Revelations On Finding Fulfillment, Building Resilience, and A Valuable Read On How To Build Better Habits

Here are ten hand-picked and carefully curated recommendations to give you an uplifting dose of monthly wisdom, and inspiration.

I.

Here’s a quote I came across this month from French-Swiss film director Jean-luc Godard on cutting out the noise of other people’s opinions:

“He who jumps into the void owes no explanation to those who stand and watch.”

Source: Godard On Godard by Jean-Luc Godard

II.

One of the things I’ve learned along the way is that handling adversity has more to do with how well you’re able to recognise reality for what it is and accept the challenges that enter your life, than about avoiding or minimizing setbacks. I recently answered an interesting question from a reader on what I’ve learned about adversity and resilience over the years.

III.

A personal reflection that has kept me thinking this month: Language is often much more than memorizing a bundle of most frequently used words. The best multilingualists are exceptionally good at mimicking other people. They are effortless in capturing the rolling r’s of Spanish speakers, their rapid speech, and cultural nuances of what’s considered polite, allowing them to blend naturally.

IV.

There has been a well-known saying throughout the history of art, “Every artist paints himself.” This catchphrase demonstrates that self-portraits were a big thing for artists throughout the years. Self-portraits have been one of the more effective ways to promote the artists’ work, intended to appeal to a specific audience. From Frida Kahlo, to many more. Have a look.

V.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest scientific study on happiness, finds that strong relationships are crucial to happiness and longevity. More than a healthy diet, career development, or excercise, it’s maintaining meaningful connections, termed “social fitness,” that improves both mental and physical well-being, while loneliness can harm health. The study urges deliberate effort to nurture relationships for a meaningful life and shares some key points on finding fulfillment.

VI.

It’s incredibly impactful how artist Hank Willis Thomas removes the logos from ads featuring Black men, making you confront the deeper issues of identity and commodification. It’s a powerful reminder of how media shapes our perceptions of race and representation. I found it to be both thought-provoking and eye-opening. If you’re interested in art that challenges you to think, then I really recommend checking out Hank Willis Thomas’s “Unbranded” series.

VII.

VIII.

Baby Reindeer details the unconventional story of comedian Richard Gadd, who becomes the target of obsessive stalking by a woman after meeting her in the pub where he works. This Netflix mini-series shows human trauma in such a confrontational way that you can hardly help but feel uncomfortable, often shifting from discomfort to pure horror. The strength of the series, in my opinion, lies in the filmmakers’ decision to portray the characters not as purely good or evil, but as complex individuals who embody loneliness, trauma, as well as scary and dubious behaviors. Definitely worth checking out!

IX.

A unique and fun newsletter to subscribe to: the 3-2-1 Thursday Newsletter by James Clear. It’s a quick, valuable read on how to build better habits. Just a few minutes of reading, and you’re left with something to think about each week.

X. 

In the spotlight this month:

Mirthe van Doornik, 2017, acrylic on linen, 40 x 40 cm, by Neel Korteweg

Thanks for reading. Tiny Bits is a handwritten, algorithm-free, reader-supported publication. It’s a personal gift from me to you. Seek out more valuable ideas by signing up to my newsletter, and get your monthly dose of wisdom you can read in 3 minutes.

Lisanne