Month: December 2018

The eleventh of December 2018

goats

Gossip is a pervasive means of communication in human societies. You might think that all gossip is bad and entails people speaking negatively about an individual or group; however, gossip can actually function in a way to the benefit of human groups. For example, gossip can help maintain equilibrium amongst egalitarian societies. Although gossip is seen as a negative and deadly action by the Talmud, gossip can provide a way for people to connect and feel closer to one another, and social scientists claim that only 3 to 4 percent of gossip is actually malicious. Gossip may have even provided an important social tool in human evolution, as a means to assess members of growing communities and maintain cohesion of social groups. Perhaps Oscar Wilde was right, when he said that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about. At any rate, if you suspect you are being gossiped about you can probably conclude that at a minimum, people find you interesting.

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Don’t worry, most gossip is not even bad!

The tenth of December 2018

goats

Mondays can be really stressful. Sometimes, you may not feel totally refreshed or motivated to get back to work after the weekend.  Any task that is worth doing is likely to be challenging in some way or another. When you feel like your motivation is sapped, remember that even a few steps forward is progress. Keep moving and chipping away, it doesn’t all have to get done today.

10.12.18

Don’t overthink it, just keep going.

The ninth of December 2018

goats

Do not worry about ever feeling like a square peg in a round hole. First, you probably fit in more than you realize, and second what truly counts is being true to you and your most genuine and authentic self. If something does not feel right just move onto the next thing. You do you and the rest will fall into place.

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When you are true to yourself, you fit in everywhere and no where at the same time. 

The eighth of December 2018

goats

Today is the first day I have updated Goat of the Day from my iPhone! Screens get a lot of criticism, including contributing to insomnia, anxiety, depression, ruining our relationships, making us terrible parents and generally slow down our brains. However, I think that the smart phone revolution has a lot of benefits for humanity. For example, it makes it a lot easier to keep tabs on old friends you may have otherwise lost contact with. My family relies heavily on calendars in order to stay organized and a lot of notes and journaling that would have required lugging around a bunch of things is eliminated – I can keep it all tucked away in my pocket! I also love being able to quickly share photographs – when I was a kid if I wanted to share photographs you would have to get the film developed and pay for prints – now with a few clicks I can send photos across the Atlantic and basically no cost as things happen. I wonder, if in a few decades the weariness over such devices will have faded the same way suspicion over other new technologies in the past.

The seventh of December 2018

goats

Only a few more hours until the weekend begins. What adventures or relaxing activities await you after you leave your workplace, shut down your computer and enjoy a couple days of freedom? Will you reconnect with old friends, catch up on leisure reading, or embark on a longer fitness pursuit than the weekend usually allows? Whatever your plan – or lack of plan – is, I hope that it is wonderful.

7.12.18

Another weekend full of possibilities is upon us.

The sixth of December 2018

goats

What may feel like a tiny gesture of kindness to you could transform the recipient’s day. Isn’t that amazing? In all of us, we have the power to spread joy and compassion, just by being kind. One of the reasons I think that I am so keen on goats is that smiles are contagious. I can’t help but smiling back when I see a goat, even if that goat is giving me a smidgen of side-eye. Even when you have a difficult day, flashing someone a smile or doing a small act of kindness can be a form of self care. It is especially important to remember to be kind during the holidays, you never know what the stranger on the bus or person you pass on the street has going on.

6.12.18

Smile at strangers and be kind to all.

The fifth of December 2018

goats

Have you ever noticed the amazing restorative power of taking a walk? Two thousand years ago, Hippocrates noted the amazing benefits of walking. A daily stroll can help lower your blood pressure, may decrease your risk of getting cancer, decrease your risk of dementia and memory loss, improve your mood, and generally contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Even when the weather is terrible, it is good to get outside and move around, even only ten minutes a day makes a difference.

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“Walking is (hu)man’s best medicine” -Hippocrates. 

The fourth of December 2018

goats

When unexpected things happen that disrupt your plans you are faced with a choice. You could react negatively, dig in your heals and try to resist. Alternatively, you could just roll with it. Sometimes we aren’t lucky enough to have a choice, things happen that are simply out of our control. You can save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress by not getting angry at forces outside of your control. Stay calm and you never know, an unexpected disruption could be an opportunity for something amazing.

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Calm and cool, just roll with it. 

The third of December 2018

goats

Sometimes it is so hard to stay focused. December is a time of fun and festivities, but it is also a time of deadlines and duties. Self-care during this time of year is especially important, when you feel like you are all over the place and run ragged, take a moment (or two, or five, or an hour!) for yourself to refocus before polishing off your to-do list.

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Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the busy holiday season. 

The second of December 2018

goats

Never underestimate the importance of rest. Getting enough sleep and rest helps to boost our health and our ability to care for others.

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