Daily Musings with Allysia: Recent Episodes
Allysia
Join me Monday-Friday where I muse on books, personal development, and whatever happens to catch my interest, all with the joy of sharing ideas in this strange and short life. Daily Musings can also be found on YouTube. Allysia is a rock musician, entrepreneur, piano teacher, writer, mother and chef (among other things). She runs an online business and YouTube channel (PianoTV), is working on her second album, has self-published on Amazon, and reads voraciously. This podcast and YouTube channel was created to share ideas and thoughts on the many things that catch her interest.
In this episode, I discuss my process for landing on a major after four full semesters of feeling rather wishy-washy about what I'd pursue. I also discuss what philosophy holds for me, and why I enjoy it, while linking it to my love of music and the ultimate quest for truth. Or something like that. Thanks for listening!
Hey all! I wanted to hop on today to talk about an enjoyable book I finished reading by Tim Urban called The Story of Us. In it, topics like political extremism and illiberalism (both sides) are dissected. It's a great read! Here are the blog posts I referred to in the podcast:
Your Life in Weeks — Wait But Why
The Elon Musk Post Series — Wait But Why
The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Part 1 - Wait But Why
Enjoy!
-Allysia
PS: This podcast exists as a video here: https://youtu.be/J40qMLdkgvk
Today's podcast explores a journal prompt about what one's ideal life might be, and the arguments for (and against) using it. The prompt was from Susan Wise Bauer. Hope you enjoy this discussion!
This episode also exists as a video:
https://youtu.be/rNjUbVgwYfE
And be sure to check out the blog:
allyvb.com
This week's episode is about anxiety, a personal anecdote of a recently-developed phobia, exposure therapy/systematic desensitization, and steps I'm taking to ease the anxious burden of life. Thanks, as always, for listening. If you'd like to read the associated blog post, which includes a few reference links, visit here:
https://allyvb.com/2023/02/21/anxiety/
Much love,
-Allysia
In this episode, I explore the idea of craving roots as I get older, tying it in to my current obsession with the idea of planting apple trees (and all kinds of other fruit trees and shrubs, for that matter). I tend to think more in terms of forevers than I used to. Thanks for joining me today!
This episode also exists as a video!
https://youtu.be/i1SE5PjdbAQ
How much can you be separated from your own moment? Does living life to the fullest mean optimizing life and having the highest percentage of good moments? Or is it more about having a full and complete experience? Join me on this weird and short journey, and thanks for hanging out, wherever and whenever you happen to be.
https://allyvb.com/2023/01/31/good-moments-bad-moments/
This year, I read less books because I spent so much time doing university reading. In actuality, I probably read the same, or more, as I usually do. In total, I read 28 books in 2022, and I have four favourites to share with you. For more details, check out the episode and/or the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/26/the-best-books-i-read-in-2022/
This episode also exists as a YouTube video! https://youtu.be/mACpRgN49pM
This episode is about tears. Crying. Good crying, bad crying, and some abstract musings on connecting, and the thin line between bliss and suffering. Thanks for joining me on this strange journey.
Here's the link to the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/24/tears/
It's time to talk about my first year of university! In this episode, I explore my successes and share some advice - with the caveat that I'm not the best or brightest, and that my school is also not ivy-league level. As such, I'm probably not qualified to give advice in this arena. But I'm going to anyway! :)
Here's the blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/17/what-i-learned-from-one-full-year-as-a-university-student/
And here's the YouTube video version of this on my Allysia Marie channel: https://youtu.be/bwE3k7_TTPI
It's time for a year-in-review!
Visit my YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AllysiaMarie
You can read the associated blog post: https://allyvb.com/2023/01/10/2022-groundhog-year/
Today's episode is a podcast-only follow-up to yesterday's discussion on suffering, and why I think it's important to not flinch away from the suffering of others. It's based on this blog post: In Defense of Negativity - (allyvb.com)
Hope you enjoy,
-A
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Suffering is a part of being human. By turning away from it, opting only for what's positive, do we then become less human? Thanks so much for hanging out with me. It's deeply appreciated, as always.
-A
Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
I’m preparing for another semester at university. This time I’ll be dining on a buffet of philosophy classes, three in total, in contrast to my summer meal of three psychology classes. Why am I eating these classes anyway?
It looks to be a lot of reading, but I’m up for it. I love reading! Bring on those six books, existential philosophy class.
This episode is based on my blog post: Blog - (allyvb.com)
Enjoy!
-A
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
I wrote one paper, and now I'm an expert! (Joking, of course.) In today's episode, I share the trials and tribulations - and inspirations! - of writing my first humanities paper. I received a pretty good mark, and though I'm an absolute amateur when it comes to writing college papers, I hope you'll get something useful from this podcast. :)
Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Hey all! Today's episode is a recount of my "30 days of socializing" experiment from July. I set out to hang with someone (or someones) every day in July, to see if I could reclaim some of the supposed joy I had as a teenager, back in the early 2000s when social media didn't exist and hanging out was just a normal part of each day.
-A
Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Another (short) one from the blog! Being myself does not mean being my ideal self. - (allyvb.com)
Today's topic is a little abstract as I attempt to convey a feeling-essence, not the mind-essence, of meaning. Because it is not always about thoughts, and thinking, and mind, right? This one is about imperfect moments (most of them), and just being okay with that imperfection, because such is the juice of life.
-A
Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Today's episode is from the blog: The dream of the 90s. - (allyvb.com)
And, importantly, if you don't know the (ridiculous and silly) reference: The Dream of the 90s is alive in Portland - YouTube
Hope you enjoy today's musings - thanks for hanging out. :)
-A
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Here is the life update as alluded to yesterday!
My plan is to post over the next few weeks on a regular basis, and then decide from there on the next steps. I will be doing a hybrid approach of videos and podcasts (all episodes will be posted on the podcast, but not all podcast episodes will be videos).
Visit the blog -- https://allyvb.com/blog/
Check out the videos -- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Hey all! It has been a minute. Today's episode was inspired by an evening walk and yoga session, but fear not - this episode is not about exercise. It is about happiness! Or, the thing that seems to be a more worthwhile pursuit...awakeness. (awareness? aliveness?)
Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode where I share what I've been up to these months!
-Allysia
In today's episode, I discuss one new goal for the spring quarter (Q2). It's simple, probably obvious, but enormously satisfying - take the evenings off! Put the work (or schoolwork) away and just enjoy life. What a concept, right? :)
Catch me on allyvb.com.
After two long years, I released my second album under The Criminal Kid. It's been over a decade since TCK's first album. Unsurprisingly, this one is a departure - in no small part because it's a solo effort as opposed to a full band thing (though I collaborated with talented musicians.)
You can find information on the album here (including where to stream/purchase it):
https://thecriminalkid.com/dear-disaster-album
Thanks for listening!
In the first interview I've ever done on this channel, I have a conversation with my long-time friend and fellow entrepreneur David Roman. He runs Roman Empire Studios, where he does all kinds of audio projects for people, including mastering the tracks on my upcoming album. He's also a great musician and producer! Check out his project Femme Fragile and new single "Bitter": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_w6P9AP5ho
This episode is part of a longer conversation, which you can check out over on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjUGPhstpT8
The track we mention collaborating on many years ago (Sleep in the Ocean) can be found here: https://davidroman.bandcamp.com/track/sleep-in-the-ocean
In today's episode, I share some updates on how university is going for me, and reflect on my previous challenges with school (notably, how terribly I did in high school). I share some tips for how to manage myriad responsibilities, and how to be a good student on top of it all. Enjoy!
www.allyvb.com
Today's episode is a life update over on my PianoTV channel. The Criminal Kid music video for All Your Words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCoEzU53V-U To stay up-to-date, sign up for my mailing list over at http://pianotv.net/.
In today's episode, I talk about my experience with waking up at 5am for the last two months. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
My personal website: https://allyvb.com
Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic
"Persephone" music video by The Criminal Kid: https://youtu.be/qpuvf5yX-EY
"Persephone" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4blmJ3nc6eTDMNuZvZfl5a
TCK on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic/
In today's episode, I share some ideas for what I want the year to look like. What are your plans? Do you have a word of the year?
https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
My personal website: https://allyvb.com
Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface
and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic
For the last 6ish years, I've made the goal to read 52 books a year because I love reading. This habit has enriched my life in more ways than I can count, and I expect to read voraciously the rest of my life. Enjoy, and happy new year!
My personal website: https://allyvb.com
Visit me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/allysiaface
and https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic
In today's episode, I muse on the idea of truth, and the most reliable method to uncover it. How do you know if you, or your group, holds a false belief?
Enjoy, and happy holidays!
A simple idea I've been mulling over which you also might find useful - the idea of "detail obsession" being several steps past "enthusiasm" when it comes to your interests, talents and passions. Where do you obsess on the details? Where do you experience the least resistance to this detail focus?
Visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
I've been working on my own music lately - specifically the part about getting it out into the world. Here are 10 things I've been working on (or want to work on) in this process. Enjoy!
Follow me on Spotify to be notified when I release new music! https://open.spotify.com/artist/2r7pS4I5hmUlVOon82Kzwp?si=uLz8tJskT3Km_QVWwASyHg
TCK on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecriminalkidmusic/
TCK on YouTube: http://youtube.com/thecriminalkidcanada
Link mentioned in video: release.cdbaby.com (album timeline generator)
Today I discuss where my creative instincts are pulling me - toward non-daily content so I can really deep-dive topics that fascinate me. It could be great, and it could be a total bust. Despite your best intentions, where is your creativity tugging you?
Visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode is my final spin-off discussion from Chris Bailey's book Hyperfocus.We'll discuss what our major distractors are, and explore some ideas on how to stay more focused. Not just to be more productive, but to have a better life.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's exercise is from Chris Bailey's book Hyperfocus. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Over the last few days, my province has implemented a "vaccine passport" system for entering restaurants, gyms, and a few other places, so I figured this would be a good opportunity to explore the history of vaccine mandates, the murky ethical territory of freedom restriction vs. the freedom of health, and other questions arising from this pandemic. I am not a health care professional, I'm just a random person, so please question everything I say and do your own research. This is critically important.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode came about while I was researching polio and got sidetracked. I find the topic of pandemics fascinating, so expect more in the future!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode is a simple tip in theory - but it can be a challenge to actually do! Take breaks. Put away your phone when you're in line. Don't try to fill every moment of your day. Space allows your genius to appear and for perspective to be gained.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
In today's episode, I share 12+ books that my toddler has requested dozens of times. She started some of these books when she was 2.5, and now her books have increased in complexity at age 3.5. Most of these books would be great for children aged 3-5 years. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode is about pain and suffering. Fun topic, right? The thing is, we can't avoid pain in life, but we can largely avoid suffering - and that's what we'll get into today.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Here is an overview of how yesterday's election played out - a mix of facts and opinions from a random person in the prairies who just likes to read. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
This is the longest Daily Musings episode to date as I discuss how Canadian elections work, and some details about today's campaign. If you're Canadian, go vote!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode discusses three types of attentional focus (or lack thereof) that are worth developing and cultivating. I'm terrible at #3!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
Today's episode is about relating to yourself like you would to your own best friend. We tend to be really mean to ourselves (aren't we the meanest to those closest to us?), and this is a relationship dynamic I've been working on changing. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
We think productivity is all about the left-brain stuff, but humans are primarily emotional beings, so I think some of the biggest productivity gains come from managing emotions. Keeping balanced emotionally is the biggest area for me where I stand to gain. I've probably spent accumulated months feeling pain about something I blew out of proportion, when I could've been enjoying life. Negative experiences, pain, it's gonna happen - why prolong the pain by creating a story about how that pain defines you or the other person?
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
One of my shameful habits of both the distant and recent past is ... smoking cigarettes. I picked up the habit again around Covid time after a long hiatus, and I've managed to be smoke-free for the last month. In this episode I share what that experience has been like. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/c/allysiamarie
...That's cool, because most people do. Consider themselves above average, that is. And aye, there's the rub. Today's exercise lets us practice some good old-fashioned honest self-assessment. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
I've been using the "story" frame for my life for quite some time, and though this has led to many a priceless memory, it's also led to plenty of pain and conflict. The "game" frame feels healthier and more congruent with living a happy life. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
Hey friends! It's nice to be back after a summer break. In this episode I share what I spent my summer doing, and I encourage you to conduct your own simple summer review - and think about the three big things you'd like to do by the end of the year.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYHONTStDH5RxMUqZ8NESA
How do you find peace as an artist? When being an artist is your nature, and an artist's nature is akin to a storm, how does the storm find peace while still being true to its stormy nature? Or maybe, as always, the metaphors I live by are broken.
Hey friends, it's been a hot minute! Today I wanted to share something I wrote today, thoughts on how love is hard, and how the things I love doing most are hard. But love is really the only thing that's real.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Help wanted! I'm trying to make the decision whether or not to move on from my old existing band name (The Criminal Kid) to my regular ol' name, or to some kind of stage name. In planning for my album release, this is a question I need to decide! Thanks for joining today, and stay tuned for episodes Monday to Friday. :)
In today's episode, we'll get personal with finance - how I made mistakes and got into debt, and how I would've done things differently. Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Today's musing is a thought exercise that I find very productive in creating gratitude and immediate joy, even though it's a little counter-intuitive. What if your current situation (whatever you're dissatisfied with) never changed? Interestingly, I have found this to be the way out of not only the feeling of dissatisfaction, but out of dissatisfying situations themselves. Enjoy!
Negative visualization comes from Stoicism, and it's a gratitude practice where you imagine what life would be like without a precious thing (or person), especially if it's something you often take for granted.
Join me for daily episodes!
How could I forget gardening? Today I discuss my myriad hobbies, why I need them to stay sane and avoid overwork, and how I fit them in without stressing. Enjoy, and thanks for joining me! :)
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
In today's issues I discuss the pros and cons of scheduling (and not scheduling), and how I've been thinking about scheduling lately. I hope you'll join me!
New episodes Monday-Friday, so stick around. :)
All of us artists and creators, I suspect, feel resistance to the act of creating art - even though it's often a joyous, meaningful experience when we do. Today I discuss this resistance, and a couple of reasons why it tends to come up - and how to cope with it. Enjoy! :)
It's deeply satisfying to grow something with your own hands, or bake your own bread, or (I presume) starting your own fire. I didn't grow up with these experiences in a direct way, but I find much joy in exploring self-sufficiency in adulthood, for no good reason besides the fun of it all.
Stay tuned for episodes Monday to Friday!
Today's episode is a continuation of a chat on Charlotte Mason's book "Ourselves", this time focusing on heart-centered virtues. I discuss the joys and pitfalls of each virtue, all in a quest to get a better perspective on good living.
Stay tuned for episodes Monday-Friday!
Hey friends! Today's episode is a continuation on yesterday's ideas on intellectual development. This episode was a lot of fun for me, exploring the benefits and "daemons" of imagination and reason, the two critical faculties of intellect, as well as our various intellectual desires and how they spring us forward - but lay traps for us too.
Stay tuned for episodes Monday to Friday!
I've been devouring Charlotte Mason's education series, but her fourth book in the series, "Ourselves", is not about education at all - at least, not in the traditional sense. It turns to the subject of character growth and development and explores how to be a virtuous, intelligent and well-rounded person. I'll be talking about her ideas here throughout the week, and we'll start by discussing the House of Mind (others being Body, Heart and Spirit), the different areas of study and intellectual development, and the traps we can get stuck in along the way.
Thanks for joining, and subscribe for new episodes Monday-Friday!
Today's episode was a request, and I dive into how I retain things (or not) from the things that I read. It's a learning process for me as well, and there's plenty to talk about when it comes to books and reading!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Mornings are the best! I'm endlessly fascinated by other people's morning routines, so I thought I'd share my own here as I've recently hit on something that's been consistently feeling great. Enjoy, and wishing you good mornings to come!
Another book commentary! This book from the early 90's is still quite relevant, and a lot of the early research on children and television that the author discusses has been heavily explored in modern times, since "screen time" has certainly not decreased since the 90s. Here I share my main takeaways from the book. Thanks for joining me!
I read a lot, and I like to talk about what I read! Recently, I picked up the book Fluent Forever, which has gotten me all hyped up to learn French. I'll discuss this system and share my opinion on if it seems worth a try!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
It's a Covid third wave, so I'm home with my daughter these days. Today I wanted to talk about what those days look like in some detail, and how I manage to squeeze in work during the days (read: it doesn't happen much). Thanks for joining me!
In today's episode, I ask the question: are all artists a little bit egotistical? There is some truth to be found there, but I found more upon taking a deeper look. Join me for this exploration! :)
I don't claim to be a skilled parent - I'm a first-timer with a three-year-old and feel very little authority on the subject of parenting. However, there are some things that seem to work well in our household. My daughter and I have a good relationship with chores, and I'm not just being biased; her daycare provided has expressed how she "loves to help". In this episode, I share some ideas on how I get my toddler involved in chores and how it's a painless, normal, and sometimes even fun part of our lives.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
In today's episode of Daily Musings, I share four question a friend of mine shared. These questions are a good starting point for goal-setting, as they explore where your heart is at. Too often we set left-brained goals that sound good on paper, but don't reach our hearts. I think this is a big reason why we don't achieve our goals!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
In today's podcast-only episode, I wanted to share with you my notes, thoughts and quotations from Alan Watt's book "What is Tao?". He's one of my favorite philosophers, and this tiny book is very clear and interesting.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Today I just wanted to sit down and have a conversation on what life's been like lately with local lockdowns and balancing (read: not balancing) work life with toddler life. Thanks for hanging out with me! :)
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
A decade ago, I was 25. I recorded my first album with my band titled "These Blue Walls Are Faking Freedom", which expressed some angst of growing up and losing the fire of my younger self. But more than that, it was a moment I woke up and remembered I was alive. I reflect on these "waking up" experiences in this podcast-only episode, and share an imperfect excerpt from my band's journal from that winter in the studio.
Many of us have had to deal with a low hum of anxiety in our lives during the pandemic - here are some things I've learned about reducing that hum.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
What is your relationship with money? And why does it matter? I explore this question in my own life, as I try to redefine my dysfunctional relationship with this obligatory fiction in our strange reality.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I've officially been an entrepreneur since 2014 - in this recording, I share my journey, trials, tribulations and joys, reflecting on the experience of running a business and working for myself.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
In order to solve problems, it's useful to have a variety of frames on hand, just like you want a variety of tools in your toolbelt. However, we tend to get really attached to the tool of logic, to the detriment of our sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Sometimes I have to thank Past Allysia for her tendency to get really absorbed into one interest or another. Sometimes the curiosity doesn't lead anywhere, but following my curiosity with intensity is a key component of creating a ton of content.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
A new season is here, and with it, a new round of planning! Join me for the process of planning the next 90 days, a process I've been doing for the better part of a decade. :)
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Today's episode is about the benefit of speaking - conversationally, or as per these episodes - as a way to properly learn a topic. Charlotte Mason calls this "narration". Enjoy!
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Table Topics is a fun speech game played at Toastmasters, but why leave the fun there? In this episode, I try a couple of table topics of my own, and invite you to play along.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I love playing around with different frames and thought explorations - ways to think outside the box about yourself, others, and life itself. Today's fun frame is along gaming lines - what kind of RPG character would you be? I'm torn between a cleric and a druid.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
A short idea today from the Charlotte Mason books I've been reading: Introspection is detrimental when it's focused on difference of self, and beneficial when it focuses on what connects us.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
One of my favorite, empowering ideas of the moment is that of being the author of your own story. How things that we see as impossible, other people see as their regular life. How things that we take for granted, other people see as impossible, a high feat of achievement. What scripts are you reading that aren't your own?
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
For some fun today, I thought I'd share 10 things I've been enjoying lately - from food to books and beyond. This is a "List of 10 things" as per the March 9th episode. I hope you enjoy it! :)
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Over the past month and some change, I've been dedicating about 20-25 hours per week to self-education, which so far has been an incredibly fun and challenging blend of research and writing. Here are my thoughts on that experience, with some ideas on unschooling and education in general.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Inspired by James Altucher, I've gone through phases of making "10 ideas" lists for a few years, and I find it to be a worthwhile and enjoyable habit (better than sudoku!). In meta fashion, I outline my top 10 reasons I recommend making a daily list of 10 ideas.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
In forming lasting memories, experiencing novelty is key. However, during the pandemic, novelty is hard to come by. Here are some of my ideas that you can experience novelty now with little or no cost.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Today's episode is a tip from a friend who is a coach and meditation expert, who encouraged me to experience my feelings in their physical terms. What does anger feel like in the body? And what role does resistance versus acceptance play?
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I've read two books by Tim Ferriss recently that have provided a ton of insights: Tribe of Mentors and Tools of Titans. In today's episode, I discuss how character traits aren't set in stone and how there are many paths to success - it's all about experimentation.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
One of my quarterly goals of this year is to "de-frag" my brain. I make all kinds of mental errors which cause me to be subject to my moods ("someone doesn't like me, therefore I'm unlikeable", or, "if I don't create something valuable, I'm not valuable as a person", or, "if this isn't an amazing song/blog post/video then I'm no good", and on and on). I explore one of these issues - the addiction to approval - in today's episode.
Book: Feeling Good (David Burns)
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Today's episode is my first podcast-only talk, and I was fairly embarrassed to record it. Last year, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, I was scammed out of a lot of money. I share this story as a way to practice courage, but more importantly, to connect with you.
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I want to make a big poster of this phrase and stick it where I'll see it multiple times a day. Doing what's reasonable is often a trap that leads to mediocrity and maintaining the status-quo. Being unreasonable is where the big ideas are, and where the growth lives.
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I had a teacher in high school who inspired me by sharing the message, which I live by to this day, "question everything".
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
There are two main phases in the creative process: actual creation, and the phase that looks like doing nothing at all. I discuss this second phase in the video, and how allowing time and space to your creative and business projects is what allows them to grow. Creation isn't a constant grind; it's a process of tuning in and tuning out.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
One of my favorite exercises from Julia Cameron's legendary book "The Artist's Way" is her idea of having a weekly "Artist Date". In today's episode, I discuss why this is such a great idea that allows you to reconnect with fun.
101 artist date ideas: https://theartistswayblog.wordpress.c...
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The way I nourish my mind with ideas is by having great conversations and by reading books. The former is fabulous because it's an active discovery process where you collaborate on your mutual discoveries.
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My baby girl is three! I share some thoughts on parenting while she quietly sat in the room with me, before deciding that it would be more fun to go play with balloons downstairs.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
It isn't easy or particularly pleasant to face your flaws - so I find framing your flaws dramatically, as though you're a character in a story, a way to gain a degree of separation and reflect on yourself more realistically. What's your fatal flaw?
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
Sometimes stepping away from your business (or other creative project) can seem like procrastination. And sometimes it is procrastination. But there's also a benefit in stepping back to see the bigger picture by focusing on something completely different.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I decided to switch up my daily routine and do something totally different, something that felt fun and inspiring - researching and writing from 6am-12pm every day. Here are some thoughts on that total shift of tempo.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
As a creative person who does her best work with large blocks of uninterrupted time, email has been a challenge for me for years, especially as my business has grown. I share my frustrations here, and some solutions I've tried in order to make email fit into my life.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
"If you're not paying for the product, you are the product." Social media and internet usage fragments focus, which I'm passionate about defending. The ability to focus for long periods is crucial for any creative person, which is basically every person.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I took a week off from my digital life to re-connect with real life. In this episode, I share what the experience of completely disconnecting from the internet was like.
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Focus is one of the best skills any creative person can develop or hone, especially as it becomes increasingly rare in our modern world. These are some tips for sharpening the saw.
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For at least the last six years, I've read an average of 52 books per year. Reading a book each week is one of the best habits I've ever adopted, and has improved my life in almost every conceivable way. Here are some of my top tips on reading more!
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If habits become your life, then setting yourself up with good habits is one of the most important and foundational things you can do.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
One of my weaknesses is consistency. I tend to live in bursts, with a flurry of energy on whatever project it is I'm embarking on, followed by more passive periods. In this episode, I explore the habit of consistency.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/
I'm not always great at managing my priorities, especially when I'm making quick decisions on the fly. So I decided to create my own priorities chart, ranking life categories in order of importance.
Subscribe for episodes Monday-Friday, and visit me on YouTube! https://allyvb.com/dailymusings/