My Definition of Hell, Luck vs Hard Work, and Spending a Week in Solitude

Here are 10 findings that I thought might trigger your curiosity this month;

I.

“My definition of hell would be one day God is showing me everything that I could have accomplished, had I only tried. […]”

II.

Have you ever thought about what might happen if rewards were random? A reader’s question about the role of luck versus hard work in success got me reflecting, and I’d love to share my personal take on it with you.

III.

Being silent and doing nothing is one of the most challenging things to do. Listen to Mike Posner, who spent a full week in solitude without electricity and running water, and shares what he has learned from it. One of his key insights: “The only wrong way to do a day is to believe there is a right way to do a day”. Watch the clip here: ‘Two lessons you learn from total solitude’.

IV.

During the pandemic, business slowed, but 83-year-old Chang Wan-ji and his wife, Hsu Sho-er, 84, owners of Wansho Laundry in central Taiwan, were a rare exception. Their grandson decided to lift their spirits by dressing them in clothes that have been left behind at the laundry shop over the years. The result? They gained unexpected online attention, bringing joy to thousands of appreciative followers. Take a look.

V.

The Marginalian is truly one of a kind. The blog is written by Maria Popova, and she is a huge inspiration to me when it comes to the way she offers readers insights and pieces of meaningful literature that are both timely and timeless. Find the best of her writings in this post.

VI.

One of the latest book reviews I received from a reader:

I was able to read this book [Tell me who I Am] and it touched me to the core and I came out of it as a changed person. Very few books have ever had that effect on me, and it is relevant on so many levels. It will encourage people to be true to themselves and not keep dark secrets under wraps they suffered as children, often causing pain they carry for a lifetime and in many cases destroy lives – I salut the twins, Marcus and Alex Lewis for their bravery to come forward and share their lives journeys with us. Beautiful job by Hodgkin who tells the story with so much integrity. Even though shocking, this story is inspiring, and empowering and will bring about change. Bravo! – by Bibi

VII.

Gandhi once stated that it’s risky to confuse what feels natural behavior with what has become habitual, as we’ve been conditioned to regularly communicate in ways that aren’t natural at all. From a young age, many of us are encouraged to strive for success, evaluate situations, set expectations, and understand the world through a sense of what is “right” and “wrong.” Rosenberg introduces a communication method that offers a peaceful and harmonious alternative. Watch Marshall Rosenberg’s free workshop on Nonviolent Communication for yourself. There is some incredible wisdom in there which helps you fostering deeper understanding in your interactions.

VIII.

I decided to try something new this month and took my first motorbike lesson. I’ve now perfected the art of freaking out in silence. It’s great to build on a new skill and see where it leads, especially when it’s something you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid. There’s a certain joy in finally chasing those childhood dreams— it’s never too late.

IX.

X.

Thanks for reading. The Tiny Bits Newsletter is a handwritten, algorithm-free, reader-supported publication. To fuel your curiosity, seek out more valuable ideas worth sharing. Sign up to receive my email newsletter every month.

Lisanne

Bronia Davidson Rosenblatt, 2010, acryl on linnen 40 x 40 cm
Collectie Familie Davidson, Amsterdam, by Neel Korteweg