(realized that I posted this in another community in October but never in mine, so here we go :) ). Confession: I have a hard time seeing myself in the future (getting older) while at the same time, even though I think about mortality on the daily, I have a hard time actually picturing myself dying. I look at people that are older and wonder "I wonder if I'll make it to that age"--the sense of time is just something that seems elusive...real, but not. BUT, here I am, living and getting older (I'm grateful!)...and this got me thinking about living in a way that truly embodies wellbeing... which got me thinking further about Blue Zones and how the individuals in these areas seem to REALLY be living--they're not just physically healthy, but they seem to really be living in a wholesome way. So..I wanted to know more and learn how I can embrace the aging process in a more wholesome way. And I want to hear from you...how are you approaching this whole living thing? Here are some things that I learned about these Blue Zones: 💫Blue Zones are regions where people consistently live to be 100+ while maintaining good health, strong minds, and deep connections. What Blue Zones have in common: 🥗 Eat mostly plants (like 90%): Meals are rich in beans, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. Meat is more of a side dish than the star of the show. They get their protein, but they get it through mostly plants! 🚶 Move naturally : Daily life includes walking, gardening, and doing things by hand. Functional movements. 💞 Stay connected: Strong social bonds, family ties, and a sense of belonging are central to their health--this has become increasingly important to me as I've aged.. 🧘 Find purpose and peace: Each person has a reason to get up in the morning. They practice slowing down, whether through prayer, community, or mindfulness. 🍷 Enjoy life in moderation: Many share meals, laughter, and even a small glass of wine with friends. Balance is key! (side note: although people have said that a glass of wine improves heart health--it's a depressant so it 'relaxes' the body in some ways--it is still a toxin for the brain, even in small doses--so I wonder if there are other factors at play here)

This past week we stealthily crossed the 100 member milestone and I'm so so excited for it! A couple of you reached out about it (thank you!!) and @Chris Wendt 's post here100-members means so so much to me... This milestone belongs to all of you! It truly does! Thank you for showing up, contributing your voices, sharing your experiences, and helping create this space into what it is today. I never anticipated how this little corner of skool was going to take shape and I am so so truly thankful for it and for you all. A gift that I never knew was needed and didn't see coming. My heart is overflowing with joy. The connections formed and nurtured, the conversations sparked, and the growth truly wouldn’t exist without your willingness to engage and support one another and me. This community is possible because of you-your presence, insight, and energy matter more than you know. Thank you for making it the special space that it is. Here’s to what we’ve built together so far, and to everything still ahead!!!!💛 Excited!!!!!

Growth doesn’t happen because the year changes — it happens because you change. Sometimes the most powerful shift is simply choosing to stop carrying what’s been weighing you down. What’s one thing you’re releasing before 2026?

I'd love to get a list going of people's favorite books or current reads! (or if you've written a book yourself, feel free to share that as well!). If you'd be so inclined, please feel free to share in this space. Also, if there's a book you would NOT recommend, share that too. I'm curious! My current reads: The Power of Now The Bible-trying to make this a daily habit Catch-22 Why the kids aren't growing up Soundtracks People of the Lie Pissed Off With a Purpose: Waging War on Fear My most recent reads: Podvig Thinking Fast and Slow An Arsenal of Gratitude-Waging War on Mediocrity and Regret (shoutout to @Dan 'Remmy' Stourac --it's written by him and it's amazing!!). The Bible Dune Crazy busy The Great Alone In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addictions Fight Club Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder Disappointment with God Kasher in the Rye (NOT to be confused with Catcher in the Rye) Favorite Books: Man's Search for meaning-viktor frankl Elements-Transfiguration of Elijah -anonymous priest in the oriental orthodox church Daring Greatly (and a bunch of Brene Brown's other work--Gifts of Imperfection; I thought it was just me but it wasn't; Braving the Wilderness) Screwtape Letters and the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis Atomic Habits Brother's Karamazov and Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky Welcome to the Orthodox Church by Fredericka Matthews Greene (I'll continue adding, these are just top of mind right now! ) Thank you for the inspiration @Dan 'Remmy' Stourac Please add to the list: @Aleksandra Nedelkoski @Anastasia Cocioaba @Andres Mateo @George Arhip @Loren Angelo @Britni Burton @Tim Blacke @Christa Lovas @Anastasia Cocioaba @LaTanya Carter @Dan 'Remmy' Stourac @David Pepper @David Pepper @Dayna Kanouna @Dr. Melissa Partaka @John D @Rachel Featherstone @Julia Groth @William Guy @Kimberly Poirier @Lisa Papiez @Lisa Vanderveen @Mary Seguin @Michael Mcknight @Michelle Mann @Moni Matysiak @Rina Maniou @Ronnie McCabe @Peter Oconnell @Ruth aka Grace Rose @Ryanne Ryan @Tracy Stewart @Adriana Filip @Jennifer Chatle @Anna Lh @Brittany Hone @Chris Wendt @Jose Colon @Yvonne Green @Linda Short @Nicole Johnson @Julie Nelson @Stephanie Riley @Tharuk M @Vasi Smith @Wesley Penner @Chris Wendt

Ever been in a conversation/debate with someone and feel like somehow the conversation was derailed or not fruitful? It's possible that either one or two of the individuals engaged in some sort of logical fallacy (mistakes in reasoning) and the conversation went off tracks as a result. There is overlap between cogntiive distortions which were discussed earlier and logical fallacies. Below are some of the common logical fallacies, however, there are many more. I'll add a video with an extended list! ✨ Common Logical Fallacies to Watch Out For: - 🎯 Straw Man: Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack. Example: “Oh, so you think we should have no rules at all?” when someone only suggested fewer rules. - 👥 Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of the argument.Example: “You can’t trust his opinion on health, he eats junk food all the time.” Just because someone may engage in hypocritical behavior, does'nt mean that he doesn't have a point. - ⚖️ False Dilemma: Presenting only two options when more exist.Example: “You are either with me or against me.” - 🔄 Circular Reasoning: The argument just restates itself instead of proving anything.Example: “I’m right because I said so.” - 📊 Hasty Generalization: Drawing a big conclusion from too little evidence.Example: “I met one rude person from that city, so everyone there must be rude.” - 🧲 Appeal to Emotion: Using feelings instead of logic to persuade.Example: “You must agree with me, otherwise you’re a bad person.” 💡 Why this matters:Learning to spot fallacies helps us think more clearly, argue more effectively, and avoid being misled by others. It also makes discussions healthier and more respectful. 👉 Question to ponder: Which of these fallacies do you notice most often in daily conversations or online debates? Do you see these happening in media(news, politics)? https://youtu.be/pCg-SNOteQQ?feature=shared