2 Great Things I Read This Week

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I don’t know if it is the changing of seasons but it seems like every other conversation I have had these past few days has consisted of someone saying something to the extent of “What am I doing with my life?!?”. Not necessarily in a bad way but it feels like there’s a lot of introspection happening as leaves are starting to turn and begin their descent to the ground.

And real talk: I ponder, question, reflect or panic about something about my life on most days that end in y.

Should you be in a similar boat, I read two things this week that I loved.

“The Crossroads of Should and Must” literally stopped me in my tracks. I am not good with should, I don’t exist well or fully in obligation but must, must isn’t something I have thought much of.

Must is different—there aren’t options and we don’t have a choice. Must is who we are, what we believe, and what we do when we are alone with our truest, most authentic self. It’s our instincts, our cravings and longings, the things and places and ideas we burn for, the intuition that swells up from somewhere deep inside of us.

“7 Strange Questions That Help You Find Your Life Purpose” is a little more irreverent…and like most things worthwhile, will require some work. #2 made me feel pretty good because my 8 year old self would be really glad I still write (I was the journal and silly story queen as a kid) and she would also probably be happy I still sing along to West Side Story on a regular basis but #4 (How Can You Better Embarrass Yourself)…that is not even a work in progress. As a friend observed recently, I don’t get messy very often. Yes, I embarrass myself because I trip often or when my stories get awkwardly long but in terms of real vulnerability, not so much.

But I think it all comes down to #6:

6. GUN TO YOUR HEAD, IF YOU HAD TO LEAVE THE HOUSE ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Whoa.

So, read this and this if you are need a little push to get you thinking about life-related things. And let me know if you discover anything big.

Be Awesome

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It was a particularly great weekend in these parts and after some football watching and pizza eating at Homeslice yesterday, I started getting the Sunday sads. Then I looked up to see this sign: Be Awesome. Okay. Be awesome. Don’t be sad the great weekend is over, be awesome and count on the week to follow suit.

On it.

I am, however, wishing I had some leftover pizza…Homeslice is quickly becoming my new favorite spot and I am craving it something awful right now.

Happy Monday, friends.

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Pink Clouds

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I was on the phone tonight with my Mom when she mentioned she was looking at the most incredible sunset, a sunset with pink clouds. I ran out into my back porch and told her I saw the same colors. I mean, of course, right? There’s only one sun and, therefore, one sunset but it felt kind of special to be sharing that together, right then.

And they really were pretty pink clouds.

Sprinkle Cheer

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I woke up to a text from a friend sharing this image with me this morning. My favorite thing about this person is that she is so innately positive and she shares it. In person, via text, via email and last winter, she expanded her reach of goodness with SprinkleCheer on Facebook and Instagram. Those feeds make me smile and remind me daily that it really is a trifecta: Seek Good, Share Good, Do Good.

And I agree- today is a perfect day for a perfect day.

Link Love

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I made this Fancy Bourbon Punch for a birthday party and it was such a hit because, well, bourbon and champagne. Thinking I will give it a seasonal twist with this tea next time.

It’s officially Fall as of yesterday so Pumpkin Spice Latte season…I am excited to make this healthier (and most certainly cheaper) version at home.

However, for those days when you aren’t watching your wallet, you can now get a $1000 ice cream sundae at The Langham. (I’ll stick with Jeni’s and the pineapple upside down cake ice cream!)

This Saturday, September 27th is Museum Day Live! at Smithsonian Museums which means free admission to a ton of museums, including the Adler Planetarium and the Chicago History Museum. I love museums and for living in a city with tons of great ones, I don’t go often enough. Register for free tickets here.

Speaking of museums, Friday night from 9-midnight is After Dark at the Art Institute- I have heard great things about the Magritte exhibit and exploring it with a glass of wine sounds amazing.

After reading this post about putting yourself on the Pride Board, I immediately emailed my best friend telling her what I put her on the pride board for and I have a list going on my office white board for me. It’s so important to acknowledge the good.

People that let themselves be seen inspire me and this post about forgiveness blew me away.