10/6/23
Today is in light of the people around me who have helped me open my eyes to what was already there.
I've always been the kind of person who sticks to what I know and like. The comfort of familiar routines, doing things I'm already good at, has been my safe haven.
However, in the past year, I've spent more time with people I've known for ages but never truly understood on this level. I've always loved them, but it was more like an unquestioned fact rather than a constant appreciation. I made a deliberate choice to change that, and surprisingly, it led me to discover more about myself than I expected.
GROUNDED
Roots - Open Mind
One evening, my friend offered me some Yum Yum sauce to go with my rice and chicken. My initial instinct was to decline because, well, I'm not big on condiments other than ketchup or A1 sauce. I almost said no to something called "Yum Yum" because of some random food rule I'd created for myself. Can you believe that? As it turns out, I found it absolutely yummy. Not only that, I’ve now got 5-6 new sauces in my back pocket.
I used to dislike walking. I'm all about running and playing sports, but just walking for the sake of it? Not my cup of tea (and don't even get me started on hiking). My girlfriend, on the other hand, is a fan of leisurely walks, and she encouraged me to join her consistently. She loves flowers, animals and any other thing nature brings. Now I recognize a Japanese Maple Tree with joy, and point out every agave plant (lotus flower on land) I see. Who would’ve thought?
Whether it's appreciating life's small wonders or daring to say "yes" when "no" is your default, the key lesson I've learned is to get out of your own way. We're constantly presented with opportunities, even if they appear as obstacles initially, that can expand our horizons.
Pay attention to what adds vibrancy to your life and propels you forward. Don’t shy away from sharing your joys with others, you never know who will join the movement of a tasty fresh raspberry jam.
IN THE KLOUDS
ABOVE KLOUDS
Quote - Clarity
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.” -Paulo Coelho
KLOUTY SPOTLIGHT
Science of Happiness
Today's highlight revolves around a recent podcast I came across. The guest featured in this episode is Arthur Brooks, a Harvard Professor and the co-author of a book with Oprah Winfrey, titled "Build the Life You Want." This book delves deep into the recipe for a happier life, blending data and resources from neuroscience with timeless philosophical ideas. It all points toward how our brains are wired for a good life.
I'm not sharing this to shove the concept of "happiness" down your throat. Instead, I want to introduce you to some tools and ideas that challenge the conventional wisdom we've been fed. Concepts like embracing suffering and negative experiences as pathways to a more fulfilling life. It's about shifting our focus away from ourselves and toward others. These are simple ideas, but they're not always easy to put into practice.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1368888880?i=1000629877041
