There’s a lot to say – and read – about 2014. From Ebola to Ferguson and more, much was discussed. Even though I read quite a bit about those things, that is not what this list is about.
This list is about the 12 articles/posts/pieces that I kept returning to, over and over again.
It takes a lot for something to stick with me for days or even weeks – I’m a binge-er when it comes to information. I read online throughout the day; at night I read print books or stream stuff. I’m pretty gluttonous about my intake of words, which means I probably read over a million words to find these gems. As Erin Brockovich said: “I’m really quite tired.”
What follows are the 12 most impactful things I read online this year.
1) Why Some Kids Try Harder and Some Kids Give Up
Even though I totally disagree with the idea that “your brain is like a muscle,” this post was one of the two I read this year that revolutionized my parenting. I’ve started using these concepts at work as well. For more information, check out the book Carol wrote based on her research.
We watch a lot of cooking shows in my family, and Anthony Bourdain has taken us places and shown us sights we never could have imagined. I’m grateful for his uncompromising curiosity.
3) How To Tell If Having Kids Will Ruin Your Marriage
Best line: “It’s misleading to suggest that kids destroy marriages when what they really do is reveal the fault lines.” Yes infinity.
4) Ten Ways You’re Making Your Life Harder Than It Has To Be
If you’re a “4” on the Enneagram, please print this out and post it on every mirror you own. If you’re not a “4,” still do that.
But especially if you’re a “4.”
5) What Autism Has Taught Me…..So Far
This is long and so painful that I squinted at my computer screen while I read it. But it taught me.
Most of my closest friends have adopted. I needed to read this.
7) Ten Things To Do Differently Before You Lose Your Temper
The other post that revolutionized my parenting. We really need to talk more about women and anger.
8) Let Me Make Your Kid A Buddhist
This caused quite a bit of controversy in some circles, and the comments are a whole other story. Definitely made me think.
9) Short Animation Describes What Drug Addiction Is Like
I may have used this at work. Stunning and effective. My friends in recovery (aren’t we all?) agree.
If I had to squint to read the other post, I needed to pause, get up, walk around and take a drink of something at several points before I could finish this one. Because life.
11) Share This With All The Schools, Please
This post went viral with very good reason. Teachers rule.
12) Okay, this isn’t a written piece, but one day this year was the. worst. and I came home and found this and promptly watched it three times in a row. And then I watched it every day for over a week. Because God.
Shauna Niequist talks about Psalm 16: https://willowcreek.tv/archive/psalms/#top
Looking back over this list, there are more than two parenting-related readings. That’s probably because my parenting is the area of my life I feel most vulnerable about; the task I feel most inadequate to face. So I seek advice, wisdom, encouragement from others more about that then anything else.
Perhaps you too feel inadequate about something, and so seek reassurance and good company. If so, you have a friend in me.
I wish you and yours all the magic and reality 2015 has to offer.
See you soon.