Jaⁿa_rt^h

Although intended to be a vacation, my solo trip to Italy was quite challenging. I was alone. I did not speak the language. I did not really have set plans. Lots of things of went wrong. I didn't really have any company. This all lasted about two weeks, during which I observed some interesting things:

1. Your appearance is important.

   One of the first things I noticed in Italy was that most people were very well dressed. A noticeable amount of care was put into personal appearance. Everyone, young, old, women, men were usually dressed impeccably and with a high attention to detail. I personally have not put too much thought into my own appearance, thinking it as a shallow thing. In retrospect I do think it's important to present oneself well. How we dress and present ourselves represents our own value to ourselves. It also shows respect to others, since we are put well together in the presence of others.

2. Your appearance is not the most important thing.

   Although I did see a virtue in presenting oneself well. I couldn't help but sense a feeling of strong attachment to ones appearance in Italy. Some people even seemed proud and attached to their appearance. I didn't think this was healthy. Ultimately, our appearance is dependent upon two things: time and wealth. Those who are short on either, should not be judged to be lesser. Truly it is important to be careful to not judge people solely on their appearance alone. Although it's important to dress well, I think substance, integrity, and independence are far more important. I felt it was more important to feel comfortable looking the way one does, rather then to gain any form of security from ones appearance.

3. Family is important.

   My two weeks in Italy was lonely. Most people didn't talk to me or didn't know how. Although most people were cordial, I never had anyone to converse with. It was a very lonely experience. During this time I did realize the importance of family, community and country. Your family (whether or not you have a positive relationship with them) will likely be there in the times of need. Most likely (and hopefully) they have always been there in your time of need. It's not until you have no one to talk to that you realize the importance of anyone who will lend you an ear.

4. Language is important.

   We cannot communicate, form relationships and enjoy life without language.

5. It's important to travel alone occasionally.
6. Be honest in AirBnB reviews.

   I used to leave happy positive reviews for the sake of the host. Unfortunately this hides important information from the next guest, puts the task of revealing potentially unpleasant information on the next guest, and avoids giving the host criticism which could improve the unit.

7. When travelling, you can't be afraid to spend money.
8. Cheap hotel accomodations typically come with hidden costs.

   They cost less because they may:

   • Be less comfortable
   • Be in an undesirable location
   • Have some other drawback
   It's probably worth doing research on these factors for accomodation and be willing to be pay a little more for a better experience.

Well, perhaps not the best way. Recently this week I started running different routes. Typically I usually run the same route with very slight variations all the time. This means at each turn I always take the same turn.

The same choice.

Every
Single
Time

So over the last week my new approach was to take a different choice. At every turn I'd pick the choice I was least likely to take.

The results were pretty good. I noticed the following:

• More engaged during the run.
• Actually didn't mind extending the run (before it felt like a chore).
• Make quick and confident decisions.
• Said Good morning! to strangers.
• Became acutely aware of all the different choices I could make.

So if you're feeling kind of bored by running or walking. Consider making a different choice at each turn.

It's a book about breathing but James Nestor weaves together a story about his adventures which is captivating and enlightening. I enjoyed reading this book and learned quite a few interesting things.

What came across as most interesting was the role of carbon dioxide in breathing. We're all taught to think that oxygen is the most important element when it comes to breathing, however, carbon dioxide plays a critical role as well. Nestor describes it as the divorce agent that pulls oxygen out of our blood cells and into the tissues that need them. Breathing faster then is not desirable since it would reduce carbon dioxide, whereas forgetting to breathe (holding the breath) can increase carbon dioxide which isn't desirable as well. There are more details in the book on how this process works.

All in all a great read, check it out if you get the chance.

"How the World Sees You" by Sally Hogshead is a three parter book which provides a framework for characterizing yourself and others so that you can (hopefully) more easily create, build, and maintain successful relationships. In short, it's mainly a self marketing book. I was hooked enough by the early chapters of Part 1 to check out the book from the library. I wasn't sold on the final two parts of the book. Unfortunately I didn't finish strong on the book.

The Good

• Optimistic and uplifting message
• Great info on self marketing
• Lots of interesting marketing knowledge

The Bad

• I didn't like how the book requires supplementary information for the authors company website.
• Felt the framework provided in part 2 was subjective
• Main points in last two parts of the book don't really require framework in part 2.

Some Key Ideas

• Be more of yourself
• In the marketplace, the three self marketing threats are:
1. Distraction
2. Competition
3. Commoditization
• All personality characteristics can thrive in the right environment
• Do activities that empower your gifts (wellsprings vs quicksand)

Overall not a bad book. Last 2 parts could have been condensed. Worth reading if you'd like to improve your self marketing skills!