Food For Thought (10/3/21)
Breathe, nourish your soul and seize more opportunities.
Hi Friends,
Happy fall. Wow, it is already October, three months, and 2021 is over, just like that. Below are some of my favorites from this past month, inspiring me in new ways. I hope you enjoy them too.
What I've been reading:
Breathe: A Life in Flow - From legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA master Rickson Gracie comes a riveting, insightful memoir that weaves together the story of Gracie’s stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty and the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, showing how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.
In Breathe, for the first time, Rickson will share the full story of how his father and uncles came to develop Jiu-Jitsu, what it was like to grow up among several generations of world-renowned fighters from the Gracie clan, and the principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record. From learning to assert himself on the streets of Rio to gaining fame and honor in Japan and emerging through heartbreaking tragedy, the martial arts master shares tales of overcoming challenges, extolling universal virtues and showing readers how pride and ego are the enemies of success.
Great music and show for the soul:
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up - was a global smash on its release in July 1987, topping the charts in 25 countries including Rick’s native UK and the US Billboard Hot 100. “Never Gonna Give You UP” was also the theme song of Season 2 - Episode 10 of Ted Lasso that brought me to tears...actually more like ugly crying. I highly recommend the show as it touches on some of the fundamentals of human relationships and their implications on our life and decision making.
What I've been pondering:
Nadine Stair, an 85-year-old woman from Louisville, Kentucky, shares her answer when asked, "How would you have lived your life differently if you had a chance?"
"If I had my life to live over again, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time. I’d relax. I’d limber up. I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances, I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones. You see, I’m one of those people who was sensible and sane, hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I’ve had my moments. If I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else—just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.
I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances, I would ride more merry-go-rounds, I would pick more daisies."
Source: Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition
Picture highlighted:
I took this photo on a beautiful summer afternoon in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is a small town with a lot of heart. For me, it holds with it lots of great memories and amazing human beings who nourish my soul whenever we reconnect.
Until next time,
Dena 👋🏽
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