Perspective (How's The Water?)

I'm not a podcast person. (Still working on it, though.) Instead, when the mood hits, I like re-listening to favorite speeches, interviews, movie clips, and whatever other tiny soundbite that got stashed away in my mental rolodex because it once struck a chord.

This Is Water, by David Foster Wallace, is one such thing. From the outset, it's just a commencement address he made in 2005 for a group of college grads. Pay an ounce more attention, you'll quickly feel how his message means so much more.

Like a lot of Wallace's other work, the speech is epically long and densely wordy. When you have twenty-three minutes -- yes, 23! -- to spare, listen to the audio below. (Or read the full transcript.)

I turn to this speech when I need reminding that SO MUCH of what is good in life comes down to your perception of the world around you. No, having an upbeat attitude won't pardon your credit card debt, nor will it cure disease. (Unfortunately.) It's more like: Challenge your prejudices and tired knee-jerk reactions, be considerate and open-minded -- in doing so, you are showing yourself love, and putting your soul at ease.

I mean, I think what he's trying to say. ;)

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Monday Music

It's grey out. And rainy. It's... Monday.

My day is already off to a wonky start. Slept in too late, ate three (okay six) cookies, spilled coffee on the couch. Sliver lining: the wet weather is watering my plants for me lol. (Will be telling you about my budding green thumb soon.)

Figured I'm not the only one who could use a quick pick-me-up by way of a solo dance party.

Lizzo is such a champ of self love and having a good time -- definitely the vibe you need to perk up a gloomy day! Find some space, turn up the volume, and rock out for three minutes :)

Stream on Spotify: Water Me

Wishing everyone an A+ day! What are your tricks for beating the Monday Blahs?

Image credit: Entertainment Weekly

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Monday Motivation

If anyone needs a reminder to keep their chin up today...

  

After thirty-three years on the planet, I'm still trying to grasp that change usually won't fall in your lap. Pursuing goals can be slow, tricky, messy, uncomfortable. That's okay! If you want change in your life, you need to work at it, piece by piece, and make it happen.

There's always a reason to put things off until another day. (As the queen of indecision and procrastination, I know all about finding excuses to backpedal on taking chances.)

The thing is, you already have the strength to take that first step, right now. Put yourself out there, tell the self-doubt to shut up, don't beat yourself up if things play out awkwardly at first. I can't guarantee you'll see results immediately, but I promise you'll be moving in the right direction.

Have an excellent week! If you ever want to chat about hopes and dreams (or dessert), you know where to find me :)

Image credit (top): Howard Lau

Image credit (memes): Instagram (linking to each sources shortly)

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