I am normally against gift guides and — to be honest — the idea that propelled me to write this one was my feeling that so few of them offer much value. I thought to myself: “What would actually add value to people’s lives instead of just contributing to increased clutter?”

In late July 2021, I did one of the scariest things I’ve ever done.

Last year, I wrote the Gratitude Reflection Challenge in a very different world. It was one that had many of the same problems (and genuinely good things) that still exist in 2020, but it was certainly not under the filter of a global pandemic—which at the time of writing this has claimed 1.2 million lives worldwide. It’s been a sobering year that has been filled with more lows than highs for not only myself but many people. With all of these complicated emotions and experiences on my mind in the season of giving and gratitude, I felt it more imperative than ever to revisit the Gratitude Reflection Challenge.

In general, podcasts were a medium that prior to the pandemic I spent some time on but not nearly as much as I’ve spent lately. I find myself tired of the news and bored with the television programs that don’t seem to reflect real life whatsoever anymore. I’ve binge-watched most of the shows and movies worth watching. And sometimes, I find myself struggling to keep my mind focused when reading books. For that reason, I’ve mostly been relying on audiobooks and it’s also part of why podcasts have been more appealing lately. So here are the podcasts I’ve been bingeing during this pandemic:

Like many others, I’ve been thrust into the work-from-home life due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I’m using this unusual opportunity to think about what the future would look like for me down the road if working from home became a regular option. And I’m using this experience to make note of what I do and don’t like about it when compared to working in an office.

November is understandably a time when many of us make it a point to reflect on what we’re grateful for both because of Thanksgiving and because we’re nearly done with the year. With this in mind, I wanted to present my idea for a Gratitude Reflection Challenge that I wanted to participate in but also wanted to share with my readers and followers.

Of course, I begin each week with the best-laid plans, but life happens and the things I intend to do each day or during the week sometimes get pushed off the priority list. When this happens, I go back to the tasks that help set me up for success, and this typically happens on Sundays.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared one of my Amazon hauls, so I’m back with a summer travel edition that I hope will turn you on to some great products. Also, Amazon Prime Day is coming up soon, so here’s to hoping some of these products go on sale that day!

One thing I’d like to do for my readers and followers is to regularly share content from outlets and blogs that I follow and believe in. Many of these sources receive daily or weekly visits from me and have helped me grow my knowledge in so many different areas. Here are my recommendations for required reading this week.