Quotes of the Week from Me

“Whatever you do, whatever you love, take it seriously.”

“When you shift how you see it, you shift how it is.”

“Everything sounds cliché when the emotions of a real situation are involved.”

“Live for your obsession. Obsess over your living.”

“Your bright energy is helping those around you more than you know. Keep putting yourself out there.”

Quotes of the Week from Others

“If the mountain was smooth, you wouldn’t be able to climb it.” – Unknown

“The screen is the same size for every story. A shot of a teacup is the same size as an army coming over the hill. It’s all storytelling.” – Christopher Nolan

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu

This is way easier said than done. There is power in attempting to achieve this. Do your best.

Quick Optimism

On Thursday I became convinced that sprinting is the hardest workout. You can push yourself to maximum effort with almost anything, but nothing feels as difficult, or beneficial, as sprinting. Yes, you can increase the weight on a squat, throw a ball harder or jump higher, and you can run farther, but the repetitions necessary for reaching top speed while running, maintaining it, and finally slowing down from it require so much effort from your entire body.

The effort is painful but the reward is remarkable. If you can sprint, start now. If you can’t, find your version of it. Walk up the stairs. Do 10 bodyweight squats. Work on deep breathing and stretching. Just move your body.

Full Newsletter

Happy 1 year! As of August 3, Practice Optimism is one year old.

A lot has changed since my first posts online, my first articles. They were about writing a good cover letter and resume…

I am still not fully sure what my “niche” is – but the one thing I have figured out is that I love to write and I love to exercise.

Practice Optimism has led to new goals over the last year or so and as of Friday, August 4, 2023 I am in it for another year. The registration for my site has been PAID and I could not appreciate the support any more than I do. So, thank you.

I love writing children’s books, articles, quotes of the week. It really depends. Sometimes all people need is that one-liner that makes them laugh or feel inspired, but other times they want to sink into a (hopefully) good story with their kids. The same goes for workouts, especially sharing them. Do I want to share a video explaining the workout or showing the workout? A lot of what I do at Practice Optimism is based on what makes me happy and feel accomplished. That means a newsletter, a website, stories, articles, workout programs, and posting on social media.

The posting videos on social media part felt weird initially, but with a goal of improving my life and the lives of others, I’ll take the bad with the good. The “bad” being my feelings about it at times as well as some responses. The good meaning everything else. Especially the impact.

One last note before I jump into this week’s Full Newsletter section: my wife and I have this saying, “If you’re asking the question, you probably know the answer.”

For example, “Do you think we need two boxes of macaroni for the party tonight?” or “Do you think I should have a salad at dinner?” or “Does Beckett (our son) need more sunscreen?”

Sometimes it’s like, “Should I mow the grass today?”

Finally, my favorites are the bigger ones: “Hey Taylor, should I start a website?”

In our house, asking means we should follow through on our questions. Nobody is ever bummed about extra macaroni, and I am definitely not bummed about starting Practice Optimism.

This week I am sending along my latest children’s book (in progress). I pieced it together over the last few weeks and it reminds me of childhood. Hope it brightens your Monday. Thank you again. Happy one-year anniversary!

Friendliest Neighborhood in the World

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Across the street from a little old golf course is the friendliest neighborhood in the world. Surrounded by beauty, filled with pride, the folks who live there are always outside.

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With a left-turn blinker and a turn of the wheel, you too can see how the friendliest feels.

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First there is Ms. Johnson, her smile so wide, her bakery cart parked to the side. She sells fresh treats, cookies and tarts, she bakes with love and shares the best parts.

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Next, you’ll find Tim, the jolly old postman, he’ll stop, say hello, and deliver from his van. On your way to the mailbox Tim cheers and shouts, “I’ve got your mail here! Come see what it’s about!”

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 As you roll along you might bump into John, the most helpful man when it comes to your lawn. With his giant mower and selfless nature, he’s always ready to do you a favor.

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The people you meet as you drive down the street, feel warm, kind, and ever so sweet. Continuing on to the bend in the road, time to see more of this humble abode.

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When you turn the corner you’ll see Mrs. Green, watering and trimming, her daily routine. Her garden a prize, her one true passion, the largest in size and also in fashion.

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A couple doors down you’ll find Jake and his pup, who whines ‘til he’s pet, he never gives up. A jump and a bark with a wagging tail, give him a pat, it will never fail.  

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The last little house is home to Sarah, she lives with her dad, and mom named Clara. A librarian by trade, Sarah is wise, she shares great stories that widen young eyes. Books with adventure and magical lands, she opens minds with her gentle hands.

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The friendliest neighborhood, so colorful and bright, has wonderful folks who spread joy day and night. The friendliest neighborhood, a wonderful place, where people really care, with love and grace.

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So, remember one thing, wherever you go, the power of kindness will always grow. So, share your treats, do some favors, you can be the friendliest neighbors.