Weekly Links: Barefoot Stroll
Bare feet can be a symbol of simplicity. They remind me of lazy afternoons, running in grass, and not needing to be anywhere but where you are. The next time you feel stressed, try taking off your shoes and seeing if a barefoot stroll helps bring your blood pressure down. At the very least, you’ll have to stop taking yourself so seriously for a few minutes. And here’s what I came across as I strolled around the blogosphere this week:
Over at Wise Bread, Philip Brewer summarizes what he’s been trying to say. Between five core tactics, well-placed references to Thoreau, and some wonderful prose, this piece manages to convey the wisdom of pages and pages worth of articles in just one post. I loved it!
Damien Riley guest posts at Be Playful to remind us to be playful when times get tough. This was a simple piece, but a lot of the suggestions really resonated with me. When was the last time you played at a playground? The swings are just as awesome as you remember. (The merry-go-round… not so much.)
For a great list of ways to simplify your life, head to Get More Done. I found this list to be full of things that were doable and realistic.
In Denial Health clues us in on the real key to staying motivated. This piece was incredibly refreshing and can go way beyond health. The personal development sphere places a high priority on passion and doing what you love. It helps to remember that some things worth doing might not be fun, but they’re worth it anyway.
Lance at Jungle of Life has a similar message in And the Thunder Rolls. The storms of life require the best of us, and that’s a good thing. I’m enjoying Lance’s blog hugely, and this piece was no exception.
Marc and Angel clue us into How to Work Less and Still Impress. I tend to be a naturally hard worker, regardless of circumstances, but this piece offers some valuable ways to do your best work without burning out.
Shilpan at Success Soul reminds us that Warren Buffett knows a thing or two about simplicity. I just wish Warren Buffett was my uncle or something, and we got to sit around during holidays watching football and playing games.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Sounds like you’ve found some interesting stuff, Sara. I’ll have to go through them when I get a bit more spare time. Thanks.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Thanks, Sharon! Readers might also want to check out this gem if they’re looking for a laugh.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:43 am
The reminder to be playful when things get tough is an important one! Simply put, the going always gets tough at one point or other. I mean whoever said “life is easy” clearly wasn’t living it.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not being pessimistic about life here (if you ever spend a day with me in person you’ll find an a devote optimist with a “happy-go-lucky” attitude most of the time). What I’m saying and want to emphasize is this: life is inherently tough; I think that’s a given. It’s when you can find humor in the challenges and smile upon them, that you start to believe and feel that life is easy.
My parents and godfather would always say, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” When you think about it, it’s all small stuff. So be playful… Heck, live a little
July 16th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
What a thoughtful idea about simplicity. It really made me smile, unusual and creative starting paragraph!
I will keep this tip in mind anyway
July 16th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Sara, thanks for the mention in this post. I’m honored.
Barefoot - a real sign of summer. Now, if I could just get away with it here at work!!
OK, lots of great stuff to go check out now (thanks to you).
July 16th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I have read a few of these… looking forward to reading the rest. Thanks!
July 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
@Ricardo: I absolutely love your attitude! I think optimism is about acknowledging that life can suck and enjoying it anyway.
@AxeCity: Glad to see you around again! Glad I could make you smile.
@Lance: Barefoot at work would rule! We can dream, right?
@Vered: Thanks! I love hearing that other blogs I enjoy are being supported.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I love walking barefoot on soft grass. Living in Austin we got this rough Saint Augustin lawns and Fire Ants, so when I’m over someone’s house that has the soft stuff, I love to run around barefoot. When I go back to the home State of PA, my mom’s always yelling at me to put my shoes on.:)
Checked out some of the links and you’re right on the money. They all get a thumbs up.
July 16th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
July 18th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
This is a goldmine of good links. This is my third day to come back, there’s so much I want to read again.