I’m back from a much-needed ‘break.’ 😇 But as most holidays go, it wasn’t long before I was ready for the next one. 😰 Has any one of you mastered the so-called holiday break?

Shortly after my holiday in Canada (in over 4 years!), I got back to learn the news my grandmother had a few days left to live. Sadly, I didn’t get to see her in person before she passed. The blow was compiling on top of many things crowding my mind - anxiety about the recession, business, cost of living, climate change, etc, etc.

Thinking of what my grandmother went through in the Great Depression in a tiny village in Newfoundland (not yet a part of Canada) and still managed to have a great life, started to shift my mindset.

It can be a lot and no doubt there is every excuse to slow down or give up because it is a hard time we’re living through. But don’t give up! My intention is by the end of reading this, there may be a microscopic shift in mindset. That’s all you’ll need to start!

Did I accomplish that for you? Comment below once you’ve finished reading. 🙏🏻

What I’m reading

A bit of a deceptive title, as I find much more time to be read to than do that for myself (spoilt Millenial, or maybe some sort of Freudian complex)? It allows me to get more done and ‘read’ 2-3 books per month.

Pedantics aside, the book I’m going to be recommending to anyone that asks (or not) is Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. It’s hard to describe this man’s story but it is re-writing what is possible for the human body, mind and spirit. David always reminds us that through the crazy life he had - from a violent father growing up to becoming a Navy Seal and ultramarathon runner- it’s not about him, but about you. You are your own hero if you push past the limitations of your mindset to know what is possible. Can’t recommend this book enough!

 

What I’m watching

While set in the not-so-distant, but distant 2020s this TED Talk on shifting our mindset through stubborn optimism and sustained action came right when I needed Tom’s words of wisdom. Whether applied to climate change, war, a cause you care about that doesn’t seem to change, this is an idea worth listening to. What resonated with you?

Quote I’m reflecting on

Adapted to include my gender 😉 Feel free to add your own as it speaks to everyone:

“Hard times create strong (wo)men. Strong (wo)men create good times. Good times create weak (wo)men. And, weak (wo)men create hard times.”

― G. Michael Hopf, Those Who Remain

Turning Learning into Action

🏃🏼‍♀️ Challenging my body and mind at the same time is key to that time to push, observe, recover and repeat. I’ve signed up for my second half marathon this year and want to shave my time and make it into the top 25% of my age group.

I’m raising money for Cancer Research UK in honour of my mother who passed away from cancer far too young. If you have a couple of quid to spare to contribute towards their important work, it will help push past that desire to stop.

That’s it from me for now.

Bye bye 👋🏻👋🏻

Jillian❤️

For more books, courses and upcoming talks, find it all here: www.jilliankowalchuk.com