Category: 5 Share Friday

1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be…” – John Lennon

2. Christmas decorations made this week – No cook cinnamon ornaments. My 5 year old and wife made these for his Kindergarten friends, they’re amazing. If you’re looking for nice homemade presents, then these are personal and hand made, there isn’t much that can beat that.

3. Most inspiring read this week – Armand David shared 3 life lessons from a masterclass with Chris Hadfield. He used Masterclass.com a fantastic resource where famously skilled people teach all sorts of subject (think Gordon Ramsey cooking and James Patterson on writing). I’m starting the Malcolm Gladwell teaches writing in the New Year, there are many many courses, take a look if you haven’t seen it already, it’s a wonderful place for learning.

4.  Since the birth of our first son, each December the Kindness elves visit overnight, setup an activity and leave a little note. This happens in our house for all 24 days till Christmas. We find it’s a great way to cement acts of kindness into a day, as well as a good reminder of the power of kindness to others. You don’t have to just do it at Christmas, the Kindness elves are for anytime really. So if you have children, it’s worth considering integrating Kindness elves into your lives.

5. This week I’ve been listening to Whatever, a December chart release from 1994. It’s by Oasis, an often misunderstood band. They wrote many great ballads and acoustic songs, Whatever is one of them, an inspiring song filled with meaningful lyrics, violins and electric guitar. It reminded me of the first time I saw Oasis live, in a small pub in Cardiff, Wales. It wasn’t long after the release of Definitely Maybe, there debut album and Liam the lead singer was punched by someone jumping on stage. He wasn’t best pleased, yet the crowd was filled with approbation because he kept on singing and didn’t stop the gig. I was in a strange place at the age of 21, and it’s fair to say their music helped save my life, I’ll always be grateful.

For those celebrating Christmas next week, I wish you all the joy and love Christmas can bring!

1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement” – Helmut Schmidt

2. Bill Gates’ book list is a corker yet again. I love it when Bill shares favourite books of his and this Christmas he shares what looks like some great reads. Have a look at his short festive video here. I’ve not read any of them yet, I will have by this time next year.

3. My phone is turned off at night. I’ve been working in Vilnius, Lithuania this week. During one conversation, the subject of not having phones as alarm clocks came up. It’s a notion that’s getting more popular and when asked what I do instead, I said I have a clock. Sounds obvious, but it isn’t for many. I have a Pure radio alarm clock at home and this little silent alarm clock for my travels (as hotels rarely include clocks in their rooms nowadays).

4. I’m working on my unconscious bias. While working at Microsoft I took part in a lot of training in this area (it’s a company that’s really helping employees understand the concept and it’s impact). Since leaving I haven’t kept working at it and so lick started my thinking again by reading this article by Dr. Pragya Agarwal. It’s a great article and shows how AI is now being affected by the data and actually amplifying bias, scary stuff and good to understand.

5. Gratitude has become a big part of my life in recent years. If you’re wondering about it too, is it a fad? How come everyone is talking about? What an earth is a gratitude journal? The check out this short read with 5 interesting ways to add gratitude into your life (I’m going to start No. 2 in the New Year).

Have a great weekend everyone!

1. Quote I’m pondering this week – “You only lose what you cling to.”  – Buddha

2. New breakfast addition in our family – We’ve been wanting to mix up breakfast at home, and my wife Mandie found this terrific superfood breakfast cookie. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare and cook, amazing! We love them and I think you will too.

Credit to http://www.wifemamafoodie.com/superfood-breakfast-cookies/ you’ll find instructions there.

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats, if needed)
• ½ cup oat flour*
• ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or other dried fruit**
• ½ cup unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or other seed/nut**
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large mashed banana or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
• 3 tablespoons coconut nectar/syrup, honey, or other liquid sweetener
• 2 tablespoons almond milk or other milk of choice

3. Purchase I’m enjoying – Keen’s Oakridge waterproof hiking shoes. With winter here and my 4 yr old Keens letting in the water, I’ve been using a new pair for a couple of weeks now. These are great for walking the dog, hiking the trails or just being outside in the rain. They do men and women’s versions, and If you work somewhere with a casual dress code, you could even get away with wearing them at the office. Keen do some great casual shoes for this however. Waterproof shoes are a must in Denmark.

4. Article I read that’s helping me see Uber in a new light – INC.com ran this piece about Ubers new CEO and his response to London denying Uber an operating license. Uber is about to change and that change involves emotional intelligence. Dara the CEO, wrote an email to all employees, showing an avuncular side to his leadership, one that gives hope Uber can show the world it’s an ethical business moving forward.

5. With Brexit in the UK looming –  It’s interesting to read the differing opinions available. I read this Guardian piece and it made me wonder what’s to come? Many people in favour of Brexit forgot the prosperity Europe brought us, aligned with globalisation (the world moved on and so did we). Many people against Brexit forgot people want to feel empowered in their own country (not ruled by those in a foreign land). It’s unbelievable the UK got to this stage with a first past the post voting system. A change this big would benefit from needing a majority vote, something like 60%. Anyhoo..

If I were in the UK at this time, I’d be researching how to be prepared for problems, hoping they wouldn’t happen. Here’s some interesting data and advice on what you can do if you’re interested: Prepare for Brexit

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

1. Quote I’m pondering this week “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurmon

2. Thought provoking read – With Black Friday upon us, the frantic shopping has started. Yet, have you ever thought about the damaging consequences Black Friday has on consumers, retailers and the environment? This post might help you look at Black Friday differently.

3. Favourite podcast – The Good Life Project had Seth Godin , what listening joy it is. It’s been a while since I’ve been so inspired from listening to a simple conversation. This one covers topics from free will, education, and what you want from work, as well as chocolate and why some tastes bad and some good. If you weren’t already convinced on how inspiring Seth is, then this one will seal the deal.

4. With winter kicking in  – The kiddo’s are catching colds from kindergarten and play meets, so we’re in immunity boosting time again. Luckily I’ve found ways I can keep colds to a minimum for myself and one of them is Pukka’s Elderberry Syrup. We give it to our eldest son too. If it’s not available in your country you can make it yourself (just check the ingredients).

It’s a wonderfully put together syrup, that helps your body strengthen its immunity against the influx of cold type viruses.

5. Brexit – Wow, I’m not going to get political here, though I do want to highlight a thoughtful piece published in the New Yorker. It’s about how Brexit is progressing for the UK. I’m finding that reporting on Brexit is best from outside of the UK, as it has little to no bias. Sadly many websites and much of the media purport stories that continue to be debunked, but not before swaying public opinion. This New Yorker piece is a must read for anyone interested in facts over made up stories.

Have a great weekend everyone!