Learn Something New Archives

SPENDING A YEAR USING MUSIC AND EXERCISE TO MANAGE EMOTIONS

During this emotional year, getting the emotions to come to the surface and overflow happened naturally. But, nothing prepared me for feeling emotions with my whole body. Sad, or anxious emotions did not only make me cry (everything makes me cry, from Sarah McLachlan to marriage proposals) but gutted me and drained me. When I…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | Double Dog Dares | Learn Something New | OFF THE BEATEN PATH | Uncategorized

I DARED MYSELF TO TRY VEGANUARY

Last year, a group of my co-workers decided to do #Veganuary so with the support of the group and a vegan leader guiding us – and since I cannot resist a dare – I joined them. After a mild panic attack a few days before I planned to start (because of the most savage cold…

WHY I DID A 3-DAY WATER FAST

The last two years, I’ve found a way to turn my focus inward to mark the transition of a new year. In 2022 I did a 5-day silent retreat at the end of December and in 2023 I did a 3-day water fast. Give me your suggestions in the comments for what I should consider…

MY 2023 WORD OF THE YEAR

The new year approaches rapidly, so with a few days left in 2023, I want to let you in on my 2023 Word of the Year: EMOTIONAL. Why did I wait until now to tell you this? Because without a specific plan, my faith that I’d emerge fully transformed seemed flimsy. Plus, if I pulled…

Learn Something New | Mindful Midlife | Music To My Ears

WHAT’S THE END GOAL HERE?

Hello, my name is Sarah and I’m a podcast-holic. My line up of favorite shows contains equal parts writing or online entrepreneurial advice, inspirational motivators and true crime podcasts – that my kids introduced me to. Today, while listening to the Good Life Project, host Jonathan Fields and special guest, author Geneen Roth (from the…

MY 2018 WORD OF THE YEAR

Every year and every day offers a new opportunity to start over, to learn, to grow, and to be kind – to ourselves and to others. After reading the title of Shonda Rhimes’ book, 2017 became my Year of Yes! [I hope to actually read the full book in 2018 because if the title alone launched…

MY DISTRUST IN POLITICS HELPED ME TRUST MYSELF

Supposedly the most authentic writing happens right when you wake up in the morning before your filter wakes up and does its job – even when answering a survey from O, The Oprah Magazine. The survey asked “How I was feeling about America?” the answers poured out. All the built up emotions stemming from my…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | It Started With A Blog | Learn Something New | Writing Away | WTF...

HATER REHAB: My hour with Kim Kardashian

I recently gained a new perspective for Kim Kardashian, one of the Key Note Speakers at BlogHer16. Her two mantras were universal and useful. “Be the best you – do what is within your comfort zone and what makes you feel confident!” “More Love, No Hate.” We all have a right to define our personal…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | CHASING DOWN MY FAMILY | Kids | Learn Something New | WTF...

BUZZFEED STANDARD TEST FOR PARENTS

Earlier, before my kids asked me “What do BuzzFeed employees do all day?” I’d already answered BuzzFeed’s call for participants to retake the SATs as an adult. As was never the case in school, I immediately raised my hand, squirmed in my seat and made a case to Pick Me! Pick Me! 1) I enjoyed…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | Learn Something New

COMMUNITY GATHERING: Going to Hell in a Handbasket

For some reason, a church group, who shall not be named, ruined their California vacation saving our high school from Hell. While claiming to be Christians, they are known for not living by the Golden Rule “Do unto others…” nor the Mommy Rule “If you can’t say anything nice…” I support Freedom of Speech but don’t agree…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | Learn Something New | WRITE-ALONG

So you got into the MCM program…now what?

It took me 4 years of college and another year into Grad School to figure out these tips for maximizing my mindful learning. While this was geared towards USC Annenberg’s MCM Program, these tips are easily applied to any schooling experience you’re going through in a formal program or even in a 1-day class. So…

CHASING DOWN MY CENTER | Learn Something New | WRITE-ALONG | Writing Prompts

WRITING CHALLENGE: Ellen Mulholland’s Extra Fun with Words

Through a fortunate chain of events, I stumbled upon a delightful author, Ellen Mulholland, with an amazing website sure to inspire budding writers. I can’t say that I’ve read her books yet, but will report back when Amazon delivers the books to me this week! *(YAY!)* Still, part of becoming a writer involves writing and…