Hello friends,
Some quick housekeeping.
A big thank you to all of your replies and support on my first piece of fiction! A couple of you even pledged to support my writing, which inspired me to turn on payments. That said…
All posts will remain free!
You are not required to pay, at all. I’ve simply added a way for those of you who wish to support my writing to do so, but it’s not required. Thursday and Sunday posts will continue to be sent out to all free subscribers for the foreseeable future. Becoming a paid subscriber will help me buy a little extra caffeine, which should benefit the newsletter - or make it entirely illegible. Pay at your own risk.
I’m also entering a writing contest. The theme is on “Youth”, which I’ll likely publish this Thursday, so keep an eye out. On that note, I’d greatly appreciate any suggestions on other writing competitions, so lease. don’t hesitate to share any!
Read
The Profile Dossier: Amaryllis Fox, the ex-CIA agent performing the most clandestine operations - An interesting read about one of the youngest females (22) to be recruited to the CIA. She took clandestine meetings with her baby daughter strapped to her chest with listening devices hidden in the diaper. She talks about the power of active listening, empathy, and relationships: “The only real way to disarm your enemy is to listen to them."
In the Stormy Sea, a Life Preserver - A beautiful, honest, and inspiring memoir piece on withdrawals from a lifelong addiction to antidepressants, and a scuba diving trip in Thailand that helps her see the light. I love scuba. But more so, I love honest - raw - writing on overcoming trauma, adventure, and the human condition. Seeking out new experiences, being open and curious, and taking risks are all great ways to enhance one’s life. A great read.
Bertrand Russell on the Secret of Happiness - I’ll let Bertrand take this one: “The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile.” Less Self and ego, more curiosity and wonder.
If you were rich, would you fold laundry? -
I’m currently reading The Glass Castle, a New York Times best-selling memoir. Although I’m only about halfway through, it’s a page-turner, to say the least. A simply outstanding book chronicling a little girl growing up with a very unorthodox life. In the opening scene, she’s in a taxi cab in New York on the way to a party when she looks out of the window to see her Mom picking trash out of a dumpster just 15 feet away. Ashamed, she turns the taxi around and heads back home. It’s a wild journey (so far) on childhood, trauma, travel, and finding purpose in life. I’ll write a full book review next Sunday.
The Profile Dossier: Phil Stutz, the Therapist Offering Practical Tools to Help You Navigate Life - Another profile Doffier, but this one stuck a deep chord in me. He also recently released a documentary titled “Stutz”, in which he does a therapy session with Joanah Hill. It’s highly informative on living life with purpose, overcoming trauma, and sharing feelings. Highly recommend the read - and the TV documentary, which is streaming on Netflix. Everyone should watch it. It’s honest, empathetic, and hugely beneficial on how to live a joyful life.
Human Constructs - Shane Parish of “The Knowledge Project” is a favorite publication on learning what others have already mastered. This short piece is on “Good thinking is expensive. Bad thinking costs a fortune.”, and that writing helps good thinking. Thinking through ideas and expressing them in public to engage in conversation and share like-minded ideas. Learn by sharing.
Watch
I didn’t want too many noteworthy shows or movies this week, but I’m considering dropping this section altogether - unless you enjoy it and want me to continue. Please let me know in the Comments section or reply directly to this email if you’d rather keep it - this is an idea meritocracy! :)
Other that than, I can’t help but recommend Ted Laso on Apple TV. It’s a 10/10 show that feels good, hilarious, and fully enjoyable. Great storytelling.
Listen
Lots of excellent listens this week, with “Heavon” below being on repeat over the last couple of days. Apologies if you’re not into House / Dance music, but as many of you know, it holds a dear place in my heart.
In other news and as a novice writer, I’d be more than grateful for any critiques on my essays, fiction, or short stories if you have them. You can comment in the Comments section or reply directly to these emails (emails are private to me alone).
Again, thank you for your time and I hope you found something of interest or insightful.
All the best!
I'm amazed at how much you read and watch and listen to! Very inspiring!