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On Wednesdays, we’ll reflect: See below for some some of what I’ve learned from the week to inspire reflection, a well-being soundbite, and a view of my wish list / recs / things I’m currently obsessing over. 🙂
1/3. W.I.L.T.W (What I Learned This Week)
Cultivating Character: The Cumulative Power of Everyday Actions
My friend Ellis was once asked by a troubled you boy whether there was a compelling reason for him not to pull the legs off a spider.
Ellis said that there was.
“Well spiders don’t feel any pain,” the boy retorted.
“It’s not the spider I’m worried about” Ellis said.
I found this quote from Sebastian Junger's Tribe oddly striking in the way it delivers such a powerful message through one interaction, a message we might easily overlook if skimming text quickly. It serves as a reminder that our actions do not exist in a vacuum. The judgment and reasoning we apply to even the smallest actions can subconsciously create habitual patterns that impact our moral development and character over time.
In this particular instance, Ellis is not concerned with whether a spider feels pain, but rather with the boy’s capacity for cruelty. The boy’s nonchalant justification for inflicting pain is derived in our inability to truly understand how a spider 'feels.' Can we not seek to understand the experiences of humans from their perspective even if we cannot necessarily feel their emotions? This response desensitizes the boy and can lead to harmful ways of interacting with the world. It suggests that the act of pulling the spider's legs is not just about the spider; it's fundamentally about the kind of person the boy is becoming.
Beyond the importance of cultivating empathy, this quote serves as a potent reminder of the broader implications of our actions. Even seemingly insignificant choices can create unhealthy patterns that are detrimental to our own character and our relationships over time.
For example, if you subconsciously raise your voice or roll your eyes if you and your partner have a minor disagreement, how might this evolve into a habit that negatively impacts your relationship in a more significant way? If we constantly cancel plans we have committed to, how can that impact the longevity of your connections? Conversely, if you consciously make the small and seemingly insignificant effort to text your parents "good morning" each day, how might this cultivate a deeper and stronger connection with family who may live far away? If we consistently leave work emails on 'read,' justifying it with the thought of dealing with them later, when will this pattern of procrastination culminate in a missed deadline on something important?
Now, this is not to suggest that we should never stand up for ourselves in a disagreement, that responding to messages should become a robotic task devoid of genuine effort, or that we shouldn't ruthlessly prioritize our daily tasks based on urgency. However, it does serve as a gentle but firm reminder that even our seemingly less significant actions carry meaning, and it is always worthwhile to pause and reflect on what that meaning might be.
2/3. Well-being Weapons
>3 Minute Chocolate Brownie Protein Mug Cake
I’m back with a hyperfixation on a quick snack I’ve been obsessing over…There’s nothing I love more than a sweet treat and if I can get 25 grams of protein into one that tastes like a fudgy brownie straight out of the oven…well, twist my arm.
I am not claiming the concept or exact recipe to be unique to me, you may have seen similar TikToks or videos. I am personally a complete sucker for saving TikTok or Instagram Reels of recipes that look really yummy and are advertised as healthy alternatives to less healthy options, but I tend to be left disappointed. They never taste as good as they look. However, I feel like I’ve perfected the trend and put my own spin on it through many trials. Here are some things that I think actually make this pretty special, as opposed to tasting like a poor healthy imitation of the real thing:
I have tested this with multiple protein powders, and Ryse Loaded Protein Little Debbie® Cosmic Brownies is what makes this stand out.
In my opinion, coconut flour is superior to any other flour for this recipe. It prevents the snack from being too dry or grainy.
Mixing cocoa powder with Jell-O (instead of using just one or the other) gives it that extra chocolatey feel.
This as an after-dinner sweet treat? Chef’s kiss.
Full recipe below, in case you want to save this for later.
3/3. What’s Wowing Me: Weekly Obsessions
I’ve written about my new grown love for buying fresh flowers for the house on a Sunday but sending flowers is equally as special 🙂
We discovered a really neat company, Fresh Sends, that has (in my humble opinion) the best packaging I have seen for gifting someone with flowers.
With graduations and Mother's Day right around the corner, I think they’re the perfect way to add a unique spin on an already classic, timeless, and memorable gift. Plus - they come with a free card 💌
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