The Gifts of Imperfection

The new year has started. In an endeavor to work on a more intentional way of living, and in order to focus on gratitude in my daily life, I'm starting The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown today.

In addition, I am taking an online course by Brene Brown offered by Oprah.com. Click here for more information and to register yourself.

Read well to live well

The title of this article could actually be "read well to live well". A new study published inthe fall of 2013 shows that reading literary fiction increases your emotional intelligence. 

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/i-know-how-youre-feeling-i-read-chekhov/?_r=1

Thanksgiving

I've been reading a lot about gratitude. 

Gratitude, and giving thanks are a place of comfort in a season of my life that is fraught with despair.  Isn't it better to remember our many blessings, than to bemoan "why me?"

"To be so far from want that we wish others to be partakers of our plenty is something for which to give thanks" Jeanne Bishop 

http://www.onbeing.org/blog/so-far-from-want/6064

It's in that spirit that I want to celebrate Thanksgiving.  This holiday season will be very difficult for me and my family, given the recent tragedy of losing our most beloved mom, Maureen Nalle.  

She embodied a giving spirit each and everyday. She was the absolute mother who gave of herself every minute, and in every endeavor to make us happier, healthier, and nourished in body and soul by her love. We were so lucky to bask in the warmth of her love and generosity, for every minute of our lives.  

As a tribute to my mom, I quote the following from Matthew 25:35-36

For l was hungry and you gave me food; l was thirsty and you gave me drink; l was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me; l was sick and you visited me.

This was oft repeated in thoughts about my mom in the days following her passing - from her spiritually adopted sons Frank and Francis in Sekondi, Ghana to Father Joe Campbell at her funeral mass.    

I try to recall that spirit, when I am undone by thoughts of her voice and aching to talk to her again. She would not have us laying about in despair- she would have us doing something in her memory and in her honor. 

This morning I woke to read about a fundraising campaign, started by a friend from Yelp, Marcia Masulla, in memory of her beloved pup Chico. In her season of grief, she took to founding a campaign in memory of the Tiny but Mighty pup who rescued her. I'm inspired by her love and strength! Because my dogs are such a constant source of joy and comfort for us, as they were for my mom during her illness, I can think of no better reason and time to donate to this cause. 

http://www.crowdrise.com/TinyButMighty

How have I missed this?

How in the world have I missed the blog by Parnassus book store founder/ owner Anne Patchett?! 

She has a plethora of good book recommendations, and since my book club has dried up, I'm in sore need for a book friend. A virtual one will do, and I couldn't fare better than Nashville native and book lover Patchett. 

http://parnassusbooks.net/blog

Now to just make it to the store, finally!!! I'm a delinquent on that score.  

The Charitable-industrial complex

The Buffett family, despite their wealth and fame, are truly the most humanistic, and humble of people. 

I am constantly impressed and inspired by their work and their words. 

This article by Warren Buffett's son, Peter Buffett is another great example. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/27/opinion/the-charitable-industrial-complex.html

Tea in Literature

An old article, but a great one. Even on a dreary morning, in summer, tea has the power to both soothe and awaken.

Tea and tea time are favorite subjects in literature- as a setting, a social construct, an amelioration, or  an elixir.

I found this article a particularly pleasant trip down memory lane, and a nerdy challenge. How many more can you think of?

Tea a literary tour

A great read from the NYTimes

When I'm just absolutely DONE with work, and I'm left feeling drained- trying to focus on the positive aspects of a given day is a real challenge. 

I think this article http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/overcoming-your-negativity-bias/?smid=tw-nytimes

sums up really nicely the power of positive thinking. Putting that into practice at the workplace is even more crucial, when work is what often is most stressful in our lives.

Gratitude is a daily practice and must be cultivated. I'm trying so hard to remember this in my time of frustration and feeling overwhelmed.