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Andrew Grove, Surrounded by Idiots, Notting Hill, Katherine Hampsten, and a Bible Passage

Sunday Supplement #172 (August 25th, 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:

“How well we communicate is not determined by how well we say things but how well we are understood.”

– Andrew Grove

Book of the Week:

Surrounded by Idiots – Thomas Erikson

Thomas Erikson is a behavioral expert, lecturer, and bestselling author. He has worked with executives and managers at companies such as IKEA, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.

Erikson’s book Surrounded by Idiots was published in 2014 in Sweden and has sold over three million copies worldwide.

The Western title of Erikson’s novel, Surrounded by Idiots, almost threw me off from buying it. However, the book quickly explains that the title is intended to show how we can brush people off when we don’t understand them.

Erikson breaks down the four behavior types (Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue) that make up most people and explains how each type of person has different tendencies in how they function.

I found the book extremely practical for learning about yourself and the best ways to communicate with others.

Movie of the Week:

Notting Hill

The Roger Michell directed Richard Curtis written Notting Hill is one of my all-time favorite romantic comedy movies.

The film follows Hugh Grant’s character William Thacker and his life post-divorce as he runs his travel book shop on the famous Portobello Road Market in London, England.

One day, a famous American actress, Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts, enters his shop, resulting in a chance encounter that sparks a bond.

Chances are you’ve heard Notting Hill’s iconic line referenced somewhere, but I won’t spoil it here. The film is a fantastic watch with a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. Check it out.

Brainfood of the Week:

How Miscommunication Happens – Katherine Hampsten | TED-Ed

Katherine Hampsten, Ph. D., is a professor of communication studies at St. Mary’s University. Her papers have received recognition from the National Communication Association.

In this TED-Ed video, Hampsten describes why miscommunication occurs so frequently and how we can minimize frustration while better expressing ourselves.

Hampsten explains how our subjective lenses and perceptual filters continually shift meanings and interpretations in our conversations.

A basic understanding of what happens when we communicate can help prevent miscommunication, and Hampsten goes over four ways to help navigate daily communication.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

– James 1:19

This Bible passage is a good reminder for me to focus on listening and responding rather than blabbing and reacting when communicating.

I think it can be easy to fall into the trap of getting excited about what you want to say or getting bored when someone’s speaking because you want to share something or aren’t fully engaged with the other person.

Sometimes, it may just be a bad conversation, but if we are interested in communicating with others, we need to hold space for understanding.

This also helps regarding the above verse’s call to be slow to anger. If we are looking to understand, we shouldn’t close ourselves off to different points of view.


Seek to understand and be understood in communication, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Antonio Brown, The Way of the Superior Man, Garden State, Angela Lee Duckworth, and a Quran Passage

Sunday Supplement #87 (January 8th, 2023)

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.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“The journey is never-ending. There’s always going to be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.”

– Antonio Brown

Book of the Week:

The Way of the Superior Man – David Deida

I almost didn’t check out this book because of the title, but a friend whose recommendations I trust put The Way of the Superior Man on my radar.

David Deida’s book is a mixed bag for me because some of the language he uses is dated and oversimplifies certain topics.

However, many excellent takeaways from his book share wisdom for communication, relationships, and life purpose.

I recommend The Way of the Superior Man with a grain of salt, but it’s worth the read and has some moments of excellent insight into how to show up and be your best self.

Movie of the Week:

Garden State

Garden State follows a young man who returns home for his mother’s funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade.

The movie has wonderful performances from Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, and Peter Sarsgaard.

Braff wrote, directed, and starred in the 2004 film Garden State during his run on the ABC show Scrubs.

His writer/directorial debut earned a spot at Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury prize.

Brainfood of the Week:

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED Talks

Angela Lee Duckworth is a MacArthur Fellow, New York Times bestselling author, and psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. 

In this TED Talk, Duckworth discusses how she left a consulting job when she was 27 years old to teach seventh graders in a New York public school.

Her experience as a teacher led her to study psychology and search for the qualities that separate people who succeed in their various fields.

Duckworth explains how her studies and analysis led her to the findings that grit was a determining factor in successful individuals.

The six-minute video is certainly worth a watch, and it goes into more detail about the findings of Duckworth’s studies. 

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do not lose heart of despair— if you are true believers, you have the upper hand.”

– Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:139

This passage from the Quran reminds me of the importance of belief. 

Belief doesn’t have to be religion, but faith that things will work out can get you through tough times.

For me, belief and faith don’t have to be blind, but they should be there even in dark times. You can accept the situation and look for opportunities to move forward.

The ability to believe is something truly powerful. It can be misused, but a healthy faith can be one of your best allies.

Give yourself the support you need, cultivate your beliefs, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Nat Turner, When Strangers Meet, 12 Angry Men, Julian Treasure, and Philippians 4:6


Sunday Supplement #28 (November 21st, 2021)

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.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.”

– Nat Turner

Book of the Week:

When Strangers Meet – Kio Stark

Kio Stark has a rich background, including journalism, interactive advertising, community research, and teaching. She is the author of both non-fiction and fiction books and has taught, consulted, and spoken about stranger interactions worldwide.

In When Strangers Meet, Stark argues the benefits of interacting with strangers. The act of talking with someone you don’t know can pull you into experiences that open your world. They can be interruptions that pull you out of your daily routine. It’s up to you how you interpret these experiences.

Stark uses stories from her life and studies about talking to strangers and the dynamics of where, how, and why strangers come together. She explores the deep meaning that can come from these interactions and the necessary connection that occurs when we talk with others. 

Some helpful tips from the book include how we subconsciously decide who to greet and trust and the subconscious rules by which these interactions operate. The book helps open the doors for talking with strangers and gives challenges for those willing to try out the techniques.

The book is a short read and one worth adding to your list. Stark also did a Ted Talks that is worth checking out to see if you would like her work.

Movie of the Week:

12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men follows a seemingly straightforward jury trial that gets held up by a single juror whose skeptical caution forces the group to go over all the evidence again before making a hasty verdict.

The film was nominated for three Oscars but didn’t take home any wins. The Bridge on the River Kwai was the film that took most of the Academy Awards, deservedly so, in 1958, but 12 Angry Men is another brilliant film that lasts the test of time.

Sidney Lumet adapted Reginald Rose’s teleplay into one of the most famous films in movie history. Rose’s screenplay expertly showcased how a one-room drama could be just as riveting as an Action/Thriller. 

What makes the film stand the test of time is the story and the acting. Each actor, led by Henry Fonda, gives a performance that supports the narratives reflecting on judgment and speaking out. Many in the movie did not want to go over the evidence again. They assumed guilt on the accused and were ready to move on with their days. One many took the time to go over the facts with the others and challenge their preconceived notions.

The movie’s power comes from the willingness to go against the norm and to question what seems apparent. The dialogue that ensues carries the story and shows the importance of communicating effectively.

12 Angry Men is a trues classic that ages well and should be on your watch list if you haven’t seen it already.

Brainfood of the Week:

TED Talks: 5 Ways to Listen Better — Julian Treasure

Julian Treasure is a sound and communication expert. His five TED Talks views have been watched more than 100 million times. Treasure’s vision is to integrate speaking and listening skills into education.

In this video, Treasure breaks down how we interpret sound and how that filters into our listening skills. We have subconscious filters like culture, language, values, beliefs, attitudes, explications, and intentions that shape how we pay attention. He argues that accurate listening has disappeared because of impatience, desensitization, and technological advancements that allow presence to be unnecessary.

Treasure then highlights how conscious listening creates understanding. He follows that up with examples and ways of how we can cultivate our listening skills.

This TED Talks video is one of my favorites that I’ve come across. If you enjoy Treasure’s presentation, check out his other videos or his books How to be Heard and Sound Business.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

– Philippians 4:6

This passage from the New Testament reminds me of the power of communicating what’s inside you. The first part states to not be anxious. I believe when you are anxious, a contributing factor is thoughts building up with nowhere to go.

Whenever I’ve shared something I was anxious about with someone else, I’ve found that pressure was lifted. I wasn’t as tense, and I got the nervous feeling out of my head.

The other takeaway from this passage is communicating what you want, need, or desire. The clarity that comes from speaking these things to yourself or others is immense. If you do not let others know how you feel, you leave them to guess at best.

Speaking out about what you want to is a great way to focus on the things you want to attract in your life. Communication is paramount in all relationships, including the one you have with yourself. And for myself, I find writing down my thoughts a great way to get them out if someone else isn’t there to talk.

Clarify a need, want, or desire, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Anaïs Nin, The Once and Future King, Arrival, Malavika Varadan, and Proverbs 3:7

Sunday Supplement #11 (July 25th, 2021)

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.

I hope you take something away from this post that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“And the day came when the risk to remain in a tight bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

– Anaïs Nin, from her poem “Risk”

Book of the Week:

The Once and Future King – T.H. White

T.H. White’s The Once and Future King is based largely on Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. It recounts many classic elements of Arthurian Legend in easy-to-digest prose, unlike some denser books in the same field. 

The book is separated into four parts and starts with a light-hearted telling of The Sword in the Stone but ends with a more sobering look at Arthur experiencing the downfall of his kingdom at the hands of his son Mordred. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the stories of King Arthur. It is a long novel, but since it’s broken into four parts, you can take it in sections and go at your own pace. The stories are wonderfully written and provide vivid descriptions with entertainment and depth. The themes and lessons in the book are rooted in the many fantastical adventures and intense challenges the characters encounter.

The multiple points of view and different storylines from various characters add to the complexity of the narrative.  Many of the stories from the book address issues that are still relevant today. It is a complete work in many different ways and is one that gives the reader a pleasurable and thought-provoking read.

Movie of the Week:

Arrival

Twelve alien spaceships appear around the world, but the reason for their arrival is unknown. A linguist, played by Amy Adams, works with the American military to make initial contact with the lifeforms from one of the ships.

Arrival was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won one— Best Achievement in Sound Editing. The year it was up for the Oscars (2017) had many brilliant films, but this one should not be lost in the mix. It is one of the best Cinematic viewings I’ve had to date. The execution of the screenplay on screen provides a beautiful experience.

The film is based on a short story by Ted Chiang. Chiang won four Nebula awards, four Hugo awards, and four Locus awards for his works. If you enjoy the movie, you should check out his short story collections.

It’s not often that a movie surpasses the bar of entertainment and reaches the heights of unique art. Arrival’s themes fit in too well with modern times but give hope to viewers by the end. Communication is one of the themes at the forefront of the narrative, but how it is explored makes the climax of the film profound.

Every element of the movie is executed to the highest degree. The beauty of the story is brought to life through everyone involved in its making. Even if science fiction is not your genre, this film should be on your list.

Brainfood of the Week:

TEDx Talks with Malavika Varadan on Communication

Malavika Varadan is a radio host, musician, and fitness enthusiast. She cultivated a large fan following on her radio show, reaching over 1.6 million people, and has learned many tips on how to engage in conversation in the process. In this episode on TEDx, Varadan goes over different strategies to support effective communication.

Varadan starts with a description of how conversations are like links in a chain. Each conversation we have with someone adds another link. The strength and power of the chain depend on the conversation, and we can create solid or weak bonds depending on how we communicate with others.

The seven tips Varadan provides are valuable tools to help start a conversation with anyone, establish a connection, and ultimately have a new experience.

A lot of polarities occur between people as a result of miscommunication or not communicating at all. Our words can be misinterpreted, or we might not even be able to connect in a conversation. Varadan’s TEDx Talk addresses these issues and helps give solutions for effectively engaging with others.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Be not wise in thine own eyes.”

– Proverbs 3:7 (Tanakh)

This passage from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is one of my favorite reminders to keep growing and learning. The early books of the Bible can be drastic, but there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom in its pages. 

I like how this quote discusses wisdom and how it shouldn’t be viewed as a personal attribute. It is an example of the continual pursuit of knowledge. I’ve been working on being curious rather than judgmental. The reason for this is because judgment comes from a place of believing you are right. In many cases, we only see the surface of a person or situation and think we know the whole. Curiosity offers a way to learn instead.

I want to continue learning for the rest of my life. I want to continue to be curious when I encounter different people and ideas. Passages like this one are excellent reminders of how to be forever open to growth.

Learn something new, and have a blessed week ahead!

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