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For this month's dose I muse on a few areas that have caught my attention over the past few months.
Mental health and the news: I have made an effort over the past few years to limit my content to books, audiobooks, weekly magazines and podcasts. I’ve been off social media sites for over a year. It sometimes meant I was missing big news stories but I knew I felt better reading things at depth after the fact than on a surface level, in the moment. However, like everyone, COVID 19 changed this. In some ways, we had a duty to stay informed and be responsible citizens. It helped me stay up to date and ensured I knew when health suggestions changed, such as masking (so easy to do and it reduces the chance of unknowingly spreading the virus). As the urgency and pace of change has slowed, I realized that my daily feed of news was no longer helping - it my was hindering my headspace. For the past two weeks I started back on old habits - book with coffee in the morning, novels before bed and just one day to review the weekly news in the Economist. I already feel more clear. It seems like such a small action but the little hits of negative news impact us. I want to stay informed but the daily doses aren’t necessary. I think it is a strategy worth reflecting and trying yourself.
Inspirational TED Talks: During Danny's time at home we got him started on Khan Academy kids. It reminded me of some of my old favourite TED talks. I watched these for the first time 2011/2012 and they had a profound impact on my world perspective. The messaging still rings true.
Sal Khan: Founder of Khan Academy. I love his new talk and the concept of mastery learning. This is the link to his original TED in 2011 - his online platform was awesome already, it has exploded in 2020:)
John Wooden: UCLA basketball coach in the 1970s. I think he is in his 80s or 90s giving this talk. It still resonates ten years on.
Jamie Oliver: everyone's favourite British Celebrity Chef. The TED seems a little dated but the messaging holds - learn to cook and love food.
Perhaps I am preaching to the converted but I really believe in a public health care system and these articles give weight to the debate. It isn't perfect but to date, it has showed strength:): June 25th Global news and May 1st New York Times.
A couple other personal blogs I finished or are currently still working on:
My reflections from the past four months: blog here.
My COVID running journey: read the blog:)
Thanks for reading,
Dave Carter
Current book list
Captain Corellis Mandolin - a sad but beautiful escape to a small Greek island during the years surrounding World War II. COVID is tough but this book put things in perspective!
Birds without Wings - What an awesome trip back to 20th century Turkey (the book follows the transition from Ottoman Empire to modern day Turkey). Although the world is far from ideal this book was another reminder of the progress that has been made in the past 150 years.
Unconditional Parenting - The author Alfie Kohn is a controversial character as he challenges strongly held beliefs around parenting and teaching. For me, the book made me think a little deeper about my parenting style. It also reminded me to trust my children and love them for who they are not their behaviours.
Don't sweat the small stuff with family - the original book in this series "don't sweat the small stuff" had a profound impact on me as a teenager and this one was timely considering home and family were taking up more of our typical day to day. It is an easy read and offers lots of helpful reminders on how to be a better person to those around you.
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