An Abbi Guide to surviving the Pandemic - Part 2: TV & Movies

Hello, again! Continuing the theme of what's gotten me through 2020/2021, I want to share some television shows, documentaries, and movies that helped me cope these last two years. There are the obvious shows like Ted Lasso that I won't feature since EVERYONE knows about -- instead, I'll be showcasing some favorites that are off the beaten path but are definitely worth the time. I hope you'll drop your favorite TV and movies in the comments, too!

My Octopus Teacher was recommended to me toward the end of 2020. I have probably watched this documentary the most of anything I will post about in this blog post. It's about a man who found solace on the seashore and began to explore the kelp forest below the water but befriended and observed an octopus through the entirety of her life cycle.

I often think "What if this film was never made?" "What if he had never gone to that specific spot on that specific beach in that specific part of the ocean where this little octopus was living?"

The entire film is about nature and our ability to connect with the world around us if we just are the tiniest bit curious and willing to pay attention. I get emotional about this documentary. I feel deeply connected to it. The film is about hope and healing and unlikely friendships. For me, it was a reminder that by working on ourselves we open ourselves up to unlikely experiences that can change our lives for the better - and by sharing our vulnerable stories, we can teach those around us that it's okay to be broken and whole at the same time. Since this was filmed in South Africa, I recommend a nice rooibos blend while watching this documentary!

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Another film I spent a lot of time with was the new animated film, Raya and The Last Dragon. This film is deeply earnest. It's so full of idealism and so crushingly on the nose against cynicism that it's no surprise that it's now on my list of top Disney films.

I feel like this one got a bit overlooked due to the release happening during the pandemic and only being available on Disney+ but the message was one I think the entire world needed. 

The film is about a young woman who experiences a loss at an early age that results in her becoming a very untrusting and hyper-independent young woman who struggles to accept help from others put on her path to find the lost dragon. 

The movie is a coming-of-age film about the resentments we harbor and how our lack of trust in others is ultimately what breaks our spirits and holds us back from being our best selves. It's also about learning to forgive even when we are justified in our feelings of betrayal. 

You can watch this with your kids, but it's got a very big kid message along with several laughs. I recommend the Jasmine Pearl green tea for tea sips!

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Oh, Joe Pera, how I love you. This TV Show is the best-kept secret of the ENTIRE pandemic. Joe Pera Talks With You is about a man living in the mid-west doing normal everyday things but somehow in these 11-minute episodes, Joe tugs right at the heart of you with life lessons and sentiments that may seem completely mundane but are incredibly wholesome and tender.

Joe Pera is a comedian who likes tomatoes, his grandmother, and his community. You can find the show at midnight on AdultSwim or stream both seasons on HBO. The 3rd season just finished up a couple of weeks ago. There is also a special called Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera which is delightful and Bergamot really enjoyed the fishies.

This show was something Jordan and I looked forward to each week. The episodes are short and sweet and leave you feeling warm inside. You also learn some really random things along the way - like how to build a chair, how to be a better friend & what it's like accepting people who are different than you but are worthy of your love simply because they are your neighbor. Best watched with a pot of The Earl - a solid classic tea.

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This movie is a decade old from one of the most imaginative minds in cinema, Spirited Away has been a go-to feel better movie for me and Jordan for years now, but we watched a lot of it in 2020. 

This whimsical tale of a young, determined girl who is trying to save her parents is a good coming of age story that's full of fun. The illustration is beautiful and there are moments of such profound kindness between the characters that you cannot help but choke up on the beauty of it all.

Miyazaki movies in general are great for lifting spirits - but Spirited Away is at the top of the list. Another close second worth watching is The Wind Rises. That's another beautiful story for those who love the passionate pursuit of dreams, aviation & flight.

Back to Spirited Away, I recommend watching this movie when you have some time to really unpack the story afterwards and the themes of friendship, remembering who you are even when others try to steal your name and the very essence of yourself, and the importance of caring for our rivers and streams. Best tea to brew with this film? The Lifted Spirit green tea blend!

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Last but certainly not least, Love on the Spectrum is delightful! This series began in 2019 before the pandemic but released its 2nd season this past year. It follows several young adults who are on the spectrum through the ups and downs of dating. 

This is a reality TV show that will warm your heart and hopefully shed light on the beautiful and sometimes complex dynamics of dating with a disability. I enjoyed this show so much that I shared it with Jessica & Donald as it explored serious topics like love, sex, and marriage. 

There are so many nuggets of truth and refreshing honesty and dating advice is shared throughout each episode by these beautiful human beings. You will laugh and cry and cheer each of them on as they find their matches - and come to understand that not every match is quite right. 

It's hard to choose a favorite member of this cast, but I truly hope Michael finds his one true love. It's the hope of my little soft tender heart!

This one is best sipped with the Cherry Chamomile (Jessica's favorite) or the Ginger Peach (Donald's favorite) because they inspire me and their love is so special and worth celebrating.