Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly recap of what’s going on in my world.
January Recap
One of my intentions this month was to feel energized and motivated, and I can check that off the list. Every weekend had plans but in a manageable way, and this month was a good balance of catching up and adventuring. This month included:
- Enjoying multiple meals with family and friends
- Publishing posts about my Dominica trip
- Visiting three new-to-me Austin restaurants
- Seeing manatees in Florida (photo above)
- Learning about food in an intense way (new post soon!)
Secret to Happiness
An 85-year study followed people from their teen years to old age to study a number of factors. They found that the happiest and healthiest people had something in common – good relationships. Other “secrets” to happiness: finding meaning and satisfaction in tasks, being optimistic, and accomplishing challenging tasks.
Down to Earth
Actor Zac Efron is the host of a show called Down to Earth on Netflix. In it, he and co-host Darin Olien explore sustainable ways to live. The first season takes the viewer to eight different countries while season two explores sustainability as it pertains to the ocean, fire, regenerative agriculture, and more. It’s a good primer if you want to learn more about being more sustainable. I also have these posts:
- 10 Low-Waste Household Products to Help Create Eco-Friendly Habits
- 4 Ways I Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle
Dogs
“Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us. And make our lives a little brighter. And they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow.” ― Dan Gemeinhart, The Honest Truth
Beauty of a Name
If we were to choose one thing to represent a story or a history, wouldn’t it be a name? There is so much weight to a name – the reason why it was chosen, the meaning behind it, the potential of it. This article one father wrote about his last name for his daughter is a good read.
Favorite Taylor Swift Songs
Because no one asked, here are my favorite songs from each Taylor Swift album.
- Maroon
- Willow
- the 1
- Daylight
- Delicate
- Wildest Dreams
- All Too Well
- Back to December
- Fearless
- Tim Mcgraw
Young Hero
Nine-year-old Bobbi Wilson was honored by Yale University recently because of her work to eradicate an invasive spotted lanternfly. This came after a neighbor called the police on her! Read the full story here.
5 Things I Love Lately:
- Trader Joe’s Cornbread Mix – surprisingly delicious
- Cracking a geode
- Winter trees
- Beautifully designed coffee shops like Daydreamer Café
- Singing songs I love
What have you been captivated by recently?
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