Your Soul Food for Friday Sept 29, 2023: Sometimes we have to be Stressed for someone else to be Blessed.

How We Go On – Dr. Ken Druck’s life’s work helping individuals, families, organizations, communities and nations find the path forward after a loss, change or setback.

The Most Expensive Cup of Coffee Ever was Worth It:

My wife forgot to get milk for her morning cup of coffee. We were renting a house in the town where I grew up on Long Island, NY for a week and even on vacation I know she likes to have her coffee with milk to kick start her day.

So, when I woke up at 7am, I decided I was going to be a super husband and drive to the grocery store and get her milk before going to the gym to workout. We were driving to Boston that morning and I wanted to workout before we left, so getting the milk was an inconvenience that altered my morning plans.

While I’m in the checkout line buying the milk, I’m feeling pretty good about myself. I’m even telling myself, “She’s going to love this. She is going to wake up and walk to the fridge, see the new carton of milk and call me Saint Jon.”

On my drive back to the house, I’m in such deep thought about how great of a husband I am 🙂 that I didn’t realize I was going over the speed limit. A few minutes later, flashing lights appeared in my rear-view mirror and a police officer pulled me over and gave me a ticket. He said I could pay a fine, take the points and watch my insurance cost increase or appear in traffic court.  

Appearing in court wasn’t an option since the court date was in December and I live in Florida, not NY.  I drove away frustrated that I got a ticket, when I didn’t even think I was speeding. I was frustrated that this happened as the result of me trying to do something nice for my wife. Are you kidding me? No good deed goes unpunished, I thought. With the ticket, fine and insurance cost, it was going to be the most expensive milk I’ve ever bought, to create the most expensive cup of coffee ever.

I honestly wasn’t being very positive. But then, I had a positive thought. As the pessimistic optimist I am, I thought this had to have happened for a reason. I don’t know why but I think it’s going to lead to something good. After delivering the priceless milk to my wife for her coffee, I drove to the gym to workout. While working out, a trainer and a woman he was training asked me if I was done with the bench I was using. I said I was and then asked them if they happened to know of a good traffic lawyer in the area because I just got a ticket and perhaps an attorney could appear in traffic court on my behalf.

The conversation continued and I learned that the woman’s son had played lacrosse for my rival school and sadly, he passed away from cancer, just a few years ago while still in college. The woman was obviously distraught and cried as she talked about him and his faithful fight and incredible spirit. I was able to tell her and the trainer how I viewed death, dealt with the death of my parents, and shared thoughts and words that comforted her.

She said she was looking for a sign and perhaps this was one. I told her it was definitely a sign because if I didn’t get the traffic ticket, I wouldn’t have asked them if they knew of an attorney, and we wouldn’t have had this meaningful conversation. She had felt the presence of her son recently and knew he didn’t want her to be angry and bitter anymore. We agreed this was a big initial step in her healing and moving forward.

As I drove away from the gym, I was no longer angry about the ticket. I realized I had to get the ticket in order for this woman to begin healing. The most expensive cup of coffee ever, was worth it. I realized that we are all connected and sometimes we have to be inconvenienced and stressed for someone else to be blessed. I’ve decided that from now on, when something doesn’t work out the way I want it to, I’m going to choose to believe there’s a bigger reason, a bigger lesson and bigger blessing that’s on the way. Have a great week!   Hard to Believe!  

Insane Command Performance of Woman and Dog:

Tansu YEĞEN on X: “Incredible performance https://t.co/o88X0sz4Tx” / X (twitter.com)

Extra Point Kick Sailing Into Open Window of Passing Car Is Best Thing You’ll See Today
A Texas high school player kicked an extra point out of play, and it landed perfectly through the window of a passing SUV.

Extra Point Kick Sailing Into Open Window of Passing Car Is Best Thing You’ll See Today – Sports Illustrated

Nebraska volleyball sets world record for women’s-sports attendance:
The crowd at Nebraska’s match against Omaha on Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium set a world record as the largest for a women’s sporting event.

Nebraska volleyball sets world record for women’s sports attendance – ESPN

A kid posed with his pilot dad in an airplane. Almost 30 years later they recreated this photo:
Southwest Captain Ruben Flowers recently flew his retirement flight with his son, First Officer Ruben Flowers, by his side. The two recreated a 1994 photo of the two of them in the cockpit in the process

A kid posed with his pilot dad in an airplane. Almost 30 years later they recreated the photo | CNN

Man risks his life to save a sheep after it became stuck on a cliff
Chris Oxlade-Arnott raced to help the animal on the cliff edge as the ocean’s tide began to rise.

Man risks his life to save a sheep after it became stuck on a cliff (ladbible.com)

Baby gorilla almost died before a zookeeper held him close
In many ways, raising a baby gorilla is very similar to nurturing human newborns, says Chad Staples, a father of four and the director of Mogo Wildlife Park, a small private zoo in the town of the same name on Australia’s southeastern coast.

Baby gorilla almost died before a zookeeper held him close. Now he has a new adoptive mom | CNN

Watch the precious, emotional moment this mama chimp and her baby are finally reunited
This baby chimp spent a night at the vet due to a snake bite. You can feel the relief and joy when he’s finally reunited with his mama.

Baby chimp reunited with mom after being treated for a snake bite (usatoday.com)  


  The 9 Most Stunning Landscapes in the World
Romantic, wild, and captivating, these colorful and surreal landscapes invite you to explore nine beautiful corners of the world  
Stunning Landscapes: The 9 Most Beautiful in the World | Architectural Digest  


If you are local and navigating a challenge or loss…

From my dear brother Dr. Ken Druck:
Warwick’s Event Details
My dear friend, Dr. Ken Druck, will be hosting a book signing for his latest book, How We Go On: Self-Compassion, Courage, and Gratitude on the Path Forward, at one of our nation’s most treasured books stores, Warwick’s, on Wednesday, Oct 4th at 7:30p PT.  The book offers practical advice on resilience, gratitude, and creating a lasting positive impact. It’s an inspiring roadmap for finding joy amidst adversity.
 
Since seating is limited, please reserve your spot with Warwicks by calling (858) 454-8347 or  going to https://www.warwicks.com/event/druck-2023
 
How we manage the defining “What now?” moments in our lives after a loss, change, challenge or opportunity defines what my dear friend, Ken Druck, calls “The Path Forward.” Ken’s new book, How We Go On: Self-Compassion, Courage and Gratitude on the Path Forward is truly “a beacon of light.” 
 
How We Go On was recently released in hard cover, paperback, e-book and audio book (read by Ken himself) versions. Replace your “foot on your throat” behavior and self-talk with a transformational “hand on your heart” approach characterized by kindness, self-compassion, understanding, patience, and support. 
 
This book is one I’ll keep on my nightstand or bookshelf and reference whenever I need a reminder on how to go on after losses and daily challenges.
 
Readers’ Review 5 Star Rating + Review
“A profound guide to navigating life’s challenges, from personal losses to everyday hurdles. Druck leads us into a personal examination of each stage of our lives from childhood, including our defining moments and the choices we have made along the way. Through his heartfelt story of facing inconceivable loss and pain, he shares valuable advice about finding peace and joy again after seasons of feeling lost and uncertain.
The book offers practical advice on resilience, gratitude, and creating a lasting positive impact. How We Go On is a broad, incredible work with life-changing lessons about discovering joy when facing hardship. Highly recommended.”

 
 


Thanks this week go to Larry H for that expensive cup and Ken D for always being a source of light and inspiration, helping people turn their stumbling blocks into stepping stones!

Please pay it forward with your time, talent or treasure…
Love,
Neville  

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  “Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
Greek Proverb  

Your Soul Food Friday for Sept 22, 2023: The Big Idea: Could We Use Music Like Medicine?

Happy Soul Food Friday

This week:

The Big Idea: Could We Use Music Like Medicine?
We know that music influences our emotions, but could it improve physical health too?

The big idea: could we use music like medicine? | Science and nature books | The Guardian

Sound Soothing: 6 Benefits of Music for your Wellbeing:

6 Benefits of Music for Your Mental Health and Well-being | Sound of Life | Powered by KEF

Conductor Vladimir Jurowski tells audience to ‘let climate protestors speak’ as they interrupt Bruckner symphony
Two climate protestors interrupted a concert at a world-leading classical music festival, and conductor Vladimir Jurowski asked the audience for quiet as the activists “had their say”.

Conductor Vladimir Jurowski tells audience to ‘let climate protestors speak’ as… – Classic FM

Magic!

Attraction Shadow Act (biggeekdad.com)

If you are local-

Many kids in San Diego go hungry over the weekend.

An $8 donation can change that.

We are shooting for generating $100,000 for our food insufficient families this month and are more than half the way there.

Can you help?

Mission Fed Teams with San Diego Food Bank During San Diego Hunger Awareness Month | Cloudcast Media

Thanks this week go to Larry H for the Attraction Shadow Act and to musicians everywhere for bring joy and fun at scale!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
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Your Soul Food for Friday Sept 15, 2023: Live Well to 100

Happy Soul Food Friday

This week:

5 habits to borrow from people who’ve lived to 100:
Dan Buettner, who has been studying people who live the longest for 20 years, shares their secrets.

5 Tips for Living to 100 from a Top Longevity Researcher (today.com)

These 7 Foods Will Help You Live Longer, Healthier And Happier:
The new Netflix docuseries on Blue Zones has us reconsidering what we’re eating.

These 7 Foods Will Help You Live Longer, Healthier And Happier | HuffPost UK Life (huffingtonpost.co.uk)

My 95-year-old grandfather is a former cardiologist—his 8 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life:
Mika Cribbs spent the summer with her 95-year-old grandfather in Japan and was inspired by how he boosts longevity and happiness. Here’s his daily routine for living a long, healthy life.

My 95-year-old grandfather is a former cardiologist—his 8 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life (cnbc.com)

The Documentary that is Informing Much of this Work:

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube

Live Well & Pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 
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Your Soul Food for Friday Sept 8, 2023: Relaxation, Happiness, a Long Life and Persistent Pups

Happy Soul Food Friday

This week:

  • Start the Day Right with this 13-minute Guided Relaxation
  • A Knockout Technique for Achieving More Happiness
  • A 104-year-old who swims 45 minutes every day shares simple tips for a long life.
  • A Dog repeatedly escapes animal shelter, sneaks into nursing home, and is adopted by residents.
  • Feed A Child in Need This Weekend

The paradox of our times…

Start The Day Right:

Here is a short 13-minute guided relaxation to either start or end your day with a focus on your inner being and authentic self.

I am privileged to lead these sessions at work every week and thought I would share it more broadly in case it resonated…

Start the Day Right! 20230830 083214 Meeting Recording – YouTube

A Knockout Technique for Achieving More Happiness
The best lesson from Mike Tyson’s boxing career is not about ring craft; it’s about having the right goals in life.

How to Set the Right Life Goals – The Atlantic

104-year-old who swims 45 minutes every day shares simple tips for long life
Vivian Levy started swimming when was 6. She’s still doing it almost 100 years later.

Woman, 104, Who Swims Every Day Shares Simple Tips For Long Life (today.com)

Dog repeatedly escapes animal shelter, sneaks into nursing home, is adopted by residents.
An abused, stray mutt kept trying to move himself into a senior care facility. So, the nurses there had to figure out what to do about him.

Dog repeatedly escapes animal shelter to sneak into nursing home (usatoday.com)

Feed A Child in Need This Weekend:

Thanks to the generous support of members, community and staff we have already raised $15,000 to help our food insufficient brothers and sisters.

Might you join us?

Mission Fed Credit Union
Feed a Child in Need This Weekend   Did you know that when children participate in programs that provide them with food for a weekend, children experience increased self-esteem, improved behavior at school, better academic performance, and increased interest in their classes and other school activities?   September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Mission Fed is proudly supporting the fight against childhood hunger by partnering with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program.   For just $8, your donation provides a child with a weekend of nutritious food.   Donate Now

Thanks this week go to Eric K, the Mission Fed Wellness Committee, and everyone out there committed to helping those furthest from opportunity.

Pay it forward!
Love,
Neville


 
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