Food, Try to do a little better

“Food, Try to do a little better.”

——Anne Lamott, American novelist, essayist, and political activist

Image from Unsplash by Emanuel Ekström

Food is much more than fuel for our bodies — it’s a powerful connector of culture, memory, and emotion. Every meal tells a story, reflecting traditions, family bonds, and personal creativity.

Good food nourishes not only the body but also the soul, bringing comfort and joy. It has the unique ability to bring people together, sparking conversation and celebration.

Yet, food also challenges us to do better — choosing healthier, sustainable options that respect both our well-being and the planet.

When we say “Food, try to do better” it’s a call to be mindful to emphasize quality, embrace diversity, reduce waste, and appreciate the journey from farm to our tables.

In every bite lies an opportunity to nourish ourselves and the world around us.

EXERCISE:

Consider watching the Netflix movie, Nonnas.

It’s a heartwarming story of an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers, bringing authentic family recipes to life and creating a new sense of community through food.

Your way of being in the world

Your way of being in the world has a profound influence on yourself and those around you.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Marcos Paulo Prado

Your way of being in the world profoundly shapes not only your own life but also the lives of those around you.

Every thought, action, and attitude creates ripples that influence your environment.

When you approach life with kindness, openness, and positivity, you foster trust and inspire others to do the same. Conversely, negativity or indifference can create barriers and dampen the energy of those nearby.

Your presence — how you listen, respond, and engage — sets the tone for relationships and community.

By cultivating self-awareness and embracing empathy, you become a powerful force for positive change.

Your way of being is not just a personal journey — it’s a shared experience that impacts the world in meaningful ways.

Choose to be a light that uplifts and connects.

EXERCISE:

What role does self-awareness play in shaping your way of being? How can you apply these insights to have a more positive influence on others in your various communities?

Friday Review: WORRY

Friday Review: WORRY

How often do you consider or question the benefits of worrying? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Worry compounds the futility of being trapped on a dead-end street. Thinking opens up new avenues.”

 

 

 

 

“Worry is just imagination used in an unproductive way.”

 

 

 

 

 

“I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened.”

 

 

 

 

“Each day awaits you to give it life.”

“Each day awaits you to give it life.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Sonja Langford

Today’s quote comes from a recent post from https://www.chabad.org/ on the idea of “living time.”

It mentions the ideas of “wasting time” or even “killing time,” which it refutes.

It suggests that time does not belong to us and we can’t waste it.

It further has us consider that time doesn’t have a life of its own that we can take away.

It does, however, emphasis that time awaits us to give it life.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you intend to give life to the time that awaits you today?

Persistence isn’t just continuing to try

“Persistence isn’t just continuing to try — it’s the runway that gives your talent time to take off.”

Shane Parrish, Author of Farnam Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Daniel Eldest

Persistence isn’t just about stubbornly trying again and again — it’s the runway that gives our talent the time and space to take off.

Think of your dreams and skills as a plane without enough runway. Even the most powerful engines can’t lift you into the sky.

It’s showing up, learning, and growing through every setback.

Over time, those steady efforts compound, and suddenly, what once seemed impossible becomes second nature.

EXERCISE:

What are some real-life examples of persistence that have lead you to success? How did adjusting your course along the way help your efforts take flight?

When we experience beauty and wonder

When we experience beauty and wonder our souls feel at home in the world.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Simon Wilkes

It’s in those moments — watching a sunset paint the sky, hearing a delicate song of a bird, or marveling at the intricate patterns of a flower — that we reconnect with something deeper within ourselves.

Beauty awakens our senses, and wonder opens our hearts, reminding us that life is filled with magic and meaning beyond the ordinary.

This feeling of belonging, of being part of a larger harmonious whole, soothes our restless minds and nourishes our spirits.

In embracing beauty and wonder, we find peace, joy, and a profound sense of connection that makes the world feel like a welcoming home for our souls.

EXERCISE:

What are some everyday moments that evoke a sense of wonder in you? Where does beauty that enriches and fills your soul show up in your world?

Friday Review: WONDER

Friday Review: WONDER

Is there space in your world for Wonder? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“You don’t have to lose something to be searching.”

 

 

 

 

Bask in the wonderment of being a conscious part of the universe.

 

 

 

 

“The cult of productivity has its place, but worshiping at its altar daily robs us of the very capacity for joy and wonder that makes life worth living.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

Robin Williams, late American actor and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Clay Banks

In today’s digital age, remote collaboration is common, but nothing quite matches the energy of being in the same room with others.

When people gather physically, ideas flow more freely, creativity sparks, and connections deepen.

Shared spaces foster spontaneous conversations, rapid problem solving, and genuine teamwork that virtual meetings often lack.

Being together allows for immediate feedback, body language cues, and a sense of camaraderie that fuels motivation.

Handshakes, knowing smiles, and embraces to celebrate successes also do much to build and keep our tribes working together.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle to enhance group collaboration and create more good things in your communities.

Without question, the material world and your everyday needs distract you from living meaningfully.”

“Without question, the material world and your everyday needs distract you from living meaningfully.”

Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 20th Century American Orthodox Rabbi

Image from Unsplash by Paul Schafer

In our pursuit of possessions and daily comforts, we often lose sight of deeper purpose and fulfillment.

The constant chase for material success can cloud our awareness of what truly matters — relationships, personal growth, and inner peace.

While meeting basic needs is essential, allowing them to dominate our focus risks turning life into a routine of consumption rather than a meaningful experience.

To live fully, it helps to consciously step back from distractions, reflect on our values, and prioritize experiences that nourish the soul.

True meaning emerges not from what we own, but from how we connect, create, and contribute.

EXERCISE:

What are you doing to connect, create, and contribute to live a more meaningful life?

Consider picking up a copy of Toward a Meaningful Life by Simon Jacobson which includes more wisdom from The Rebbe-Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Christian Nestell Bovee, 19th Century epigrammatic writer

Image from Unsplash by Ditto Bowo

Kindness is a universal form of communication that transcends physical limitations.

It speaks directly to the heart and can be felt and perceived even without sight or sound.

The impact of compassionate actions can be recognized and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Kindness connects us all on a deeply human level, making the world a better place through simple, genuine gestures.

EXERCISE:

What are some examples of kindness being used as a universal language within your communities?

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.