Curated Shares

• Leftovers already? You’re not imagining it, I’m resharing this one because a lot of people emailed to thank me for it! Thanksgiving is upon us and many people are anticipating challenging conversations with loved ones while gathered around the table. Jessica Stillman shares one question that scientists have proven will pave the way for better conversations. Use this gift link to read the entire piece on Medium.

• The US Department of Transportation has launched a campaign to promote better air travel behavior. So many questions, but gotta’ say, anything promoting more civility is a good idea in my book.

• Are you pleased with how you’re doing in life, or do you chide yourself for not being “further along?” According to ex-Googler turned neuroscientist and author Anne-Laure Le Cunff, if you’re doing these things, you’re probably doing better than you give yourself credit for:
  • You celebrate small wins. 
  • You try again after failing. 
  • You pause before reacting. 
  • You take breaks without guilt. 
  • You recover from setbacks faster. 
  • You ask for help when you need it. 
  • You’re kind to yourself when you make mistakes. 
  • You notice patterns instead of judging them. 
  • You make decisions based on values, not pressure. 
  • You’re more curious than anxious about what’s next. 

• Can you pass “the bird test”? Your relationships will improve if you can. Oh, and can they pass the bird test for you?

• I read all the time. This post by Rob Engelsman on generational differences, particularly focused on Gen Alpha and Gen Z, is the smartest piece I’ve read all month. It’s about a 15-minute read and well worth it to gain insights you won’t find anywhere else.

• Inspiring for business owners or anyone setting standards and vowing to live by them. Treat people well and the rest follows, otherwise known as the Costco story.

• One more…I follow a writer named Ilona Goanos. She writes about getting older, reflecting on the past, and facing the future from a more informed perspective. Her writing, the actual flow of what she shares, is gorgeous. Here’s a quote from a recent post, “…to learn that trusting myself didn’t mean I’d never make mistakes again – it meant I’d own them.” If you’re curious, here’s a link to her publication, The Pebble in Your Shoe.

Kindness is Contagious, Pass It Along!

Here’s a story of kindness with several layers: when a friend of mine was directing a play decades ago, he needed a musical interlude. He asked a buddy to write it, and instead, the buddy wrote an entire song. The play and the music were huge hits. Wait, there’s more.… The guys were talking last week and the buddy said, “You probably don’t know this, but I didn’t have confidence in my music back then. Because you asked me to help, and I did, and I saw the results, I went on to score numerous productions. I don’t think I ever shared that with you, and I want to thank you now for that gift you gave me. So many times in life, we impact people, but they never know. I want to make sure you know it now—you helped put me on a good path.”

Do Good Spotlight: The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

We know that the mental illness crisis is widespread and people need support. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is one of those organizations working to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness. They award grants to discover scientific breakthroughs in this area. Learn more about them: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

⏳Until Next Time…

I deeply and sincerely, with all my heart, wish you a Thanksgiving Day filled with appreciation and gratitude. If you can spread the joy you find, please do. Remember, kindness is a dish that’s best when shared. 😊

Niki