Hi everyone. Hope you’re staying hydrated.
In anticipation of the school year, I have been reading a lot of “kid lit”. The pervasive theme is maturity, or a variation of it. Often, characters embark on a journey (sometimes physical, sometimes emotional) that leads to change. They assume greater responsibility, make tough choices, and ultimately discover who they are. It’s a process that we would all do well to emulate, for by examining our life and direction, we may realize that we have fallen off course.
But what does that mean exactly? One way Jean DuPrau depicts maturity in her coming of age novel City of Ember is through inner struggle. Indeed, Doon Harrow, one of the 12 year old protagonists, grapples with the consequences of his emotional outbursts because, “the trouble with anger is it gets hold of you. And then you aren’t the master of yourself anymore. Anger is.”
Given everything going on in the world, maybe we could benefit from releasing the clouds of anger and focusing on actionable solutions. Easier said than done, I know.
A practical paradigm of this was described in Barbara Oakley’s book A Mind for Numbers: How to excel at math and science (even if you flunked algebra). The title says it all. In this very helpful manual, Oakley imparts the wisdom that there’s no use getting angry and succumbing to the mantra “I’m just not good at it.” Rather, there is a method to success; you have to actually practice the strategies. Looking at the page of equations is not the same as testing yourself. Daydreaming during lectures is not the same as monitoring your focus and taking necessary breaks. This book not only teaches students (and teachers) how to become fluent in math and science, it also challenges us to take responsibility for our habits, goals, and personal achievements. I loved its message of empowerment and hope! My favorite tool is the pomodoro method. You can basically get anything done if you break it into 25 minute increments and give yourself a short break between bouts. This applies to writing a novel or cleaning your house. 25 minutes. Just start.
Beats. This month was HOT, heatwave hot. So here is a little Heatwave from Martha and the Vandellas. Get your summer love on.
Barbells. I like picking things up and putting them down. So when it came time to pack up and pick up all my moving boxes, I was in tip-top shape. My destination…Florida. See you on the south side. I’m going to be swinging kettlebells on the beach and maybe learning how to surf. Know of any cool spots? Send me your recommendations 🙂
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 