November has arrived and that means it is time to think about holiday gifts. Books are a special gift and you can personalize it by writing an inscription on the first blank page of the book. I have kept books that are not necessarily ones I’ll read again but kept them because they have inscriptions that bring back memories.
I’ve combined several lists to give you more choices.
Where my head has been the last few days as we wind down to Election Day in America. There has to be a middle ground, life is not black and white it’s grey. It’s time to give people their voices back. No more, my way or the highway!
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Shangri-La.
I love to write about the simple things in every day life with humor and positivity. My late Irish born mother Mary, is my favorite subject. I have written several stories about her on my blog and hope to comprise them all into a book in her memory. I also work in a Psychiatric hospital and cherish all the wonderful patients that enrich my life with their beauty, intelligence wit and courage, each and every day.
Please check out her site, she writes from the heart.
On November 6, 1869, Rutgers beats Princeton, 6-4, in the first college football game. The game, played with a soccer ball before roughly 100 fans in New Brunswick, New Jersey, resembles rugby instead of today’s football. Even off the playing fields, the rivalry between the New …read more
Led by Bolshevik Party leader Vladimir Lenin, leftist revolutionaries launch a nearly bloodless coup d’État against Russia’s ineffectual Provisional Government. The Bolsheviks and their allies occupied government buildings and other strategic locations in the Russian capital of …read more
The Spanish conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca is shipwrecked on a low sandy island off the coast of Texas. Starving, dehydrated, and desperate, he is the first European to set foot on the soil of the future Lone Star state. Cabeza de Vaca’s unintentional journey to Texas …read more
In the aftermath of the November 1 coup that resulted in the murder of President Ngo Dinh Diem, Gen. Duong Van Minh, leading the Revolutionary Military Committee of the dissident generals who had conducted the coup, takes over leadership of South Vietnam. U.S. Ambassador Henry …read more
On November 6, 1906, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt embarks on a 17-day trip to Panama and Puerto Rico, becoming the first president to make an official diplomatic tour outside of the continental United States. Roosevelt entered office in 1901 with the firm intention of …read more
Here is a list of the many days observed during the month of November. You’ll find other awareness day sites whose lists are way too long. Here’s a condensed version.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
When you are thinking about buying a pet, you need to make sure that it all goes to plan, and that you ultimately end up with a pet that you are happy with. But there are other considerations, such as the welfare of the animal, and how you are going to pay for it, for instance. As it happens, there are quite a few things you should be aware of when you are buying a pet. Let’s take a look at some of the most important of these concerns that you should check when you are buying any pet.
Depending on the type of pet you are thinking of getting, you might need a lot of space or just room for a small cage. But it’s vital, in either case, to make sure that you are considering this at the outset, and that you definitely have the appropriate space for your pet to be in. If you don’t, you’ll have to put off your desire for a pet until such time as you are actually able to care for them properly by providing the right amount of space. Otherwise, it will just be cruel to have them in your home.
Is The Seller Trustworthy?
When you are buying something like a dog or a cat, you’ll also need to be able to trust the seller, because otherwise, you may end up with a pet that has not been bred properly or officially, and which might therefore have all sorts of health problems and other issues to consider. It is always best to go with a registered breeder such as Kerris Havanese, as that means that you can be sure you can trust them, and that will help you keep peace of mind over your pet’s wellbeing.
Can You Commit?
In general, are you able to commit to actually looking after a pet? You need to have space, as we saw above, but that’s only one element. You also need to have plenty of time, energy, and the ability to ensure that you are doing all you can to look after them properly and fully. If you don’t think you can do this if you are in any doubt at all, then you shouldn’t get the pet, but should instead wait until you are in a better position to look after them properly.
Do You Have The Right Lifestyle?
In a similar vein, do you actually have the right kind of lifestyle for the pet you are keen to have? You’ll need to think about whether you are actually able to look after them properly, or whether you are going to struggle to make them fit into your way of living, which would of course be problematic for any animal. So think carefully and deeply about this, and be careful not to rush into anything – it’s much more important to wait it out until you are absolutely certain, rather than just going for it.
I have been struggling with hip, back, and knee pain, and it drives me crazy how it moves around my body throughout the day. I have bursitis in both hips and arthritis in my lower back. I’ve been dealing with severe pain, and now it hurts to walk, I’ve coped by going to bed. It’s frustrating to leave everything behind. I may have to stay in bed for two days before the pain moves down the scale.
Fed up with lying in bed, I decided to take a hot Dead Sea Salt bath with essential oil. I haven’t had to think about how to get in the bathtub before. My first attempt had me on both knees, very painful and I was too weak to pull myself up. I finally got out and thought about how to get in, what the hell, I just jumped in.
The reason for writing this post is so people without a chronic illness will think about the difficulty people with chronic pain or illnesses have with simple things.
I would love to hear what you do to relieve chronic pain.
Cheryl Clarke contacted me and asked if I would post Dawn’s Symons experience with ME/CFS. Without question, I knew many of my readers are interested in this topic. Enjoy.
Dawn’s experience with ME / CFS and her recovery story
When did you first get diagnosed?
I wasn’t diagnosed with ME until 2012, but I’ve had ME since I was in my 20’s so I’ve had it for about 34 years.
And what was it like when you first got your diagnosis? How did that feel?
Relief. I already knew there was something going on, and I was just glad that I finally had a diagnosis because a lot of people call people who have Chronic Fatigue or ME hypochondriacs. They call them lazy. I never met anybody who has experienced ME who is either of those things.
They usually have class-A personality types; they are driven and don’t take time off when they are poorly. Instead, they keep going and going, which chips away at the body and reduces the immunity, and they get an infection from which they don’t recover.
Can you tell us your experience of ME?
I couldn’t walk more than about 30 steps for about 18 months. I was so insular and isolated I couldn’t physically have a conversation because I didn’t have enough energy. And my mental capacity was greatly reduced because I had such severe brain fog.
It was difficult to think about what I wanted to say, and if somebody asked me a question, it was difficult to reply because, by the time I started thinking about the response, I had forgotten the question. So on top of everything, I felt stupid.
I managed to work literally for a couple of hours a week. I lost everything, including my home. And then obviously you get depressed with it, going through that experience.
So I was very low. Not so much anxious, although towards the end of it, I was getting very anxious because I’d lost all of my savings, and I could see that I was going to end up homeless, which I did.
Then you’ve got a mental battle going on as well. Why can’t I recover, why can’t somebody help me, why aren’t the doctors helping, and why are there no pills for this?
And how would you explain it to someone who has no idea what ME /CFS is?
If I was to sum up ME / CFS in one hit, it would be like an old phone that you charge up, but it only holds the charge for two hours, and you’ve got to leave it on charge all the time, and that’s what having ME is like, you can’t recharge your battery. You don’t know what’s going to drain it. There is sometimes very little that you can physically do, and you’re just drained.
The more you try and do, the more frustrated you get, and then you get even more drained. The thing that drains energy the most is depression and anxiety. It puts a huge amount of stress on the body and mind.
This is why I think the bottom line is to get the mental state in a more accepting state and then start adding little bits and pieces of other activities which might help from the healing wheel in the First Aid For Stress program and trialing what works.
So do you recommend different levels of activity depending on the severity of your CFS?
It’s a case of trial and error. Trying and then seeing what the effects are. Recovery is not going to come about quickly. It’s taken me a long time to get to where I am now. And at this moment, I am still battling. I’m battling with menopause as well as Chronic Fatigue. Every single case is different because each person may also have multiple health issues to contend with, not just Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Did/ do you take medication for CFS / ME?
There is no pill for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are lots of medications suggested, but they come with a lot of side effects, and I am very sensitive to medication, so I didn’t want to take them. I’ve also come to realize that there can’t be one pill for everyone because it’s so multifaceted. There are so many things that are having an effect on the body and the mind that has resulted in the symptoms.
This is the reason calming the mind down is so important. Particularly if you are pressuring yourself. There are so many worries that come with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, such as “I’ve got to get better because I’m going to lose my job”, “I’ve got to get better because I have to look after my children”, “I’ve got to get better because I’m going to lose my home”. And that level of pressure is too much.
What did you realize in your recovery journey that is in the First Aid For Stress Program?
Unless you deal with the worry and fear and come to accept the fact that you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you will not be able to recover. It’s like having ten spoons in the morning, and each spoon is for doing something, and that doing something could be as much as rolling over, and that takes two spoons worth of energy. Then you need the toilet, and that takes three spoons. Suddenly you’re down to five. Cooking a meal for yourself, game over.
And you live in that awful state for a very long time. And the worst thing for your energy levels is your mind chattering, your mental state. It’s so important to learn to be kinder to yourself. To do some meditation, one of the core parts of my work is the meditations that I’ve recorded which are freely available to everyone. Listening to that recording repeatedly begins to rewire the brain.
BIO: Dawn Symons from First Aid For Stress and Maga Therapy. Dawn has lectured and written widely, specialising in tension & stress reduction irrespective of the cause, applying the latest scientific thinking to provide logical, effective & progressive results. She facilitates the First Aid For Stress Program for people suffering from ME / CFS / Anxiety / Depression and Chronic Illness.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Chronic Reflections.
Chronically ill and mostly housebound with CFS/ME. Mom to an adult daughter. Recovering perfectionist. Interested in history, current affairs, social justice, sustainable living, and the Arts. Hobbies include writing, reading, word puzzles, listening to music, watching good TV and classic movies, playing casual computer games, and sleeping.
I watch a lot of streaming television shows as well as movies. Hence, in general, I avoid advertisements. Yesterday, I happen to be watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer again. The television series; not the movie. The only way to watch it is on Hulu streaming service where I am exposed to commercials. Sigh. And, they […]
Hi! So glad you are enjoying the Today in History each Sunday.
1938
Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” radio play is broadcast
“The War of the Worlds”—Orson Welles’s realistic radio dramatization of a Martian invasion of Earth—is broadcast on the radio on October 30, 1938. Welles was only 23 years old when his Mercury Theater company decided to update H.G. Wells’s 19th-century science fiction novel TheWar of the Worlds for national radio. Despite his age, Welles had been in radio for several years, most notably as the voice of “The Shadow” in the hit mystery program of the same name. “War of the Worlds” was not planned as a radio hoax, and Welles had little idea of how legendary it would eventually become.
On October 30, 2003, 18-year-old basketball prodigy LeBron James scores 25 points, grabs six rebounds and dishes out nine assists, but his Cleveland Cavaliers lose to the more experienced Sacramento Kings, 106-92. His debut is one of the most impressive in league history—only …read more
On October 30, 1811, Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is published anonymously. A small circle of people, including the Prince Regent, learned Austen’s identity, but most of the British public knew only that the popular book had been written “by a …read more
On October 30, 1864, the town of Helena, Montana, is founded by four gold miners who struck it rich at the appropriately named “Last Chance Gulch.” The first major Anglo settlement of Montana had begun just two years before in the summer of 1862, when prospectors found a sizeable …read more
1991
“Perfect storm” hits North Atlantic
On October 30, 1991, the so-called “perfect storm” hits the North Atlantic producing remarkably large waves along the New England and Canadian coasts. Over the next several days, the storm spread its fury over the ocean off the coast of Canada. The fishing boat Andrea Gail and its six-member crew were lost in the storm. The disaster spawned the best-selling book The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger and a blockbuster Hollywood movie of the same name.
Stress and anxiety are common experiences that can have a significant impact on your daily life. While some stress is normal and even necessary, too much stress can lead to problems. Understanding the causes of stress and anxiety can help you find ways to manage these feelings and improve your overall well-being.
There are many possible causes of stress and anxiety. Some people may be more prone to these feelings due to their genes or brain chemistry. Others may experience stress and anxiety in response to specific life events or circumstances. And still, others may have a medical condition that contributes to these emotions.
Some Of The Most Common Causes Of Stress And Anxiety Include:
Major life changes, such as starting a new job or getting married
Financial problems
Relationship difficulties
parenting concerns
Health issues
Workplace stressors
Terrorism, natural disasters, and other global events
In many cases, stress and anxiety can be caused by a combination of factors. For example, someone who is dealing with a serious illness may also be experiencing financial stressors. Or someone who is going through a divorce may also be facing work-related challenges.
While some amount of stress and anxiety is normal and even beneficial, as it can help you to stay alert and motivated, too much can have negative consequences. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and sleep problems.
When it feels like the world is against you and everything is going wrong, it can be difficult to cope. Stress and anxiety can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and hopeless. But there are ways to manage stress and anxiety and regain control of your life.
Here Are Some Tips To Help You Keep Stress And Anxiety At Bay:
1. Understand what causes your stress and anxiety
Are you someone who internalizes stress and worries a lot? Do you have trouble letting go of things? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? Identifying the root cause of your stress and anxiety is the first step in learning how to manage it. Once you know what’s triggering your feelings of stress and anxiety, you can start to address them.
2. Challenge your negative thoughts
Negative thinking is one of the main contributors to stress and anxiety. If you’re constantly putting yourself down, ruminating on past failures, or worrying about the future, it’s no wonder you’re feeling stressed out! Start by challenging your negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking something negative, ask yourself if it’s really true. Chances are, it’s not.
3. Practice relaxation techniques
There are a number of different relaxation techniques you can try to help ease stress and anxiety. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization are all effective ways to relax your mind and body. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
4. Get moving
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can make a big difference. Taking a brisk walk, going for a swim, or taking a yoga class are all great options.
5. Connect with others
Isolation can make stress and anxiety worse. Make an effort to connect with friends, family, or a support group. Talking about your stress and anxiety can help you feel better and may give you some helpful perspectives.
6. Make time for yourself
It’s important to make time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or taking a yoga class, find an activity that brings you joy and stick with it. Making time for yourself will help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
7. Be patient
Learning how to manage stress and anxiety takes time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t expect overnight results. Remember that you’re not alone in this journey and that you can get through this. With a little effort, you can start to feel better and live a more peaceful life.
8. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms
It’s also important to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol or drug misuse. These can actually make your stress and anxiety worse in the long run. In addition, they can also lead to other health problems. On the other hand, it can be extremely positive to find good coping mechanisms for the things that are affecting your mental health. For example, talking to a professional about penis augmentation procedures or arranging CBT sessions.
9. Make lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can also help reduce stress and anxiety. This might involve simplifying your schedule, getting more sleep, eating a healthy diet, or buying Delta 8 Gummies to take the extra edge off. Again, the key is to find what works for you and stick with it. Implementing these changes can be difficult, but the results are worth it.
10. Seek professional help
If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. He or she can help you identify the causes of your emotions and develop an effective treatment plan. Treatment may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches.
With proper treatment, most people are able to manage their stress and anxiety and live relatively normal lives. However, if left untreated, these conditions can have serious consequences. For example, people with untreated anxiety disorders are at an increased risk of developing depression, substance abuse problems, and even suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including mental health professionals, support groups, and hotlines. With the right help, you can overcome these challenges and start living the life you want to live.
In Conclusion
There are a variety of things that can cause stress and anxiety. It’s important to identify your triggers and find healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re struggling to manage your stress and anxiety on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Finally, be sure to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. When you do, you’ll be better equipped to deal with whatever comes your way.
You look up and it’s October, pushing November, where did the time go? I’m doing an annual check of how I’m doing at Looking for the Light. I’ll keep it short, please take a minute to give your feedback.
This morning while taking my coffee pods out of their carousel it hit me how grateful I am. Sometimes we get caught up in the stressors that come our way and life in front of us disappears. The world’s problems slip away from our minds and we need a reset.
Maybe you want to keep an I’m Grateful For Journal, I know many friends that do and they say it’s a great way to start the day. Many formats of journals are out there.
Today I’m Grateful For
LED lightbulbs
Coffee
Free Speach
A roof over my head
Houseplants
My dogs
What are you grateful for? Leave your comments below. Here’s to life!
What is vaping? This is a question that many people are asking, especially since it seems to be becoming more and more popular. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapors from an electronic cigarette or vape pen. People started vaping as a way to quit smoking, and it has turned into a huge trend over the past few years. There are many different reasons why vaping is so popular, but we will discuss some of the most common reasons in this post.
Smoking cigarettes is extremely harmful to your health, and it is one of the leading causes of death in the world. If you are looking for a way to quit smoking, vaping can be a great option. There are many different types of electronic cigarettes and vape pens on the market, so you can find one that suits your needs. Vaping is much less harmful than smoking cigarettes, and it can help you kick your nicotine addiction.
Vaping is Cheaper Than Smoking Cigarettes
Cigarettes are expensive, and they are only getting more expensive as time goes on. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping is definitely the way to go. You can save a lot of money by switching to vaping, and you will be able to enjoy your habit without breaking the bank.
Vaping is More Convenient Than Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes can be a hassle, especially if you are trying to quit. Vaping is much more convenient than smoking, and you can do it almost anywhere. There are no rules against vaping in most public places, so you can vape wherever you want. You also don’t have to worry about carrying around lighters or ashtrays.
Vaping is Safer Than Smoking Cigarettes
As we mentioned before, smoking cigarettes is extremely harmful to your health. If you are looking for a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is the way to go. Vaping is much less harmful than smoking, and there is no risk of secondhand smoke.
Vaping is More Social Than Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes can be a very isolating experience, especially if you are trying to quit. Vaping is much more social than smoking, and you can share your vape pen with your friends. Vaping is also a great way to meet new people, and you can find like-minded people in vape shops and online forums.
Vaping Can Help You Relax
If you are looking for a way to relax, vaping can be a great option. There are many different types of e-liquid on the market, and you can find one that suits your needs. You can also customize your vaping experience with different types of e-liquid and cartridges. For example, Delta 8 THC Vape Carts are a great way to relax and enjoy the benefits of THC without smoking cannabis. If you are feeling stressed out, vaping can help you relax and unwind.
These are just some of the reasons why vaping is so popular. If you are looking for an alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping is definitely the way to go. There are many different types of electronic cigarettes and vape pens on the market, so you can find one that suits your needs. Vaping is much less harmful than smoking cigarettes, and it can help you kick your nicotine addiction.
National Bullying Awareness Month is something I can relate to. In my day bullying was just that bullying, calling people names, playing pranks, hazing, and fist fighting. The norm, but today it’s a whole new ballgame because of the Internet, and social media.
When you are abused as a child and live in a domestic violence home you don’t trust anyone, I didn’t want anyone to know, not even my grandparents. My mother was good at keeping the bruises hidden so no one would know. For this reason, I didn’t make many friends and was not very social.
When I was in 6th grade I was bullied to the extreme. The girls, about 4-6 people would follow me walking home. They normally stay a short distance behind me calling me names of all sorts. If the bullying wasn’t damaging to a 6th grader’s ego, one day two of the girls came up close behind me and hit me over the head with a coke bottle then started kicking me. It left a huge bump and it hurt but I didn’t cry until I got home.
The worst was the girl I lived next to when younger said to meet in her backyard for a fight. When I arrived there were at least 25 people there to watch me get my ass kicked. They all joined in calling me names and then out of nowhere she hit me upside the head, that was only the first blow. I knew if I got into a physical fight I would pay for it at home so I barely defended myself. After what seemed like forever it was over.
I knew better than to say something but I needed something for my head, it was bleeding. I told my mother and stepfather. Boy what a mistake, my alcoholic stepfather was tanked and went to kick the father’s ass. Oh boy, would I get more beatings for that at school? Luckily, he was too drunk to drive and that was the end of that. No compassion, no advice, nothing.
That was bullying then, today the landscape has changed and bullying hits you from any direction from faceless people. They are cowards, hiding behind the wall of the internet they troll you. From the news stories, I hear it can be relenting. I’ve known friends from WordPress who were hassled so bad they shut their site down and started over. I understand because someone started stalking me for seven months, even hacking my computer, it was frightening not only because of the fallout but were they nearby and watching me? That seven months took a toll on my health and I couldn’t go anywhere by myself for fear of being followed.
That is one way people bully you today. Don’t even get me started on social media. I have a very strong feeling about the role parents play in a child/teen’s life. I’m not going to get on my bandwagon but will say if parents aren’t monitoring their children’s Internet and phone activity, they are making a big mistake and doing their children no favors.
Here are some facts
Prevent Bullying Every Day
As reported on the 2019 Indicators of School Crime and Safety report, about 20% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied in 2017. Among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied during the school year, 15% were bullied online or by text. National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month is a month-long observance to educate and raise awareness about bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Addressing and preventing bullying is something that everyone can do, every day.
Address Bullying At School
Educators and teachers can create a safe, supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusiveness and respect. They can reward students for positive social behavior. Schools can communicate bullying policies at their school to parents, students, teachers and staff and follow through on them. Monitoring bullying ‘hot spots’ around the school campus can also help prevent bullying.
Talk About Bullying At Home
Parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the many roles children can play in bullying. By asking open-ended questions, they can talk about their children’s experience and communicate expectations about appropriate behavior – in person and in their digital world. Parents are the primary role models for their children, and when they model the behavior they expect from their children, they teach through actions.
Get Help
Youth who experience bullying can reach out to a trusted adult to talk about it and get support. If they’re being cyberbullied, they can capture screenshots. They can block the people who are bullying. If they witness bullying, they can change the conversation and deflect it. If they feel they can do it, they can stand up for the person being bullied, either on their own or with friends as a group. If they don’t feel safe doing that, they can reach out to the person being bullied to let them know that they don’t agree with it. If youth witness cyberbullying, they shouldn’t participate or share the posts or texts. They can learn more about how bystanders are essential to bullying prevention. They can also talk to a trusted adult for advice.
Check out these videos on how to handle different bullying situations.
The holidays are here — a time for family, friends and festivities. But it’s also a season of consumerism, which is costing our planet a hefty price.
This year, the world has seen the biggest increase in ship emissions in over a decade (along with endangered whales getting struck by congested cargo ships.) In the US alone, returned packages will generate around 15 million tons of carbon pollution (equivalent to 3.2 million cars driven on the road for one year). And then there are the environmental harms caused by the gifts themselves, which could include polluting fast fashion items, plastic toys made from fossil fuels, or sweet treats that are driving deforestation.
But it is possible to show your loved ones you care while also caring for our collective home. We asked TED speakers to share planet-friendly gift recommendations, and here are 16 ideas for a merry — and more sustainable — holiday season.
[Editor’s note: One of the greatest gifts you can give is the gift of lifelong learning. For your favorite curious soul, consider sending them a TED Membership, where they can enjoy exclusive programs and events throughout the year as well as access to a global community of like-minded people. Learn more here.]
1. Digital subscriptions for the mind, body and soul
I love the ritual of presents, and I’ve found that digital subscriptions are great gifts. Here are three:
1) An annual gift subscription to Duolingo (Plus or Family), because learning another language is a beautiful gift to ourselves and to the world. It creates stronger bonds and connects with other cultures.
2) An annual subscription to Body Groove. During the pandemic, I learned that dancing at home does wonders, physically and mentally. We need to keep strong!
3) An annual subscription to a magazine that will introduce you to great writing and emerging voices. Because in an age marked by existential struggles — climate, COVID, inequality — we need fiction and non-fiction. We need the power of stories to help us expand our imaginations and transcend our everyday lives. — Monica Araya (TED Talk: How cities are detoxing transportation)
2. Sustainable alternatives to frequently purchased products
Some of the most impactful gifts are those that can replace “sleepwalk consumption” products — the things we buy repeatedly without much thought. Luckily, many of these products can be replaced with sustainable alternatives, and many companies have made delightful, whimsical and giftable versions of them. By giving a beautiful sleepwalking product as a gift, you could change one person’s — or one family’s — impact over the rest of their lives. Here are a few ideas: 100 percent Slave-Free Chocolate, “Give” Holiday Edition Toilet Paper, Oatly Chocolate Milk, Brew Dog Beer Advent Calendar, Bite Toothpaste or Dirty Labs Laundry. — Mariana Prieto (TED Talk: Why animals need design)
3. Tree saplings
If you live in the UK, why not give your loved one a pack of 105 tree saplings to plant, thereby helping save the planet by removing more carbon dioxide from the air and providing valuable new habitats? They can be obtained from The Woodland Trust — and the best thing is that they’re free. I helped plant 210 saplings last week! And if you don’t live in the UK, there may be a similar scheme where you are, but even if there isn’t, give someone some trees anyway. — Ian Firth (TED Talk: Bridges should be beautiful)
4. Outdoor gear
Being that change is certain but not predictable, I’ll suggest a gift from BioLite, which offers great products for outdoor adventures and off-the-grid and emergency energy. I love Biolite’s awesome commitment to serving both campers and people who still lack access to reliable power, and the company has also won the prestigious 2021 National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. I’m getting my pal who has frequent outages an Alpen Glow 500, so she can charge her devices with it too. — Wendy Brawer (TED Talk: How green is my city?)
5. A parks pass
My planet-friendly gift recommendation for any Americans on your list is an annual pass to the US National Parks. It’s a great gift, because what could be more fun than spending time outdoors with your loved ones learning about the beautiful planet we live on? The money also goes towards the National Parks Service, which has conservation as an essential part of its mission (and has since its founding in 1916). — Zoe Pierrat (TED-Ed Lesson: Earth’s mysterious red glow, explained)
6. Refurbished antiques
My favorite climate-friendly gifts are refurbished antiques. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose a once-functional item from the past into a beautiful gift. I am also an environmental science teacher, so every year I create a bulletin board that suggests other green holiday ideas to my students because there are so many ways to offset your carbon footprint. — Kim Preshoff (TED-Ed Lesson: What’s a smartphone made of?)
7. A mushroom garden
My sustainable holiday gift recommendation is a mushroom grow cube that allows you to easily grow a delicious, sustainable food source from your kitchen, basement, bathroom — wherever is convenient for you. It’s fun to watch them grow (quicker than you would expect!) with very little effort, and they come in several mushroom varieties. You can get them from a variety of sources online, but to make the gift more sustainable, you can look into a local mushroom grower online or get them in person at your local farmers’ markets. (For example, here is a local mushroom grower near me in Maryland.) — Noah Bressman (TED-Ed Lesson: The fish that walk on land)
8. A giant of a plant
Most of us have enough stuff, so this holiday season, why not give a gift that will create a legacy? While the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive won’t sell you their certified champion Giant Sequoia seedlings, they will plant one for you — or even an entire forest. What better gift can you give than one that will be around for thousands of years? — Camille Seaman (TED Talk: Connection and purpose: tales of polar photographer)
9. A vegan dessert
The Brave Robot cake mix uses a non-animal whey protein that replaces the equivalent of three eggs! It produces an animal-free yellow cake that doesn’t use aquafaba, flax seeds or other traditional egg replacements that can mess with flavor or texture. The protein is made by reprogramming microflora to produce the same whey found in cow milk — it’s cellular agriculture in action! — Isha Datar (TED Talk: How we could eat real meat without harming animals)
10. A map of your town or city
Who doesn’t love a good map? Humans have been using them ever since our ancestors started drawing on cave walls. My planet-friendly gift recommendation is a map of your city or town. If you want, circle your favorite places that are accessible on foot, bicycle, bus and metro, such as parks, vistas, buildings and shops. You could give it in either digital or paper form — and bonus points if you can find an old map at an auction site or local map store and get it framed. Maps can help people rediscover the amazing diversity of their natural and built environment, support local business and help keep everyone’s footprint local. — Robert Muggah (TED Talk: The biggest risks facing cities — and some solutions)
11. Support a local theater or bookstore
While we fight climate change, we can still do the things that are most important, like hugging grandmothers, meeting friends and celebrating holidays. A ticket to a local theater might be one of the most climate-friendly gifts, and it strengthens the community.
Here in Iceland, a book has been the most popular Christmas gift for the last century. We have what is called jólabókaflóð, or the Christmas book flood. Most books are published in November and December to become Christmas gifts, and for most people, there is no holiday without going to bed with a new book.
So I would recommend giving a book, perhaps by a local author from a local bookstore. The book can last decades, and it never becomes obsolete. You can pass it on; it is not run by evil algorithms; does not monitor your behavior; give you likes; or collect your data in energy-intensive data farms. A good book lets you dive into other people’s minds — and at best, it can change your life. — Andri Snær Magnason (TED Talk: On time and water)
12. Wildflower seeds
Native wildflower seeds make a wonderful gift. As they bloom, they become the foundation of local ecosystems for pollinators and birds, while improving soil health and preventing erosion. They won’t break your bank, and your recipient will smile every time they see them. — Jeff Kirschner (TED Talk: This app makes it fun to pick up litter)
13. Zero-carbon fashion
We know the fashion industry has disproportionately negative impacts on the environment — it is responsible for 20 percent of our water pollution, 10 percent of carbon emissions, and every time we wash synthetic fibers, we are contributing to microplastic pollution. That’s why I created a company that produces clothing made by hand with only three ingredients — sun, plants and mountain water — and without using any electricity, chemicals, plastics or fossil fuels. Another clothing and textile company that’s aiming to do things more sustainably is Rough Linen. They create beautiful linen products from natural fibers, including sumptuous bathrobes, PJs, aprons, tea towels and so much more, and all products are handmade in the US. With each gift, you can remind your cherished giftee that our consumer choices can impact industries. — Angel Chang (TED Talk: How ancient textiles can help the future)
14. A local experience
Personally, I try to move away from purchased items for my giftees, as consumerism results in significant carbon emissions and awe-worthy amounts of waste. Instead, I try to spend money on shared local experiences that bring joy and create shared memories. These can be regionally specific and vary considerably in price; however, the plentiful availability of virtual workshops does make this a highly accessible gift idea. In the past, my giftees and I have learned the art of falconry as well as how to scuba dive, race sled dogs, zip line, blow glass, metalsmith, cook pasta, taste whiskey, bead jewelry and sew. Last but not least, we’ve visited baby goats and learned to make cheese and garden! — Anne Madden (TED Talk: Meet the microscopic life in your home — and on your face)
15. A day out in nature
Give the gift of learning to reconnect with nature, which is at the heart of solving our environmental crisis. Create a homemade “nature experience gift card” to suit your loved ones’ interests — creating a personalized day out in nature that’s organized by you. Depending on where you live and what you enjoy doing with them, it could be a mountain hike, a walk on a quiet beach, a visit to a botanic garden, or a picnic in a local park. While you are there, invite them to sit quietly; observe the sounds, smells and feel of the surroundings and the visual beauty; and simply notice what happens. — Carol Farbotko (TED-Ed Lesson: Where will you be able to live in 20 years?)
16. A workshop or course
How about giving a gift that gives back? I’m thinking of a gift that can build someone’s skills to pursue a life of purpose and dignity. These resources already exist in us today, but we don’t utilize them enough. Why not gift someone a workshop or course that enhances their skills so they can be confident, empowered and encouraged? I like to gift a basic survival skills course that will teach them to deal better when in crisis. Your giftee will thank you for it! — Rumaitha Al Busaidi (TED Talk: Women and girls, you are part of the climate solution)
Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness? Writer and designer Graham Hill lays out three rules for editing your life:
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. Each week I highlight a new blogger, this week is Peace From Panic.
Embracing, Advocating & Discovering Happiness in Mental Health
Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Jeni Driscoll. I’m a mom with a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters, both in their 20s.
I’ve had panic attacks since I was ten years old. At that time, I had no idea what was wrong with me. I never told anyone because I didn’t know how to describe my scary and weird sensations. I thought there was something really wrong with me that could never be fixed.
Stigma prevented me from talking about my problem. I finally reached out for medical help when I was in my early 30s. My diagnosis: panic disorder with agoraphobia.
I’m now recovered. Anxiety no longer rules me.
I learned so much from her blog. Be sure to check Jeni’s blog.
Looking for the Light 