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What's there to say?

Part of my social distancing has taken place online, as my family and I have kept a pretty low profile in all spheres. In fact, it's been about all we can do to just keep things running. But that's not the whole story.

I don't know about you, but for me as we've moved through this pandemic I've experienced so many different highs and lows and blurs of in-between days. I've been on an incredibly rich emotional journey these last months, and yet I've barely left my house!

The one constant has been that my best initial efforts and intentions have faded over time.
At exercise. 
At discipline,
At rhythm and routine.
At learning Dutch and meditating.

But through it all, I think we're doing alright in my house, and I sure hope that this cloud has a silver lining or two for you.

Anyway, read on, there's some other stuff for me to share with you , from storytelling sessions, an ebook and a podcast episode, to a few bigger picture thoughts and meditations further down. 

I'm Storytelling at home!


Managing to do some work and attend virtual meetings in and around the parenting demands has, quite frankly, been filling me to capacity. However, in early lockdown days, I thought it would be fun to make some short storytelling videos. So I earnestly began the Storytelling at home series for my YouTube channel.

Then the project hung in pause. For a looooong time. Only recently did I manage to finish a few videos and put them online. They're real short, and I even made snazzy intros. I think you'll enjoy the one about me being 100% wrong or the one about the best/worst high school science fair project, for example. 

When I started the project, many weeks ago, we were fresh into quarantine and I had a different idea about how the project would go (see my note above about intentions and effort), but for now, I'm just happy to output some stuff.
 

Public speaking ebook


I recently put together a short and punchy ebook on public speaking (that's a thing we used to do when we went outside and met other people, if you've forgotten). The book is called 'Learn to love public speaking and presentations'.

I think you might enjoy it and I've got it for download on my website, free for subscribers. Like you.

Your circle of influence

In the words of stoic philosopher Epictetus “In life our first job is this, to divide and distinguish things into two categories: externals I cannot control, but the choices I make with regard to them I do control. Where will I find good and bad? In me, in my choices.”

The graphic above, which I've borrowed from here, is a good reminder for me to put my thoughts into two categories: things I can influence, and things I cannot. It's helpful when considering what to spend mental energy on (and what to get worked up about, or not).
 

YesFinland podcast

I recently did a podcast interview with my friend Trent Pancy on the YesFinland podcast. It came out super well.

If you want to listen to the episode, I highly encourage you to check it out, and the other eps are great as well. And the book I talk about? You're darn right you can buy it online!

30 days of meditation

I've been trying to meditate more frequently. Like all other lockdown activities, it has fallen off recently. But I still stand by it as a worthwhile pursuit.

When I do meditate, I use the app Calm. And I really like it. Here's a link to a 30-day trial with Calm. No, this isn't a paid promotion, just... if you're like me and need help managing your mental space you might appreciate this. I hope the link works!
My wife took this picture of me when we were out for a walk all together. I feel like it really captures my essence at this moment in time.

A Guardian longread on plague literature
Put our situation in an historical context

Five habits for greater self-compassion
You're doing better than you give yourself credit for

Guinea pig at the Piggenheim museum

This is a very lucky (and cultured) guinea pig

Slow TV: Destination travel videos
Why not take a languid journey from the comfort of home?


(Thanks to Lea for some quality link sharing)
That's it for this email. Carry on doing what you do.
I hope you're able to find some pockets of daily joy.
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