The first time I sat down to read this book, as the first few pages unfolded, I gave myself a sigh of pleasure, and I was sucked into the story. I mean, I actually, consciously noticed the pleasure I was feeling. I love that feeling. I was reading it for a book group pick and … Continue reading Escape
Mental Models and Stories
The Past/Future Principle
The blogger, Mr. Money Moustache, first brought this principle to my attention a few years ago. He wrote how he was installing radiant heaters under his flooring in the house he was building for himself. He said, "My January self, that will be enjoying a cozy warm house, will thank my October self, that was … Continue reading The Past/Future Principle
Turning Obstacles Upside Down
It is crunch time. I was going to do a second post about The Collapse of Parenting, but we are leaving to go out of town and I haven't written my post this week. I am going to repost about this favorite book, The Obstacle is the Way. This book has helped me see that … Continue reading Turning Obstacles Upside Down
My Four Favorite Books of 2019
Since I was small my mother gave me the gift of loving to read. I love the fulfillment of a satisfying book. I love the tug of wanting to return to a good book that I am in the middle of. Here are my favorites of this year: George Washington, A Life, by Ron Chernow, … Continue reading My Four Favorite Books of 2019
Movies Dripping With Character
I LOVE movies that show character. I already posted here about one the women in my family try to see every year. Recently my college daughter needed to watch several movies for her Ethics Class. Right up my alley, baby! We chose "Babette's Feast" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", from the list. Both were … Continue reading Movies Dripping With Character
“Read to be Different”
This is Ryan Holiday's treehouse he had built for his son. I suscribe to Ryan Holiday's once a month book list. If you don't know who Ryan Holiday is, I wrote about two of my favorite books he wrote, The Ego is the Enemy and The Obstacle is the Way. He has a new book … Continue reading “Read to be Different”
The Point of Choice in Stories of Character
Two 14-year-olds, LeGrand and Verl, got ready for a dance and stopped in the school bathroom for one last look at their hair. Another friend, Danny, happened to be in the bathroom and he approached them excitedly: “Hey! My brother has some beer! He said I could bring some friends and come and party with … Continue reading The Point of Choice in Stories of Character
Mental Models: Part 2
Yesterday I wrote about what mental models are here. (I went with a cute picture of a dog, above. Adding to my "latticework of models"--not all dogs chasing runners are vicious--some are adorably curious!) The author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, finishes with: "The best mental models are the ideas with the most utility. They … Continue reading Mental Models: Part 2
Mental Models
I was running with my husband yesterday. It was early and dark. We passed a man firmly holding a dog, who was barking viciously. My husband said, "What would you do if that dog broke free?" I said, "I would stop and kick him!" Craig said, "No, you need to run." I said, "I can't … Continue reading Mental Models
Mental Models Can Inoculate Your Child Spiritually
When Elder Foster gave this talk in October Conference, 2015, I couldn't get over it. It is some of the most brilliant parenting advice on how to spiritually inoculate your children early, I have ever heard. In a sense, the father in this story, is teaching his son how the world works, giving him mental … Continue reading Mental Models Can Inoculate Your Child Spiritually
"Peace Like A River…" 