Welcome to “In The Mix” where I share what has piqued my curiosity and interest, heard through the grapevine or landed in my lap each week. A relevant curation of books, articles, websites, events, podcasts and such that might interest you too! I am a voracious & curious reader, explorer of innovation and thought leadership.
This week I’ve been down with covid. I lasted “this” long without getting it. It also happened to be my youngest daughters first week of her senior year of high school. That triggered a load of guilt for not being able to take care of her needs and express my love all week the way I usually do by making dinners, packing her lunchbox, spending time unraveling the day listening to her stories or sitting together watching something we both enjoy which got me thinking about mothers and guilt. I’ll deep dive into that this week in the weekly column and likely more down the road.
I love listening to Rich Roll and this week’s episode with Susan Cain who talks about Bittersweetness, “being attuned to your world as it is and the world as you wish it would be” had some beautiful nuggets of truth in it. Susan Cain’s new book Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. I first heard of Susan Cain when I read the book Quiet, The The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Her Ted Talks on Introversion and Bittersweetness are fascinating and thought provoking.
I was very quiet this week (not by choice) and it reminded me how much quiet time I really need and love. It restores me and gives space for ideas to arise, for my intuition to have voice and for the answers I need to come forward. Solitude (not isolation) is nourishing.
Huberman Lab did a great episode on alcohol and your health.
There’s a whole bunch of new mom’s joining us this week so I’d like to say WELCOME! I’m so glad you’re here.
If you’re looking for some actionable solutions for change (and maybe some ways to practice boundaries) in your family system Small Changes, Big Results Workshop might be ideal for you.
“Relationships where addiction and high risk behaviors are present can feel like navigating a minefield. When communication breaks down, harsh words are exchanged, and you feel like you are on the verge of losing your mind, you think there has to be a better way (and there is). Small changes CAN produce big results for you and your loved one(s) struggling with these tough situations.” Small Changes, Big Results Workshop with Pam Lanhart and Laurie Healy starts September 27th.
Speaking of boundaries, there’s a new book on the horizon from Melissa Urban, Founder of Whole30, woman in recovery and wellness advocate. If you follow her on socials, she’s been sharing “boundary scripts” for a year or so now and they morphed into a book on the same topic. I like her take on things she’s a great model of healthy holistic recovery no matter what you’re recovering from. The first boundary I ever practiced around substance use in my house was to protect my sleep. It was a sanity saver.
I’m making this recipe this week, now that I’m on the mend. It’s restorative & nourishing and came from an amazing acupuncturist who treated me in early recovery.
Congee Recipe
1 part rice (any kind of rice. I use black rice but you can use brown or white too!)
6 parts liquid. Best is broth--chicken or beef or bone broth. If store bought use a high quality/organic/low sodium kind.
Put the two in a slow cooker and cook 4-6 hours on low until it forms a thick, slightly soupy porridge. Top with yummy things. My favorite is roasted sweet potatoes, carmelized or roasted onions and either shredded chicken, steamed veggies or roasted veggies.
Food is medicine for the brain and body. Just like sleep.
Take good care of you,
Shelly