In this latest issue of our blog
you will find all the great content listed below
Embracing the Silence
If you know me at all you then also know I have a penchant for talking. I almost always have a lot to say about everything. That’s not the same as thinking my opinion matters more than everyone else’s it’s more that I like to engage with people in this way, and share ideas, books, and thoughts about life.
Recently, I had dental surgery to repair gum recession. One of the limitations that I have right now is not talking very much. I believe “speak minimally” is the exact instruction. In theory, this doesn’t seem all that complicated. I mean I often work from home and the other person around me most is my cat. In addition, I am by admission and nature an introvert. I know that statement seems like an invalidation of all I just said about talking but like everything else in life, it’s complicated.
But as the day of my procedure drew closer I started to pay attention to just how much talking is a part of my day. I am at the most basic core of my life a teacher. I teach yoga. I am a personal trainer. I talk all day long. All I do is explain, instruct, guide, and sometimes attempt to entertain.
True Crime
Unless you are my husband or I birthed you, you likely do not know that I love True Crime. I secretly love a good 20/20 mystery or Dateline’s In-Depth Investigations. I have listened to every single episode of Crime Junkie which amounts to 262 episodes. I have discovered there are also podcasts that allow you to binge whole seasons around just one crime. This allows you to get all the details surrounding the investigation. Unsolved crimes, coverups, and lies are my absolute favorite and always leave me wanting more from these investigators.
The Last Thing He Told Me
Before I give you my next book suggestion and synopsis, let me just say that while I read a lot of fiction, I do so with the intent of being entertained or even escaping life for a few precious moments. If I read historical fiction, which I also love, I know that it will likely lead me down a rabbit hole of looking up historical facts about whatever time period I am reading. Non-fiction books are usually their own kind of entertainment, but with a work or learning component involved. I expect proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation as well and if all of these components are present, I am happy.
I have the ability to read a book and enjoy it even if it does cause me to suspend belief in reality at times. If my entire goal is to poke holes in the storyline, I would likely never be satisfied. I realize that sometimes you read a book that is truly lackluster and has so many gaping holes, it distracts from your entertainment pleasure, but most of the time, a New York Times Best Seller hits the spot.
I have always read reviews online before reading a book. They used to be a valid way to determine whether I wanted to read it. That is no longer the case. I can no longer find a book review on Amazon, whether it’s a quick summer beach read or a critically acclaimed novel that hasn’t been absolutely trashed in the review section. If the reviewers are to be believed, there isn’t a book out there that is worthy of your time or money. So, do what you will with these book suggestions.
Faster Way to Fat Loss
Obviously, if you have followed us at all, you know that our physical health is something we are always striving to work on. The last few years have been more difficult for me. Perhaps, it’s my age, the medication I have to take, a slower metabolism, or a combination of the three, but things just aren’t as easy as they used to be. That being said, I haven’t been as consistent with my healthy eating or working out as hard as I need to.
A couple years ago, I tried a new program called, FASTer Way to Fat Loss. I signed up because my middle daughter had been certified as one of their coaches. It’s a program that you can honestly do for the rest of your life. It involves intermittent fasting, carb cycling two days per week, counting macros, and working out 30 minutes each day. It sounds way more difficult than it actually is and they even give you a grocery list, a menu, daily food plan, an app and workouts which consist of two HIIT, 3 strength, and 2 active recovery workouts each week.
“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit. What sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.”
William Penn
Lowi & G 