Hi spectacular friend,
Coming to you live from Olympia, Washington (switching it up). Here is your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics, a quick look at what I’ve discovered that could be useful to you. Welcome to the two new subscribers receiving this for the first time (72 total). You were the pair of lone wise persons in the world this week. Will you please consider sharing this with a fellow friend?
Course I completed
I have taken my fair share of online courses and most of them suck. They range from downright scams to glorified YouTube videos that are overpriced and underdeliver.
Write of Passage did NOT suck. It was the best course money I ever spent. I recently finished this five week sprint that helps people become citizens of the internet by writing online. I’m sure my fellow 300+ classmates from 30+ countries would agree.
I tweeted a short thread with my most impactful takeaways.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who feels the grumblings of a creative monster inside of them waiting to be unleashed into the wild.
I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Hit reply and ask away.
Article I wrote
The Blackjack Technique is the fuel you need to start all those helpful habits you’ve been neglecting. It’s my exact formula that allows me to meditate, exercise, read, and write every day without breaking a sweat.
Book I’m reading
Bird by bird by Anne Lamott. It offers some beautiful instructions on writing and life. The reason for the title: “Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
This book hits different. It’s exactly what I needed to read since upgrading from writing enthusiast to writing practitioner earlier this year.
The lessons can translate to many other aspects of life. It reminds me of Desmund Tutu’s advice “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.”
Podcast episode I enjoyed
Paul Millerd’s chat with Chris Williamson on the Modern Wisdom pod. He talks about the tension between success and happiness. Are they mutually exclusive?
“The old stories we were told about success and happiness no longer apply. We don't have to wear a suit or go to an office or have a job for life. But do we even need success? Is there a simpler route to being happy? Paul has spent the last 5 years trying to find out.” Listen and enjoy.
Reason I’m traveling
I am visiting me mum (sounds way cooler than my mom, right?) in Washington for the first time since she moved here nearly two years ago. This is where she grew up. She always knew she wanted to return. It ended up taking her a lot longer than expected but she feels whole again. Which makes my heart feel whole too.
I used to visit every summer for the first twenty years of my life but it’s been a hot minute. It’s amazing how quickly a rush of memories comes flooding back from the smell of the ferns and pine trees that are littered throughout the state.
More than anything, it has been a tremendous reminder of how important it is to go see your parents. No matter how far away they are. Just do it.
Random thought
Everybody thinks their life is the big thing going on but they’re all wrong. MY life is the big thing going on. You are just a supporting cast member in my movie. But you are playing the part perfectly 🤩
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Thank you for stopping by. What did you like about this electronic mail? What did you despise? I want to hear from you. Reply or find me on Twitter where I’m continuing to say more stuff.
Have a Terrific Tuesday friends!
Cheers,
Arman