Conversations with My Brain Squirrel
Ep.4
50 Questions on my 50th Birthday
That my friends is a putting on the BIG GIRL PANTIES number. I asked my Facebook friends for 50 questions to answer on my 50th birthday. Well that day is TODAY. I made it to a half century. The girls may have settled on the rib cage beach and the rest of me is softer and squishier. BUT, I've also grown more loving, kind, while becoming less judgmental.
I'm not going to lie and say middle age is all sunshine and roses. DO NOT get me started on peri-menopause, gray eyebrows, and having pimples collide with wrinkles.. What it is, is freeing. It's having zero cares about "all the things". It's about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing yourself and refusing to fade into the woodwork.
Middle age is a renaissance.
It's a time of re-creation, evolution, growth, and sometimes personal revolution.
I was asked a whole variety of questions from secrets to a long-lasting marriage, parenting tips, and what my bucket list is. I answered with no script completely from the hip.
Enjoy! I look forward to hearing your feedback.
Images are Wikicommons.
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Conversations with My Brain Squirrel
Episode 3
How Podcasting Prepared Me
Every wondered why you can't think straight these days? I doubt it's really ADD, hormones, or simple distractedness. Through doing a podcast read-a-long I realized I had some form of induced ADD. I couldn't go more than five minutes without checking my smartphone for texts or social media notifications. I needed the constant stimulation and instant gratification.
How exactly did podcasting show me this fact?
For the read-a-long I had to prepare lengthy notes from 1-3 chapters per episode. I would often end up with 12 to 13 typed single spaced pages. This translated into 60-80 minutes of completed post production podcast. When I began the 26-episode series, I was only able to focus for FIVE minutes at a time. Yes, FIVE minutes only without reaching for my phone to check something or other. I needed to fidget and move around. I couldn't be still or concentrate comfortably.
I was stunned at how much my abilities had diminished without my even knowing it. I dare ask, can you sit through a meal without looking at your smartphone? Can you have a conversation and keep attention on the other person?
Slowly but surely through the weekly podcast preparation process, I began to lengthen out my focus and concentration. I found a steady groove with 45 minutes of work and 15 minutes free every hour. I can work longer now, but I like the 45/15 rule so I remember get up and move, eat, or even use the bathroom.
So, what did this increased ability prepare me for? Going back to school.
This past January, I began courses to finish my Bachelor's at an online university. It's a 5-week streamlined class format. Many assignments are due each week because of the truncated schedule. I could NEVER have been successful thus far without being able to work steadily and consciously. I believe I would be struggling without the regained abilities brought back through podcasting.
Have you tried to sit and focus yet? I urge you to time it. Let me know how you did.
Okay enough rambling. I hope you enjoy the podcast.
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That day when you wake up and realize nearly a half of century is under your feet. That day you realize there's a calling waiting to be answered. That day you realize by the wisdom of your Auntie that time keeps on so you should too.
Being a middle aged student has many rewards. It also holds serious fears. But hey, do it scared! I don't have any cares for what others generally think of me. I know my vast life experience is valuable for sharing. Gone is the young woman who needed to be liked and accepted. Gone is the cool chick, replaced by the better suited and fierce woman.
Here I am world. I'm here to get it done in all realms...including school...nearing my half century level up.
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Images are wiki commons, click for attribution.
Welcome to the premiere episode of Conversation with My Brain Squirrel variety podcast. Thank you for listening to my chat with author Terry Maggert.
He is also left-handed. Father of an apparent nudist. Husband to a half-Norwegian. Herder of cats and dogs. Lover of pie. He writes books. He's had an unhealthy fascination with dragons since the age of-- well, for a while. A native Floridian. Current Tennessean. Location subject to change based on insurrection, upheaval, or availability of coffee. Nine books and counting, with no end in sight. You've been warned.
Terry can be found at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and his official website.
I appreciate you listening, sharing, and following..
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