Nirupama P.R.V.'s Blog: Catty Opinions of a Book Loving Couch Potato, page 8

Monday Motivation

Inspiring Message from Goodreads!

Happy New Year

Welcome 2021!

Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing you and your families a year filled with joy, hope and choicest of blessings!

Given the unexpected year that was 2020, I am so excited for the symbolic new start that this new year brings!

(Though of course, every day can be a fresh beginning.)

Regular readers of this blog will know I do a bunch of things annually:

List my Goals for the blog
Assess how I fared on my previous year’s goals
Update my About Me Page
Archive the old About Me Page with a note or two so readers can still access it
Review my Stats and insights to be gained from them
Add my Reading Challenge for the current year
Look back at the previous year’s Reading Challenge

And of course, the most important:

Thank my readers!

Yes, folks like you! I’d like to express my deepest appreciation for reading, sharing, commenting and liking my posts. You are the reason my blog has continued all the way from 2012.

Thank you so very much! I hope to provide even more value in 2021 and cheer, inspire and entertain you in my small, humble way.

Here’s to a fabulous 2021! Stay blessed, stay cheerful.

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Reading Challenge- November Updates

Happy Friday everyone!

We are finally into the last month of a very long 2020. Who’s looking forward to 2021? I know I am.

With a new month, it’s time to share what I read the past month.

I will be upfront – I read more books, but they were all shorter reads. It was deliberate of course. With Thanksgiving break, a shorter month, loads on the learning front, a host of appointments and of course the fact, that I am done with my Goal for the year- I decided I would add a bit of diversity as regards genre and authors. And I loved it.

Here’s what I was up to last month:

My longest read was Ann Handley’s guide. At least four people shared how much they loved it and what a great resource it is- so I just had to dig in.

Result- I love it too! I cannot recommendation enough.

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The next book on my list was a rapid read. A workbook on Twitter- this is as short as it can get. I have to say the book was quite useful though. Overall, value for my time and effort. Besides, it introduced me to some other books- which is always a positive.

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This next one is a children’s book. But, the way the kiddo waxed about it- I decided to give it a read as well. It is indeed very good.

I am already envisaging this on MommyDaughter book club reads. It is a relatively swift read for grown ups but the story and characters themselves are quite engaging- so much that I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

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A recent publishing, this is another relatively short read. But it is packed full of great content. The title seems like an oversell but it is not. This one is a keeper!

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As usual, keep reading, keep smiling.

In the comments, share your thoughts on children’s books? If you are a grown up/ young adult, do you still read them?

Else just shout out your favorite read from November so I can add to my TBR.

Happy Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving here in America.

So, for all those who celebrate the occasion, wishing you and your families a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. (Even if the event is socially distanced – still a great time to celebrate)

For all those who don’t, like me, hope you’re having a good week.

With almost a decade of being in the USA, I like to take the day to think of all the things I am grateful for and appreciate the blessings in my life. This year, it’s even more important to me because as the end of the year approaches, here we all are, still standing.

What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger!

I used to dislike the quote above because it is morbid. But this year, I am beginning to see its wisdom. Life is a great teacher.

What are you grateful for?

I know with 2020 being what it was- this might be hard, so try this prompt instead. Let me know your replies in the comments .

What is one book you are thankful for? Why?

Potential reasons:

– mind-blowing story

– stirs up memories

– helps cope with something

– broadened your mind

– shaped your life

– a gift

Mine is ‘How to Talk to Anyone’ by Leil Lowndes- I discovered the joys of non-fiction!

Monday Motivation

[image error]Reliving my baby’s moments with our current read!

Gratitude- A Course that Teaches this Concept

[image error] Photo by u0158aj Vaishnaw on Pexels.com

2020 has been a tough year for every one. But with the new year on the horizon, it’s time to realize that the new normal is here to stay… for a while at least! (Fingers crossed it goes soon)

Anxiety, distress and poor mental health are alarmingly high. So, what can we do to stay focused, relaxed and positive?

Be grateful!

It’s scientifically proven that gratitude is not only boosts happiness but also improves quality of work and productivity.

Now, it’s not easy practicing gratitude and trying to stay cheerful when life is busy hurling curveballs non- stop! That’s why I am pleased to share this news about a free course from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and Center for Positive Organizations:

Practicing Gratitude Teach-Out

This free class is available now through Dec. 21 and by their own curriculum definition “focuses on the power of positive psychology and gratitude on our personal health and in our communities and organizations.”

I enrolled yesterday (did I say it is free?) and I already love it! It’s filled with studies and examples and reading materials but is supposedly under 3 hours. It even has exercises at the end and a whole portion on mindfulness. How awesome is that?

Before you ask- nope I am not an affiliate- and yes, the course is free. (You will need an account on Coursera though- again, free to create.) I believe in the power of positivity. And I genuinely want people to stay happy and healthy. sharing this link is just my tiny good deed for the world- sharing something useful without expectations!

So, if you are struggling with staying upbeat and optimistic, do give being grateful a try!