Favorite Friday Finds 31.0
Happy September!
I am kind of in shock that it is somehow already September. How has this year flown by so fast?
Although, I do have to say that I am very happy this month is here. I am such a sucker for all things autumn- foliage, upcoming holidays, my favorite weather, and a general sense of renewal in the air as people head back to school and work after a relaxing summer.
Yesterday I had a meeting with some creatives building an awesome platform. Having that kind of brainstorming session was so fun and reinvigorating in a way that I very much needed after feeling a little not myself after such an emotional and crazy month.
As much as I am an introvert and can be a creature of habit, sometimes I forget how liberating and inspiring stepping out of ones comfort zone or trying something new can be.
I'm challenging you all to kick off this month in the same way-- been wanting to try a new hobby for months? Do it! Been wanting to ask a new friend to dinner and hang out? Do it! Want to ask an exec at your company for coffee? You never know what can come out of you taking the extra step that most of us are hesitant to. People are more open and receptive than we give them credit for sometimes. Worst they can say is no, and then you move on :)
On that note! I am finally launching my weekly newsletter!
I have been procrastinating this for the longest time, because it's been tough for me to figure out, but I'm finally tackling the challenge and excited to share this with you guys.
With the weekly newsletter, you'll get a personalized dose of inspiration straight from me, and a roundup of any posts you might have missed during the week prior.
Think of it as your feel-good message amidst all the hectic crazy things that happen during your week. Would love to connect with you guys, and please do spread the word!
Now, let's get to my Favorite Friday Finds this week!
Here are 6 things that I was inspired by, learned from, and laughed/smiled at:
INSPIRED BY
1. The Gifts of Imperfection
It's no secret I adore Brené Brown. There are very few people in the world that would make me fangirl over meeting them, but I think I would totally creep Brené out if I ever met her... because I might not stop hugging her and thanking her for sharing her gifts with the world.
I tore through the majority of this book on a 1.5 hour flight, and it is amazing. I truly believe that a rich, full, wholehearted life of meaning and love begins with learning to love and become aware of ourselves at a fundamental level. Read this book, I promise you will be changed for the better!
2. In Praise of Slowness
"We're so marinated in the culture of speed... we don't notice the toll it takes on every aspect of our lives."
Everything in our society is built off efficiency- how much can we cram into the shortest possible amount of time? We go from one experience or task onto the next, almost never able to sit and digest it before having to shuffle off to the next thing.
I loved this TED talk that talks about the value of slowing down. Don't wait for that rude wake-up call, like illness or a lost relationship, to remember what is truly important! P.S. I also find it ironic that this talk was recorded in 2005 and we have only gotten faster and more scattered...
LEARNED FROM
3. Why Do We Fight for What We Don't Want?
Awesome article reminding us "since when are dreams one-size-fits-all?"
We tend to get caught up in what society tells us we want- what is traditionally a definition of "success." There is nothing wrong with wanting more conventional ideas of success like career or family, but just take a moment to think about what truly fulfills you and what you actually want; versus what you are told to want instead.
Don't get caught up living someone else's dreams--
you may find yourself missing out on your own life.
4. How to Take Negative Feedback Like a Champ
I posted last week about facing adversity.
You will hit walls, be challenged, and be given criticism (both constructive and deconstructive), and we need to learn how to grab that not-so-fun feedback by the b*lls and USE it to build ourselves, rather than destroy ourselves. I thought this was a solid overview on slowing down your reaction to negative feedback, and learning how to grapple with it.
LAUGHED AND SMILED AT
5. This Baby Has No Idea She's the Queen of Dress-Up
This. Is. Too. Cute.
6. Guy Trolls Ridiculous Hotel Requests
I honestly couldn't stop laughing at this, and am so tempted to do this the next time I stay at a hotel. Brava to the hotel staffs for having fun with this humor!