Monday Matter: Iran's daughter, #mentalhealth books and a new year

Your biweekly Foreign Bodies roundup

Every other Monday, I send subscribers and gift recipients of immigrant mental health and storytelling newsletter Foreign Bodies stories I recently inhaled and adored. This is also a chance to do some housekeeping and give shout-outs and all that jazz.

First things first

A little housekeeping

Hello, 2023. ♥

Happy New Year, dear readers. I know this season may weigh heavy on many of us, but I hope you’re finding even the slightest sense of rejuvenation as we begin another rotation around the sun together. Over the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with longtime subscriber and Internet Friend Nisha Mody, who has always mesmerized me with her articulation of grief and healing. As we spoke for a podcast she’s guest hosting (will share when it’s live!) we discussed this newsletter, its origins, the small but mighty community we’ve fostered here and more. During the conversation, I was consumed with gratitude to anyone who’s given this little letter the time of day over the last several years. I’m grateful for the emails, the life updates, the recommendations, and most of all, the grace you all show me when I’m struggling myself. Thank you for another year of love. Here’s to more.

A musical start to your Mondays 🎧

One song to groove to, cry to, drive to and share

This week’s pick, recommended by reader Hanna D., is French-Cuban musical duo Ibeyi, made up of talented twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz. The pair is best known for fusing elements of Yoruba, French and Afro-Cuban influences.

Resource(s) of the week

Something helpful and interesting and cool (*storytelling opportunity)

• Women’s Hiking Program (Georgia): From Atlanta-based Refugee Women’s Network and the Georgia Conservancy, this community-based hiking group is a safe place for refugee women to find community, get some exercise, take a moment away from family and work and break through the barriers of enjoying the outdoors in a new place.

• *The Rumpus is looking for personal essays, critical essays, poetry, comics and hybrid work for its ENOUGH series devoted to creating a dedicated space for work by women and non-binary people who engage with rape culture, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Deadline: Jan. 16. More info here.