donate if you like.
Please RSVP to let me know you’re coming.