Category: Sunday Supplement

Quotes, Books, Movies, Brainfood, and Passages/Prayers.

Culmination of the Sunday Supplements

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 29, 2024

After much consideration, I have decided to take a break from the weekly Sunday Supplements.

While I love compiling these sources of inspiration and sharing them with everyone, I am taking some time to explore my other writing pursuits.

Also, I’m running out of books to suggest! —For now 🙂

That said, I want to make this last Sunday Supplement post a collection of some of my favorite recommendations from the past three and a half years.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your weeks ahead!

Quotes:

“A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.”

– Muhammad Ali

(Sunday Supplement #2) – Theme: Growth

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.”

– Katie Read

(Sunday Supplement #46) – Theme: Self-Care

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

– Maya Angelou

(Sunday Supplement #112) – Theme: Control

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.”

– Robert Urich

(Sunday Supplement #123) – Theme: Health

“It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you don’t stop.”

– Confucius

(Sunday Supplement #128) – Theme: Self-Belief

Books:

The Courage to Be Disliked – Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi

(Sunday Supplement #7) – Theme: Enriching

Atomic Habits – James Clear

(Sunday Supplement #8) – Theme: Habits

The Untethered Soul – Michael Singer

(Sunday Supplement #12) – Theme: Persistency

Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda

(Sunday Supplement #78) – Theme: Change

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

(Sunday Supplement #91) – Theme: Knowledge/Action

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

(Sunday Supplement #189) – Theme: Self-Improvement

Movies:

October Sky

(Sunday Supplement #5) – Theme: Growth

Spirited Away

(Sunday Supplement #25) – Theme: Strength

Amadeus

(Sunday Supplement #40) – Theme: Forgiveness

In the Mood for Love

(Sunday Supplement #61) – Theme: Silence

Thank You For Smoking

(Sunday Supplement #145) – Theme: Choice

Ordinary People

(Sunday Supplement #166) – Theme: Grieving

Brainfood:

Rich Roll’s interview with Jesse Itzler

(Sunday Supplement #3) – Theme: Perspective

David Foster Wallace’s “This is Water” Commencement Speech

(Sunday Supplement #10) – Theme: Appreciation

Miyamoto Musashi – The Path of the Loner — video by Einzelgänger

(Sunday Supplement #20) – Theme: Perseverance

Simon Sinek – The Truth About Being the “Stupidest” Person in the Room

(Sunday Supplement #26) – Theme: Journey

Tony Robbins | The Tim Ferriss Show

(Sunday Supplement #177) – Theme: Adventure

Practicing Gratitude for the Present Moment | Eckhart Tolle

(Sunday Supplement #182) – Theme: Gratitude

Closing Spiritual Passages:

“For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

– Matthew 13:12

(Sunday Supplement #85) – Theme: Abundance

“Even monkeys fall from trees” (猿も木から落ちる)

– Japanese Proverb

(Sunday Supplement #42) – Theme: Passion

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

– Quran 13:11

(Sunday Supplement #134) – Theme: Change

“Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it.”

– African Proverb

(Sunday Supplement #19) – Theme: Honesty

“For those who have conquered the mind, it is their friend. For those who have failed to do so, the mind works like an enemy.”

– Bhagavad Gita 6:6

(Sunday Supplement #80) – Theme: Self-Reflection

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I’m grateful to have been able to share these recommendations each week for the past three and a half years.

If you are interested in checking out a glossary of my Sunday Supplements (here) is the pinned page on my blog that lists all the supplements in order with their recommendations.

I aim to post updates on the main page of my website of any updates on my short story, novel, and screenwriting career as they come in.

I might revisit the Sunday Supplements later on, but until then, thank you, and have many blessed weeks ahead!

Benjamin Franklin, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Field of Dreams, Freedom in Thought, and a Bible Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 22, 2024

Sunday Supplement #189 (December 22nd, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Book of the Week:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen R. Covey

Stephen R. Covey was an educator, author, speaker, and businessman. His highly acclaimed book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, sold over 20 million copies by his death in 2012.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is the culmination of years of research by Stephen Covey into the principles behind stirring positive personal change and achieving effective results.

Covey highlights the importance of focusing on character rather than personality ethics and focusing first on self-improvement as essential to success in interpersonal relationships.

I’ve read many self-improvement and self-help books in my life, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one I’d recommend for your top-shelf.

Movie of the Week:

Field of Dreams

The 1989 film Field of Dreams follows Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella as a mysterious voice prompts him to pursue an unbelievable dream.

Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, Amy Madigan plays his wife, and the brilliant supporting cast includes the likes of James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster.

Field of Dreams was nominated for Best Picture, Best Writing – Based on Material from Another Medium, and Best Music – Original Score in the 1990 Academy Awards.

Some films have a magic quality to them that can lift you up and inspire you. Field of Dreams is one of those movies for me.

Brainfood of the Week:

Miyamoto Musashi – How to Build Self-Discipline | Freedom in Thought

Freedom in Thought is a YouTube channel that breaks down philosophical concepts and explores them through dialogue.

In this video, Freedom in Thought explores the first five principles in Miyamoto Musashi’s Dokkōdō.

Miyamoto Musashi is considered the greatest swordsman in Japan’s history. However, he wasn’t just a master of the sword; he was an artist, a philosopher, and a Buddhist.

I recommend watching the video for valuable tips on building self-discipline. If you enjoy the tips, check out the other Sunday Supplements featuring Musashi or Freedom in Thought.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Pray without ceasing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I was once told that all prayers can be divided into two categories: asking for help and giving thanks.

When I come across this Bible passage, I think of the utility of continuously asking for help and giving thanks.

If we wish to improve our lives, asking for help will create opportunities for us to learn and grow. If we give thanks, we will always attune to the good in our lives.

Praying without ceasing is a good way to consistently reflect on your life and create awareness of the direction in which you want to head.

Continue to better yourself, give thanks, and have a blessed week ahead!

Bruce Lee, The Outsiders, Atonement, Einzelgänger, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 15, 2024

Sunday Supplement #188 (December 15th, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.”

– Bruce Lee

Book of the Week:

The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton

S.E. Hinton began writing the classic novel The Outsiders when she was in high school, and it was published in 1967 when she was 18.

Hinton’s novel follows the conflict between two rival gangs divided by socioeconomic status in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The story is told in first person narrative from the point of view of a young “Greaser” named Ponyboy.

I first read this book in middle school, and it was one of the earliest books in my reading journey that has stuck with me over the years.

Movie of the Week:

Atonement

The 2007 film Atonement chronicles a thirteen-year-old’s accusation that irrevocably changes several lives over the course of six decades.

Christopher Hampton adapted Ian McEwan’s novel, and Joe Wright directed the film. The cast included Kiera Knightley, James McAvoy, a young Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Harriet Walter, Juno Temple, Alfie Allen, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Atonement was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Writing – Adapted Screenplay, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (for Ronan).

I don’t want to spoil anything about the story. It is a movie that is well worth putting on your watch list.

Brainfood of the Week:

5 Ways to Forgive Someone Who Wronged You | Einzelgänger

Einzelgänger’s YouTube channel features videos that explore different people and ideas of history with the aim of inspiring, resonating, and entertaining.

In the video’s introduction, Einzelgänger emphasizes the Viktor Frankl quote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Einzelgänger’s video then explores five healthy ways to forgive and let go based on philosophy and psychology.

I’ve featured several Einzelgänger videos in previous Sunday Supplements. If you enjoyed this video, check out the other posts or his YouTube channel.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“If you offend, ask for pardon; if offended, forgive.”

– African Proverb

This African Proverb is a straightforward reminder for us to forgive others and to seek forgiveness when we have wronged.

However, I think both require awareness and reflection, which isn’t always easy. We can often fall victim to believing our narrative is the only correct one.

Realizing our mistakes and asking for forgiveness can be challenging. We might not receive the forgiveness we seek. But it is important to acknowledge our wrongdoings. It is also important to forgive others to release them and ourselves from the burdens.

Forgive yourself and others when you can, and have a blessed week ahead!

Bryant H. McGill, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, The Conversation, Tim Ferriss, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 8, 2024

Sunday Supplement #187 (December 8th, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”

– Bryant H. McGill

Book of the Week:

Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t – Steven Pressfield

I featured Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art in Sunday Supplement #37. Pressfield is most famous for his novels The Legend of Bagger Vance and Gates of Fire. His life story includes bouncing around jobs, like advertising, tractor-trailer driver, and fruit picker, amidst bouts of homelessness.

Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t is primarily aimed toward writers, but I found it to be an excellent guide for connecting with others.

In chapter four, Pressfield states, “When you understand that nobody wants to read your shit, you develop empathy.” He explains how putting yourself in your reader’s shoes allows you to develop this empathy skill.

The book is short and easy to read. The chapters exemplify the message they impart. Whether you’re a writer or not, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t is an excellent book on how to move past your ego.

Movie of the Week:

The Conversation

The 1975 Academy Awards featured many classic films, including Chinatown, Murder on the Orient Express, Lenny, and The Godfather Part II.

Francis Ford Coppola won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Writing for The Godfather Part II. However, he was also nominated in each of these categories (Original Screenplay for Writing) for his film The Conversation.

The Conversation follows a paranoid surveillance expert as he experiences a crisis of conscience after he suspects the couple he is spying on will be murdered.

Gene Hackman performs brilliantly in the leading role of the surveillance expert, along with a notable supporting role performance from John Cazale.

The Conversation can be overlooked in Cinema history, but it is worth watching for film buffs or moviegoers who enjoy a slow-burn story.

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Negotiate (or, “The Art of Dealmaking”) | Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, top-rated podcaster, and lifestyle blogger. I’ve featured his books, interviews, and quotes in previous Sunday Supplements.

This video is a seven-minute breakdown of Tim’s principles of negotiation. He starts the video by expressing how you have to persuade others in some capacity throughout life.

While listening to others is important, you shouldn’t have to belittle yourself to make someone else feel understood or accepted.

Tim shares many valuable tips in this video and recommends further reading for those interested in the art of negotiation.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“The mouth is the origin of disasters.” (口は災いの元)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb is a fairly straightforward reminder that you should be mindful of what you say because your words might have unintended consequences.

I’m also reminded of how it can be easy to interrupt someone when you have something you want to say rather than actively engaging in listening to what the other person has to say.

What I take away from this proverb is not to rush when conversing with someone. Take time to listen and understand what the other person is saying.

Create space to listen to yourself and others, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Eleanor Roosevelt, The Diamond Age, The Boy and the Heron, Logic, and a Quran Passage

Eleanor Roosevelt, The Diamond Age, The Boy and the Heron, Logic, and a Quran Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 1, 2024

Sunday Supplement #186 (December 1st, 2024)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. That is how character is built.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Book of the Week:

The Diamond Age – Neal Stephenson

I featured Neal Stephenson in one other previous Sunday Supplement. He is a Hugo, Locus, and Clarke-award-winning author whose works have been classified as Science Fiction and Cyberpunk.

The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer is a coming-of-age story about a girl named Nell set in a future where nanotechnology affects all areas of everyday life—the novel deals with themes of artificial intelligence, education, social class, ethnicity, and education.

I only recently read The Diamond Age, and I picked it up because I remembered Neal Stephenson’s work as a truly unique experience.

This novel won both the Hugo and Locus Awards for Best Novel and Best Science Fiction Novel, respectively, and it certainly delivered a unique experience.

Movie of the Week:

The Boy and the Heron

I’ve featured several Studio Ghibli films in previous Sunday Supplements. I continue to highlight the animation company’s work because it is of the highest quality.

The Boy and the Heron was director/writer Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film for the prestigious animation company.

The film is set during World War II in Japan and follows a headstrong boy who ventures into a dreamlike world shared by the living and the dead after the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage.

Check out the Studio Ghibli catalog and pick a movie from their list that calls to you. I believe their films are a special experience that you shouldn’t skip over.

Brainfood of the Week:

Confident Ignorance with Logic and Simon Sinek | A Bit of Optimism Podcast

Logic is a Grammy-nominated platinum-selling rapper, songwriter, New York Times bestselling author, and filmmaker.

Simon Sinek, who I have featured in several previous Sunday Supplements, is a bestselling author and speaker on leadership.

On this episode of Sinek’s A Bit of Optimism Podcast, the two discuss how confident ignorance allows you to acknowledge your deficiencies while creating the opportunity to learn and grow.

I only recently stumbled upon Sinek’s podcast, but I’ve found it to be worthwhile for those interested in listening to an hour-long conversation with leaders across various industries.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so shaken that even the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah’s help come?” Indeed, Allah’s help is [always] near.”

– Surah Al-Baqarah 214

This Quran passage prompts me to reflect on difficult times in my life when it seemed like there would be no relief in sight.

Everyone has their own difficult periods in life, and I believe that relief does eventually come in some way or form.

Navigating these difficult times isn’t easy, but I think the experience we gain from them can help us learn and grow and prepare us to face tough times in the future.

Reflect on your experiences, continue to move forward, and have a blessed week ahead!

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