Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me.

Greenhouse Goals
Have you seen this beautiful greenhouse built out of old windows? This would be a dream! I’m sure I’d be more inspired to start a garden if I had a mini version of this.
Influencers Need a New Marketing Campaign
This blogger makes his views on influencers very clear. What do you think? I think there’s something to be said about influencers who have built up a brand and loyal following that attracts money-making opportunities. Sometimes their value is buzzworthy restaurant information and other times it is entertainment from a beautiful photo.
But What If People Judge You?
Writer Elizabeth Gilbert wrote a social post about her response to the question “but what if people judge you?” She responded that people will judge and you can’t stop them from doing that. Also, in her specific situation, not doing what she knew in her whole being to be the right decision would be worst than the judgment of others. “Nobody’s judgments could ever hurt me more than the consequences of me not telling the truth, or following my heart.” There’s something so freeing in that sentence.
Guilty Pleasures
“A guilty pleasure is something that we enjoy, but we know we’re either not supposed to like, or that liking it says something negative about us,” says this very interesting article. First, why do we need to put shame on things that people find pleasure in? Second, a little bit of indulging in our pleasures might be good for our brains! It means you’re proactive about self-care.
Austin Marathon
Did you know I’m an Austin Marathon ambassador? That means you can use my discount code “ANITA2020” when you register for the 5K, half-marathon, or marathon race. Want to run with me? I hope to see you on race day! (Here are five reasons why you should run a half!)
Ode to the Mall
Collin Creek Mall is one of the places I frequented as a junior high and high school student. With the popularity of online shopping and outdoor malls, these places have become a shell of itself and this month, this mall will be torn down. I can still picture the shops, the shopping route we’d take, and the food court. This article gives a final look at that mall and the nostalgia.
New Scientific Healing
How do we heal from trauma? Have you heard of IFS, AIT, EDMR, or EFT? These are all acronyms for types of physical therapy. For example, EDMR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy and involves guided eye movement to rewire your amygdala and hippocampus. See this quick article.
The Farewell
This movie came out this month, and after viewing the trailer, I think I would love it! You’ll probably need tissues. Have you heard of it or seen it?
Eating Well
When it comes to diets, I have some opinions. Remember when I did Whole30 a few years ago? It was a good reset in a time when I couldn’t stop reaching for sugary options, but it was also unhealthy for me to associate certain foods as “bad” and off-limits. Thankfully, I don’t have health issues that require a specific diet, and my goal these days is everything in moderation, more greens, and less processed food. So, I like to take lists like this one about recommended brain foods with an open mind and do my best. What about you? Any tips for eating well?
Updates
This month flew by! It was just yesterday we were watching fireworks in the park for the Fourth of July. And I think it will only fly faster as we countdown towards our wedding and honeymoon. Months ago I was very ready for it to arrive but now I’d like an extra month. Time is funny, isn’t it?
When people ask me what’s going on in my life lately, I first think about my stress points. I’ve been trying to keep up with my blog editorial calendar but there’s so much I want to write about and limited time. I’ve been running more to train for my upcoming race. And of course, all the details of wedding planning. Right now, we’re picking songs and deciding on a ceremony script.
But I’m grateful for the GOOD moments too. Like playing with my friends’ kids, floating the river, catching up with friends I don’t see often, and eating a Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of summer! (That’s what happens when you still have a frozen turkey from last Thanksgiving.)
I hope you take the time to count the amazing things that happen in your life. Those little moments make up your life.
What’s got you captivated lately?
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