Self-awareness is understanding ourselves, and a critical component toward personal development and relationships. Water is essential for life, so be sure you and your family are drinking plenty, and that it’s clean. Have you been to a farmers market lately? They are wonderful events that provide amazing foods, and support your local community. Do you have a 401(k) option through your employer? Are you contributing enough? (or perhaps too much).
Mind
- Understanding and improving self-awareness can improve your personal development, relationships, and even mold more effective leaders.
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- Self-Awareness defined: Conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. (Oxford-English Dictionary)
- What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) – https://hbr.org/2018/01/what-self-awareness-really-is-and-how-to-cultivate-it
- Building Self-Awareness: 16 Activities and Tools for Meaningful Change – https://positivepsychology.com/building-self-awareness-activities/
Body
- Drinking water first thing in the morning – is it beneficial? Following are two resources with differing views. I personally drink about 32 oz. (or 1 liter) first thing in the morning (with fresh squeezed lime). I immediately feel hydrated and more alert. Water is obviously healthy and critical to our being, however the numerous health benefits being touted online about morning water intake may not be fully proven.
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- 7 Life Changing Benefits of water in the morning – https://www.pinnaclecareinternalmedicine.net/blog/why-you-should-drink-water-after-waking-up-7-life-changing-facts
- An article that examines the health benefit claims of drinking water in the morning – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-water-in-the-morning
Food
- Farmers Markets are great for finding fresh, healthy, and organic foods. It’s also an amazing way to support your local community, and farmers. Kids also tend to love them! “Localharves.org” is a great way to find farmers markets near you. Simply input your city or zip code and start exploring, and supporting! https://www.localharvest.org/
Recipe of the Week
- 5 Vegan Soup Recipes to Warm You from the Inside Out – https://foodrevolution.org/blog/vegan-soup-recipes/
Kids
- The amount of water children require per day depends on age, weight, activity levels, and other factors. Daily intake recommendations range from 7 to 14 cups of water per. https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-performance/hydrate-right/water-go-with-the-flow
- Try to prioritize water (filtered) as the main “beverage” your child consumes. The earlier you make this the norm in your child’s life, the easier it is to establish as a lasting habit. It can be a challenge to ween kids off of sugary beverages (soda, sports drinks, fruit juices, etc). This article provides a quick look at the good and bad, and how to encourage healthier drinks for children. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-best-worst-drinks-keep-kids-hydrated/
Podcast
- Truth About Water Supply & How Water Controls Your Health – https://themodelhealthshow.com/truth-water-supply/
Books
- The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force that Undermines Health & Happiness, by Douglas J. Lisle, Ph.D. “Learn unique insights into the factors that make us susceptible to dietary and lifestyle excesses; then discover how to restore the biological processes designed by nature to keep us running at maximum efficiency and vitality.”
Quote of the Week
- “Water is life, and clean water means health.” Audrey Hepburn
Gear
- Are you looking to better cleanse your city or well water? There are several companies offering water filer solutions (Aquasana, Pelican, etc), but the decision can be involved, and costly. The following resource can help you better understand the technology, available options (whole home, under counter, reverse osmosis, etc), as well compare offerings of the major players. We’re currently relying strictly on our fridge’s filtered water, however seriously considering a more complete and robust home system. We’ve been relying on the following resource for research.
- Before you spend money on a water filtration system, you may want to first test your tap water. This will help determine if you even need to filter your water, and if so what type of filter system is best. It can also confirm your filter or filtration system is doing its job. Tap Score is touted as thorough and user friendly – for city and well water. Prices start at $129. https://mytapscore.com/
- EWG offers a great resource with what they indicate as healthy water levels vs. the government’s recommended levels. Consider weighing your tap water scores against both the governments, Tap Scores, and EWG’s. “When it comes to drinking water, getting a passing grade from the government does not necessarily mean the water is safe.” – https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ewg-standards.php
Give
- Charity: Water – “…bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.” https://www.charitywater.org/
- Charity Navigator Score: 3 of 4 stars
Personal Finance
- You Should Max Out 401(k) Contributions, Right? Not So Fast – https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/3-things-to-consider-before-maxing-out-your-401k/
Wild Card
- 10 reasons dogs are amazing! 🙂 – https://blog.pawstruck.com/10-reasons-dogs-are-amazing/