Each day, the Two Minute Du Jour blog posts include two links du jour for you to explore. You’ll find a categorized list below so you can easily go back to the links that intrigued you. Enjoy discovering new resources!
Attention Spans
Why Our Attention Spans are Shrinking – American Psychological Association – https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans
10 Reasons Why People Tune You Out – Boost Your Communications Influence and Be Heard – Inc. Magazine
Backyard Discoveries
Finding Joy in Your Back Yard – YouTube interview by Constant Wonder (BYU Radio) with Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club
Backyard Exploration Guidebook: 5 Ways to Explore Your Backyard – Indianapolis Children’s Museums
Books
In the Great Green Room by Amy Gary – a biography of Margaret Wise Brown
The Upstairs House by Julia Fine – a fictional account of new motherhood and postpartum depression that pays homage to Margaret Wise Brown
A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage – and now a Fox Nation series with Dan Akroyd
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen – Interview with author David Brooks – PBS
The Wives, a memoir by Simone Gorrindo, takes place in Columbus, Georgia, while her husband is stationed at Fort Benning – Simon and Schuster
A prolific historical fiction writer by Kristin Harmel
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Let It Be Easy by Susie Moore
Facing Death: Spirituality, Science and Surrender at the End of Life by Brad Stuart, MD
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
NPR’s Book of the Day is a tremendous resource for building your TBR list — it’s how I found Wild Thing by Rae Wynn-Grant.
Learn more about Rae Wynn-Grant and her memoir Wild Thing: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World.
Brainstorming
Mind Maps are wonderful tool for connecting the dots. This link offers a guide to effective brainstorming.
It’s been awhile since I’ve used Miro, but recall it was an easy, productive and fun way to capture ideas and create action plans.
Spend two minutes doodling or sketching as a creative outlet – choose a colorful Sharpie or two or some Prismacolor pencils
Civility
14 Ways to Have Better Mondays – Simon Sinek
9 Ways to Make Any Monday Amazing – Inc. Magazine
An excerpt from All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Civility Reading List compiled by Institute for Civility, a non-partisan § 501(c)(3) non-profit
Core Values
Get Clarity on Your Most Important Principles – Robert Glazer
Correspondence
Deltiology – A History of Picture Postcards
Greetings from the Smithsonian: A Postcard History
Creativity
Being Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being – National Institute of Health/National Library of Medicine
Destinations
Duke’s – Waikiki
Panama Friendly Nations Visa – Kraemer & Kraemer
Guide to Birding in Central America – White Hawk Tours
If you want to visit, check out Katherine’s Airbnb listing for Altos del Maria in the mountains of Panama
The Boathouse at Disney Springs – A respite from the crowds with outstanding food, including fresh seafood and Chicago’s famed steaks from Gibsons.
JB’s Fish Camp in New Smyrna – The last time the McKinney family dined here was in 2000; the place is as kitschy as ever, and the food is outstanding.
Waffle House in Davenport, Fla. – What can I say, it’s not a trip to the South without breakfast at the Waffle House; I love the grits! Perfect for Mother’s Day with friends.
The Eastern Market in Detroit is full of food stands, retail and more. It’s a year-round farmers market, and then some! USA Today has nominated it for a 2024 Top 10 Public Market.
Motown Museum – you’ll leave singing and dancing (one of my joys!).
Belle Isle Conservancy – a 982-acre island park located in Detroit with historic, environmental, and cultural resources that have been beloved for generations. The park is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Nature Center, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, and more!
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) – always a delight to visit.
The Henry Ford Museum – on the agenda for our weekend in Detroit.
Hop Cat, a Michigan favorite with locations throughout the state – I like the Madtown Grilled Cheese – Dill Havarti, smoked gouda & muenster cheese on sourdough with apple slices, garlic aioli & honey. Served with a cup of our roasted red pepper gouda bisque.
Mootz Pizzeria in downtown Detroit, order the Bee Sting, it’s simply amazing!
Energy Medicine
Shamanism Demystified: Enhance Overall Wellness Through Shamanic Healing — Forbes
Energy Medicine: The Four Winds Society – Luminous Warrior documentary debuts June 7, 2024
Family Rituals
5 questions for Anne Fishel, a family therapist who helped launch The Family Dinner Project.
The Family Dinner Project – This nonprofit organization helps parents serve up robust conversation and connection during regular family meals.
Active for Life – “7 Benefits of Coaching Your Child’s Team“: This article outlines the benefits of coaching your child’s sports team, such as developing new skills, expanding your social network, and learning life lessons. I wish I had found this a year ago!
Food, Nourishment & Recipes
Recipes that Lean into Fall this September – The Spruce Eats
For more ideas with holiday leftovers, check out Fit Men Cook.
Good old Amazon offers a good selection of vintage cookbooks, including Recipes and Recollections from Terrace Hill.
The Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe
Delish shares 10 fun facts about Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Coca-Cola Company History — Since its birth at a soda fountain in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886, Coca‑Cola has been a catalyst for social interaction and inspired innovation.
From scenic rooftops to cozy gardens, explore the best of outdoor dining in the U.S. and Canada – Open Table
The ultimate patio guide: 60 all-star patios in the Twin Cities – Star Tribune
Friendship
4 Tips to Stay Connected When Your Friends Live Far Away – NPR’s Life Kit
Reconnecting With Old Friends – Prepare to be Surprised – LKN Magazine (Lake Norman, N.C.)
Freedom
Discover True Freedom, Super States with Hypnotherapist Joshua Peters, Practices of Trance-formation
How is Personal Freedom Connected to Your Personal Development and What Does it Mean to be Free? – Brainz Magazine
Get Moving
Do jumping jacks – Livestrong has a great post on the benefits 2-minute cardio with Lizzie Williams – This one is for stress and anxiety relief
Get Hip Pain When Walking? Try These 5 Physio-Approved Strengthening Exercises – Stylist
Yoga for Men – YouTube video with Tim Senesi
Pilates with LindyWell – a reader recommendation
Goals
The Magic of Committing to a Specific Goal by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.
Growth
The Growth Guide – How to Map Your Own Path – Washington Post
Habits
Habits and Rituals – A Day in the Life of Albert Einstein – A Brilliant Mind, writing and productivity boost for scientists
3-2-1 Newsletter – a weekly newsletter on Thursdays – Each message includes 3 short ideas from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, 2 quotes from others, and 1 question for you to ponder
Get Back on Track: 7 Strategies to Help You Bounce Back After Slipping Up – James Clear, author of Atomic Habits
Hope
Jacob Wetterling Resource Center – Founded to educate and assist families and communities to address and prevent the exploitation of children
Dear Jacob, A Mother’s Journey of Hope by Patty Wetterling with Joy Baker
Hospitality
Sign up for RSVPify, an online service that handles all the details
Hypnosis
Glenn Harrold is an internationally renowned hypnotherapist with various free and subscription tracks. I found great value in his sleep track.
From self-doubt to unstoppable confidence, Joshua Peters, X-Factor Hypnosis, is an extraordinary hypnotherapist who helps you uncover your hidden talents, find clarity of purpose, and become your best self!
Discover True Freedom, Super States with Hypnotherapist Joshua Peters, Practices of Trance-formation
Joy, Meaning & Purpose
Finding Meaning in What One Does Pew Research
Does purpose play a positive role in mental health? Mayo Clinic
“Want to Give Your Life More Meaning? Think of It As a ‘Hero’s Journey” Time Magazine
Harvard Business Review – “You Don’t Find Your Purpose — You Build It“: This article discusses how individuals can discover and develop their strengths and purpose over time.
Joseph Campbell and The Hero’s Journey
3 Simple Ways to Cultivate Joy Every Day – Mindful – Healthy Mind, Healthy Life
FindingJoy.net – a website dedicated to intentional living and seeking joy in life, specifically in motherhood and empowerment for women – Rachel Marie Martin, author of The Brace Art of Motherhood.
Read an inspiring quote and reflect on its meaning – USA Today published a wonderful list
Learning a Foreign Language
Funny, gamified, and easy to use, check out Duolingo – I have the Super plan (ad free), and have sampled the Max plan, which offers AI-generated conversations and detailed explanations.
For even more online learning options, Wired Magazine has a detailed overview.
Learn a new word and find a way to use it in conversation –Merriam-Webster has a word-of-the-day calendar
Legacy
Breadcrumb Legacy™: How Great Leaders Live A Life Worth Remembering by Jann Freed, Ph.D.
The Radical Woman Behind “Goodnight Moon” – New Yorker Magazine
Goodnight Moon has Comforted Kids at Bedtime for 75 Years — NPR
Life Coach
Susie Moore’s Daily Six-minute Podcast
Susie Moore’s Book Let It Be Easy
Lifelong Learning
September is the Adult Version of Back to School in the Workplace: Here’s How to Succeed – Forbes
Collegiate Empowerment – a nonprofit, for-purpose educational production company hell-bent on Helping College Students, Parents & Families, and Higher Ed Profs Get What They Want & Need
This 96-year-old High Schooler Proves You’re Never Too Late to Learn Something New – The Muse
From Curiosity to Success: Why We All Should Embrace Lifelong Learning – Mississippi State University
Growing Up Past 50 – Is there yet another level? – Psychology Today
Loneliness
We Don’t Need to Cure Loneliness – Dr. Jeremy Nobel, author of Project UnLonely – Solving our Crisis of Disconnection, emphasizes the importance of knowing when and how to connect with others.
Campaign to End Loneliness—Sheffield Hallam University—Experts in the field of loneliness and connection since 2011, their vision is that everyone can live a life free from chronic loneliness.
Mental Health
How Meditation Helps Stop Overthinking – Mindworks
The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell
What is Overthinking and How Can I Stop Overthinking Everything? – GoodRx Health
How to Help Someone with Anxiety – Johns Hopkins
Coping with Panic Attacks – Mercy Care
Mindfulness
How Busy Working Parents Can Make Time for Mindfulness – Mindful.org
Mindset
The Mindset Mentor podcast by Rob Dial
How to Fix Monday Mindset – Imperfect Life Balance – Overcoming Working Mom Struggles
Morning Person or Night Person
Night Owls vs Early Birds – 9 Science-backed Differences – Lull
Waking Up Early Isn’t Necessarily Better – Time Magazine
Morning Person vs Night Person Psychology: Can a Night Owl Become an Early Bird? – The Science Times
Movies
Podcast: Ava Duvernay’s New Film Origin Reaches Beyond the Theater Next Question with Katie Couric
NPR: With ‘Origin,’ Ava DuVernay illuminates America’s racial caste system
Napping/Sleep
The Scientific Guide to Napping – Vox
What is a Siesta? and Personalized Sleep Profile – Sleep Foundation
Orchids
Tips for Growing Healthy Orchids – Bachman’s
Paper Wasps
Can Paper Wasps and Humans Live Together in Peace? – The World’s Best Gardening Blog
Learn about Paper Wasps – Clemson University
Pecha Kucha
Learn how to create a Pecha Kucha presentation.
Pets
Leopard geckos make great pets – How to care
The care and keeping of leopard geckos.
Is This the Best Time to Adopt a Pet? Humane Society of Missouri
Wondering if Your Pet is Happy? They’re Already Telling You – The Washington Post
Photography
iPhone Photography School – YouTube
Phone Photography 101 – How to Take Good Pictures with Your Mobile Device – Hubspot
Productivity
Get More Done in 90 Minutes than Most People Do All Day – Marie Forleo’s Focus Video (a real-time work session)
Learn More About the Pomodoro Technique
Questions for Self Reflection
A Few Questions by Morgan Housel – New York Times Bestselling author of The Psychology of Money and Same As Ever.
99 Self-reflection Questions for Personal Growth – The Good Trade
Regrets
What is the Power of Regret – A Conversation with Daniel Pink – Behavioral Scientist, author of The Power of Regret – How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward
World Regret Survey – More than 19,000 people in 105 countries have participated in Daniel Pink’s research. This takes about three minutes to complete.
Relationships
How to Know a Person, The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks, author of The Road to Character – Penguin Random House
Drug and Alcohol Use Among Teens – A Parent’s Guide – YourTeenMag.com
Reunions
10 Tips for Enjoying Your Class Reunion — Guideposts
Seasons
Five Prayers for the End of Summer – Guideposts
Self Care
Embrace Self-Care: September’s Guide to a Better You – September is Self-Care Awareness Month
Simplicity
The Four Laws of Simplicity and How to Apply Them to Life – Zen Habits
Real Simple magazine – a go-to source for practical, useful and clever solutions to make every aspect of your busy life easier
Spirituality
Facing Death: Spirituality, Science and Surrender at the End of Life by Brad Stuart, MD
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning Has Ancient Origins: Here’s Why We Still Do It (National Geographic)
Pust: An Ancient Festival To Chase Away Winter (BBC)
State Fairs
“Nothing Compares” the 2024 Iowa State Fair campaign and how it compares to the Minnesota State Fair – Bring Me The News
“A Rat’s Paradise” from Charlotte’s Web – the classic book and movie offer lovely state fair scenes.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair – premiered in Des Moines, Iowa, in August 1945 – Turner Classic Movies
These Recipes All Earned Blue Ribbons at the State Fair, So You Know They’re Good – Midwest Living
State Fair Recipes – Blue Ribbon Blog
Strengths
Clifton StrengthsFinder 2.0 – Gallup
Stress
Stress vs. Responsibility – Podcast Episode 668 – Let It Be Easy with Susie Moore
The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, PhD
Tao
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff – A book that uses Winnie the Pooh to explore Taoism’s principles, including “wu wei” (effortless action); check out an animated book summary by Upgraded Mentality
Tao Te Ching—Poetry In Translation provides modern translations of this ancient Chinese classic about the natural way of life.
Travel
In Praise of Anticipation – Psychology Today
Why We All Need to Travel – AdaRose, a woman-owned business that moves employee programming from stress to success
Tips for Keeping that Post-vacation Feeling – New York Times
Why am I so sad after vacation? How to deal with post-vacation depression — Thriveworks
Volunteerism and Community Support
Helping Out: How American Volunteerism is Changing and Why – AP News
Helping People, Changing Lives – 3 Benefits of Volunteerism – Mayo Clinic
What to know about Memorial Day and the meaning behind it – Axios
Donating to help veterans – American Red Cross
Wounded Warrior Project – Honor the fallen with a gift to support the wounded — Thanks to a generous matching gift from USAA, your Memorial Day donation will be matched $1-for-$1 up to $250,000 to help wounded warriors whose lives have been forever changed.
DAV—The DAV collects gently used items from donation pickups to donate to veterans and their families. It then sells these items in its thrift stores to raise money and fund other services such as free rides for medical appointments, job training for civilian employment, VA reform legislation, and more.
Walking
The Health Benefits of Daily Walks With Your Dog – HelpGuide.org is an independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s leading mental health websites.
Weekends
11 Weekly Journal Prompts for an Effective Weekend Reset Filling The Jars – Decluttering + Intentional Living for the Overwhelmed Overthinker
11 Charities that Offer Free Donation Pick Up – The Meat Movers
How to Decide What to Keep or Toss When Decluttering – The Spruce
Yoga
“Yoga for Beginners” with Adriene Mishler—a warm welcome into yoga’s world.
“Intermediate Yoga Flow” with Kassandra Reinhardt is for those ready to deepen their practice.
Yoga for Men – YouTube video with Tim Senesi
Disclaimer: The links curated on this page are provided for informational purposes only and were live at the time of posting. Please note that the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the views, information, products or services provided or held by such websites. I do not necessarily read their full content or continually monitor any updated content these sites may have posted. Additionally, I am not affiliated with these sites nor do I receive any form of compensation for including them here.
Two Minutes Du Jour 