Issue #31: Evolving Ourselves & the World Together ➡️

via @djschwin

From Melia:

I’ve been working on a new project that’s in the Semi-Together personal development universe. Leading up to my 40th birthday next month, I’m doing a daily reflection practice called The Evolving 40. And I’d love for you to join me!

Starting this week, I’m posting a reflection every morning on how a different theme shows up for me, asking, “How have I evolved in this area? How am I evolving?”

If you’d like, you can do this daily along with me, or jump in when inspired. Post on your own social with hashtag #evolving40, or in the comments of my posts at @evolvingperfectionist on Instagram.

In case you're wondering if this kind of practice is too self-focused at a time when the world is in so much need of change, I have a couple of thoughts:

- 2020 has set the stage for an overhaul of our priorities and plans. This spring’s events have been a catalyst to think about what we stand for and how we want to be living. Now is a fitting time for reflection about how to be a force for good.

- I believe that, as educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune said, “The progress of the world will call for the best that all of us have to give.” Change work starts with each of us. Through intentional practices like meditation, journaling, and therapy, we ground ourselves and can better show up for each other with clarity and compassion.

You can read more about the project, and about healing perfectionism with humor and heart, at The Evolving Perfectionist. Here’s to evolving ourselves and the world together. 🙌

For the next month, we are taking a season break from new episodes. If you have any feedback on what you like and what we can do better, email us at podcast@semitogether.com or DM us on Instagram @semitogether. We love hearing from you.

In the meantime, check out previous episodes you may have missed.

👋 ICYMI

Minisode: Know When to Take a Break 🎙

Do you know when it’s time to take a break? We recorded this episode last summer and talked about why, how, and when to recharge.

Listen to the episode.

👉 Steal This Tip: Identify your needs, and take time to recharge.

We both have a tendency to want to do a lot all the time, and we can sometimes forget that taking a break is essential for our mental and physical well-being.

We highly recommend this Scientific American article, Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime: “Research on naps, meditation, nature walks and the habits of exceptional artists and athletes reveals how mental breaks increase productivity, replenish attention, solidify memories and encourage creativity.”

😄 Things We Text Each Other

This entire thread 👏

😍 Stuff We Love Right Now

On the Interwebs  🖥

From Melia: 

• Cormac in Quarantine
  One of my favorite niches of comedy writing is Cormac McCarthy satire. I know McCarthy's prose only from what Darren has read to me, because his Southern Gothic, Western, and post-apocalyptic genres aren’t really my cup of tea. The stark, melodramatic prose capturing the mundane in Yelping with Cormac, this Chili’s menu, and most recently, Cormac McCarthy’s The Quarantine (h/t to Gill) is a damn delight.
  

From Gill: 

• Of Neighbors and Crows
  I’ve been complaining to Melia about both our noisy neighbors and a very vocal pigeon who has taken up residence on the building opposite our home office window. Melia sent me this hilarious, absurd Clickhole list, 6 Ways to Make Your Neighbor Move Away Using Nothing But a Common Crow as a “solution,” and it cracks me up so much.
  
  

On Our Screens & In Our Ears  📺  🎧

From Melia: 

• Unlocking a Better World

  You may grow weary of my exhortations to listen to Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast, but it is SO GOOD AND I LOVE IT. The latest dig into antiracism and LGBTQ representation: Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist; Austin Channing Brown on the topic of her book, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness; and Laverne Cox on Transgender Representation, Advocacy + the Power of Love.

From Gill: 

• It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders  

  During the 2016 election, I listened to the NPR Politics podcast so much that host Sam Sanders felt like an IRL friend. In 2017, he launched It’s Been a Minute, which is a great hybrid of light and serious conversations with interesting people on topics like news, politics, pop culture, race, and religion. Every time I listen to an episode, I learn something and want to explore more on a topic – and I’m trying to tune in more regularly.  

On Our Plates   🍽 

From Melia: 

• Easy Homemade Bagels
  Making bagels sounded like too much work until I tried this recipe. Three ingredients plus a beaten egg and any toppings you like? Ready in 15-30 minutes, all in? <mind blown> I made these in our new Ninja Foodi Tendercrisp (like an Instant Pot + air fryer -- thank you, Kinja Deals), but you can do them in the oven. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside...I tried 4 flavors, with everything seasoning, grated cheddar, garlic powder + shredded parmesan, and cinnamon sugar. Top with cream cheese and/or avocado slices. Heaven!

From Gill: 

• Tzatziki
  This quick and refreshing Greek yogurt sauce is good on everything – grilled meats and veggies, burgers and sandwiches, or on its own as a dip. This recipe is simple and adaptable. I use lemon juice instead of vinegar if I have it, and dried mint and/or dill if I can't get any fresh.

If you like the Semi-Together podcast, why not share the pod with a friend who would enjoy it? You can also become a patron here.  

Until next time! 

Love,

Melia & Gill 😘😘

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