After a spell of watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians re-runs for 2 weeks straight, I was feeling like my IQ went down a few pegs. Love that show, but it’s probably the most mindless show out there.
Starved for thoughtfulness, I have been overcompensating this week but reading, watching, and listening to some more educational and inspirational material.
TED Talks:
I’ve fell into this awesome habit of listening to a TED Talks on the treadmill during my workout cool down. It keeps me from getting bored on the treadmill, which is a frequent occurrence otherwise.
Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
I did a quick Google search of the best TED Talks, and this one showed up at the top of many of the lists. At 20 minutes long, it was the perfect length for my cool-down walk on the treadmill. Thought provoking and funny.
Allan Savory: How to fight desertification and reverse climate change
This talk was recommended to me, and it is amazing! It’s very inspiring and exciting, and if you care about the planet at all you’ll be relieved to hear what Allan has to say.
Books:
I’m an avid reader and always have been. Every night before bed, I try to get in at least half an hour of reading, otherwise I can’t sleep. It’s my way of winding down, but the right book can also inspire me and give me ideas. Plus, it’s a great way to learn.
I always have fiction or a memoir going on as well, but I’ve been really into non-fiction lately.
I got these for free by using my Swagbucks [referral code], which was nice (who doesn’t love free reading material?)
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
(If you buy the book from that link, I’ll get a referral bonus).
Lean In was super inspiring to me. It was an easy read and I was finished it in just a few days. Sheryl is a great writer and very relatable; the book seemed a bit disjointed at times, but the message was well received.
Good to Great
I’m still reading this one. It’s really good so far and very thought provoking. It’s full of research and hard evidence, and which is much appreciated for my analytic brain.
Documentaries:
Who doesn’t love a good documentary? I find them fascinating; I’m not a huge movie fan, unless it’s a documentary. I think I’m just captivated by them because they are real-life; the studies, the people profiled in them – all real!
Something’s Wrong with Aunt Diane
Remember in 2009 when there was that horrible car accident on the Taconic State Parkway in the States that killed four children and the driver, and three other people? The woman driving (mother and aunt to the children killed) was driving down the wrong side of the highway clocking 85 MPH and was found to have a high level of alcohol and THC in her blood toxicity report.
This documentary follows what’s left of her family and interviews her friends and people that knew her before the crash. It was fascinating, and it was on HBO (I believe) in the last couple of weeks. You can also find it online.
Any suggestions on the next round of things to watch/read?
Just picked up Lean In on a reco but I have finish up the current one that I’m reading. Good to Great was an awesome read.
I love good to great! Its such a refreshing look at what actually makes companies great. Hint: its not loud mouth CEOs. I also like the part where he talks about the “incubation” stage of any company.
I just recently listened to extended interviews of Brene Brown and Sheryl Sandberg on Oprah radio. I drive a lot for work and have XM radio so sometimes the Oprah interviews are pretty interesting. They were both amazing. Good picks.
I just watched the documentary Somewhere Between on Friday. Also Craigslist Joe is something that would interest any personal finance blogger and it’s actually a touching documentary.
I just finished Infidel, which was quite good. I’m also reading the 5 Love Languages (finally). It’s an easy read and quite good.
Hi there
This is my first time to your blog! It’s looking pretty good! I have to say I’ve heard great things about Brene Brown’s Ted Talks. I’ve read some of her stuff! She’s amazing!
It’s actually a pretty good idea listening to something like that while on the tread mill. I can’t read because I’m moving around too much and music gets dull after awhile. I’m definitely going to try this!
Thanks!
Lindsey
Someone sent me links to the TED talks – I have yet to watch any of them, but I really should
This year’s Oscar winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man is so so so amazing. Try not to read about it or watch the previews, as they definitely give away almost all of the plot, but it’s still terrific. I’ve seen it three times which is very rare for me.
Love me some TED Talks! I need to get in on this Swagbucks thing, methinks!
I also can’t sleep without reading a book. But these past few days, I always get hooked with reading that I ended up sleeping too late.