Personal Passions

One thing to know about me is I’m extremely passionate about the things I do, and at the top of this list of passions is sharing what I love with others. If given the opportunity, I will encourage my friends, family, peers, and even strangers, to watch, listen to, or read something I’ve been loving recently. 

Books, TV shows, movies, and podcasts have all given me new life perspectives and allow me to have empathy for others in ways I could never gain through my own very limited experience. And that’s why I constantly challenge myself to consume new content that will push me out of my comfort zone. 

And consequently, my content consumption allows me to relate to others in a more unique and meaningful way. So, when I wanted to share more about who I am, I figured I’d start with what I love to do the most. Give some recommendations. 

Books

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, PhD

When I was first recommended this book by a dear friend, I thought; oh great, another thing to tell me that I should be working harder. As a recent college graduate, I was not initially psyched about the criticism I assumed this book would have about my life. But what ultimately sold me was when this same friend read me this passage: 

“Ian told me his twentysomething years were like being in the middle of the ocean, like this vast, unmarked body of water. He couldn’t see land in any direction, so he didn’t know which way to go. He felt overwhelmed by the prospect that he could swim anywhere or do anything.”

I’ve always gravitated to great wisdom, and that’s what is at the heart of The Defining Decade. This book is full of stories of Dr. Meg Jay’s twentysomething clients, the lessons they learned, and the ones they are still learning. 

I will recommend this book to anyone in their twenties because there is something everyone can relate to. And ultimately it’s not about how all the wrong choices lead us down a bad path like I thought it would be. Instead, it’s about how not making any choices leads us nowhere. 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

I know there are readers out there who will instantly write off this book because of its contemporary romance genre, but stick with me and let me try and convince you that that would be an enormous mistake. 

This book tells a story through the summer vacations of two extremely unlikely friends. Poppy and Alex are very different people, who live very different lives apart from each other. But they always spend one week of summer vacation together. Until it all gets ruined and they stop speaking to each other. And while this book may make you wish you were traveling the world, it ultimately reminds you that it’s not about the places we go, but about the people we meet, and the people we call home. 

Most importantly this book is about: how we relate to others, how we discover who we are, and how terrifying it is to show all of yourself to someone. There’s something extraordinary about books that can make you laugh, cry, and truly inspire you to live life more intentionally.

If you don’t want to read a book for its complex and relatable characters, unique mode of storytelling, or a heartfelt message, then maybe read it because I liked it and I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on it?

TV Shows

Ted Lasso

There is something so fulfilling and true to life about content that refuses to conform to a single genre. It’s the moments within a comedy that has me heartbroken and in tears or in a drama that have me cracking up that keep me coming back for more. 

That’s exactly what this show does. It touches all parts of life. While sometimes being incredibly ridiculous, the characters are so much more than the caricatures they at first seem to resemble. This show will have you empathizing with everyone, even when you don’t agree with their choices. And it will most likely have you falling in love with a painfully optimistic southern guy with a mustache trying to coach a professional soccer team even though he knows nothing about soccer. 

Also, if you enjoy British accents, you’ll enjoy this. 

Fleabag

I heard someone say the other day that consuming good writing will only make you a better writer. And while I have no aspirations to become a TV writer, I truly believe the thoughtful and ingenious writing in this show leaves viewers better people at the end of it. 

This show is about a character named Fleabag who is navigating life through her grief and anger. But it’s not the plot summary that will draw you in or leave an impact. It’s the storytelling. Fleabag is hardheaded and at times frustrating, because the only person she lets in is us, the viewers. 

Fleabag will make you laugh, have extreme second-hand embarrassment and probably cry a little too. You should watch it because there is nothing else like it. It is genuinely unique. And like I said, it will probably leave you a better person in the end.

Movies

The Princess Bride (1987)

Movies, more than anything else in my life, have strong connections with where, when, and with whom I first watched them. My love for movies was cultivated by my father. Growing up, he loved sharing his favorite movies with me and I think that’s probably where I get my desire to share my favorite things with others. When I first watched the Princess Bride it was with my dad, and I instantly fell in love. 

The Princess Bride is about a Princess named Buttercup and her Prince Charming, Westley, overcoming one obstacle after another to find their happily ever after together. There’s a lot of twists and turns, some incredible supporting characters, and unforgettable quotes.

The best part of this movie is that it is absolutely timeless. There is action, comedy, romance all wrapped up in a modern fairy tale. The Princess Bride is a movie I can’t wait to watch with my kids one day, and that’s what makes it worthy of sharing with others. If you are looking for a classic, give it a watch!

Whiplash (2014)

Let me be honest, I know nothing about Jazz music. But when I reflect on the movies that impact me the most, it’s usually less about whether I am an expert in the subject matter and more about how well the film allows me to connect with the true meaning behind it all. 

At the heart of it, this movie is about the cost of perfection. Miles Teller plays a young jazz drummer who is being trained by a very harsh instructor. Through a fast-paced plot of rehearsals and torment, Andrew learns to face the reality of what it would take for him to be truly successful as a jazz drummer. 

Whiplash is intense and anxiety-inducing. You can physically feel the tension between the characters. I think this movie is a great example of the art of cinema at its best and I’d recommend it to anyone.

Podcasts

My love for podcasts began in 2017 and has been going strong ever since. From true crime stories on Serial to celebrity interviews on Armchair Expert or news updates on The Daily, I have truly enjoyed exploring the expansive and world podcasting. That’s why it’s so hard for me to simply pick two. So I decided to give a list.

I’ve had this deep fear recently that the time I spend consuming content is time taken away from me creating something or living creatively. And it’s only now as I write this that I realize how silly that sounds. The beauty of life is that creation and consumption are not mutually exclusive. In fact, consuming beautiful art, content, and all the in-between can inspire and improve what we create.

So, if you have been inspired by anything recently or happen to check out any of these recommendations, I’d love to hear from you!