The Hit List - Silent Nights

I’m prone to laryngitis. It’s because I talk a lot for my work. So, every so often, my throat goes haywire.

I’m currently recuperating after three days of laryngitis. Although I felt okay, my voice sounded liked I was channeling Bette Davis after she had gone on a three day whisky and chain smoking bender. To say it was raspy is an understatement.

At the end of every day, I stopped talking and just got quiet to conserve my vocal cords as much as possible for work. My evenings became like a mini silent retreat.

That silence allowed my brain to get quiet.

I’m actually quite comfortable being alone and silent. As much as my Gemini mind enjoys (and demands) tons of mental stimulation, I also like tranquility. Floating between both worlds keeps me happy and balanced.

Quiet is balm to the soul. Silence allows the mind to stop thinking and processing. It allows you to just be with you.

And that’s what I have been doing the last few nights. Just be-ing.

No words. No doing. Nothing.

The dead air made me feel more alive than ever.

Power is borne in silence.

Nature makes beautiful symbols. You just have to pay attention. This little snow heart was on a tree outside my house for days. It made me smile every time I looked at it.

Other stuff:

When I am quiet, you’ll usually find me with my nose in a book. Here’s why you should stop what you are doing and read a book.

Author Harper Lee is one wealthy lady.

Gmail is going to start allowing strangers to flood your inbox. Here’s how to stop that bitch move.

Expelled for “casting a spell”? Yes, this story is real.

I adore Esme Wang and I loved her take on Inbox Zero. (I do like having an Inbox Zero but it’s not always easy to get there!)

The next time you hear someone bragging about their “easy life” as an entrepreneur, read this. It’s way closer to the truth.

This visual aid on “How Not To Be A Dick On The Internet” by Orlando Jones – hilarious (and a wee bit wise).

Watch this video by motivational speaker Lizzie Velasquez. How do YOU define yourself? She asks the question and delivers. Powerful.

This announcement by Steven Spielberg about his pick to play Obama is priceless.

My favorite post of the week: 555 words on hate-blogging + bullying by Alexandra Franzen. Wise words from one very kind lady. And who knew there were forums like the ones she describes? Geez.

I loved Reservoir Dogs. Apparently someone else loved it so much that they created the FULL SCRIPT on Twitter! Yowza!

And tonight, I’ll be tucking into A Year of Miracles: Daily Devotions and Reflections by Marianne Williamson. Cannot wait!

What I’m Grateful For:

Hot tea

Throat lozenges

Understanding clients

The cold snap is leaving

A daughter who brings won ton soup

Peace

Big new ideas percolating

Soundtrack for 1/11/14: “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode – throwback time!