Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. Take a look at all the things captivating me lately.
Austin City Limits Festival
I crossed off two life list concerts at ACL this year! Willie Nelson was a must-see because of his impact on the music industry. Mumford and Sons is one of my favorite bands, and it was so fun to see them live. I’m already hoping to see them again! Despite the crowds, dust, and after-ACL sickness, it was a fun weekend!
Changing the World
I love this thoughtful and tear-jerking piece by Thomas Davis, linebacker on the Carolina Panthers. It’s an eye-opening account of how he got to where he is today and how he’s making sure kids in his hometown have more opportunities than he did.
Happiness and Regret
This insightful interview with a cognitive psychologist gives findings about happiness and regret. It’s interesting that when you ask a young person what they regret, it’s something dumb they did like getting too drunk, but when you ask an older person in a nursing home, it’s something they never did, like visit a foreign country. So, as you live your life, think “what will I regret not doing?”
I also liked this line about happiness:
“The problem is we adapt to that [stuff we buy] really quickly, and so the stuff we have doesn’t make us happy for very long, whereas the experiences we have make us happy for a long time. And I think sometimes much of our happiness comes from the expectation, the experience and then remembering it later.”
A Letter to the Doctors and Nurses Who Cared for My Wife
Death is never an easy thing to endure, especially when it comes suddenly. The care of doctors and nurses is an impacting part of the process. So, this man wrote a letter to those who cared for his wife for seven days before she passed and who was a thankful source of comfort and understanding.
Thanks, Canada!
Only a few more days until the election season/nightmare is over! Canada made the USA a website and video telling us how great we are to help us endure it. What a great idea!
Lessons Learned While Traveling
This article features insight from nine people who quit their jobs to travel long-term. While I was expecting to read travel tips, I was surprised to find life lessons instead. From appreciating simplicity to finding your true self, these lessons are great reminders of how we can improve our lives, even if we don’t travel long-term.
Sweating at SoulCycle
My friend Michelle at the blog StyleBeacon hosted a workout session at the new SoulCycle in The Domain. Yes, SoulCycle has landed in Austin! This spin studio is popular on the east and west coasts and I can see why. It was a sweaty and energetic workout!
Advice from Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an incredible woman who has paved the way for many women with her hard work and independence. At 83 years old, she is a wise voice on the Supreme Court and in the media. Check out this piece she wrote for the New York Times. I’ll paraphrase one her life lessons: “tune out the haters!”
Enchanted Forest Baby Shower
My friend Corey was thrown an Enchanted Forest Baby Shower this month! Her friends did a terrific job at decorating the house, planning activities, and creating a snack spread. We can’t wait to celebrate baby boy’s arrival!