2319: Embracing you

Happy Jiffy Friday!

This week somehow a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich taught me an important lesson in knowing what works best for “you”.

On Sunday, July 2nd, I read Ali Abdaal's "Sunday Snippets" newsletter where he shared his reflections on a retreat he attended with his close friends who focus on productivity. In the newsletter, Ali introduced an activity they participated in, which can be described as a form of group therapy. The activity involved one person speaking about anything happening in their life for five minutes, followed by their friends asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of the situation. Ali emphasized that this approach was more effective than simply offering advice. The concept of giving advice is intriguing because sometimes it may not be the most effective way to comprehend someone's situation. Instead, asking more questions and enabling the person seeking advice to construct their own solution can be a better approach.

I decided to bring up this topic with my classmates, though I waited until the end to share my perspective. I mentioned how particular I am about peanut butter. Being a self-proclaimed Peanut Butter and Jelly connoisseur with over 18 years of experience, I can discern the differences between various types of peanut butter. From its smoothness to its nutritional value, it can be both a blessing and a curse. I've reached a point where if the peanut butter isn't the "Creamy" JiF, I struggle to finish the sandwich. Despite trying numerous different types, including both popular and generic brands, I always end up with the same result. It made me realize that what works for me might not work for others, and that's perfectly fine. While there are other brands of peanut butter available, they simply do not work for me, and that's okay.

In today's fast-paced world, it's often easy to overlook what truly works for us. Up until the start of this week, I hadn't really paid attention to what works best for me. This concept encompasses various aspects of our lives, from the time we wake up in the morning to the order in which we put on our socks. It's essential to prioritize what works for you and not second-guess yourself, even if it deviates from the norm. In reality, it is our unique variations that make us human. Embracing what truly works for you, even if it's unconventional, is a powerful way to honor your individuality.

Until next week,

ZDD

Song of the week:

-What's Going On: Marvin Gaye

Quote of the week:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
― Barack Obama