The Baer Essentials: Navigating Changes

The Baer Essentials is a monthly blog series presented by A Fresh Chapter in collaboration with AFC alum Kate Baer. The blog will provide new readers and alumni a continual opportunity to lean into curiosity and growth with the AFC Community. Each monthly blog, Baer will highlight a carefully curated collection of resources featuring a different theme on self reflection and share resources delving into the theme.

Written by Kate Baer | September 30, 2021

There is something about the literal “letting go” of the leaves on the trees every autumn or even the simple shift in the weather that can make one giddy for change. Whether it’s that favorite sweater you dig out from the bottom of your drawer or that favorite crockpot recipe welcoming you after a long day, autumn has a way of making change exciting and downright delicious.

If embracing change is on your radar, check out the podcast, “Kelly Corrigan Wonders”. Author Corrigan has several podcast series. But, her podcasting debut series focuses on “How Change Happens” and is UNMISSABLE! The series begins with “How to Make People Care About Big Things”. Corrigan interviews a climate scientist and delves into changing global attitudes in order to save our planet. Lofty? “Why yes, of course”- but don’t be intimidated just yet. The series has something for everyone. It takes listeners on a journey of changes in all the ways – from big systemic shifts to everyday changes. Including losing the ones we love. However, the magic of Corrigan is her wrap up at the end of each podcast – a list of the “takeaways” of each episode. Check out this thought-provoking series (with your favorite fall beverage) here: https://www.kellycorrigan.com/podcast

 

To embrace shifting with the seasons, the book “Tea and Cake with Demons” by Adriana Limbach is just what the cool breeze brought in. This read is a modern-day guide to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism – but, in bite-size, easily digestible pieces. This read allows you to dip a toe into the Noble Truths without being overly academic. Limbach skillfully guides you through meeting all your modern day demons (shame, perfection, self doubt, etc.). The book has a way of helping you to identify these sneaky little demons while becoming more mindful in how you approach them. The author does an amazing job applying these principles to modern day life and technology. Which in turn, allows one to more skillfully see where changes need to be made within their own lives. Check out more from Limbach here: http://adreannalimbach.com

 

Finally, to spark your perspective shift and get excited about change, check out “The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos”. Yale professor Santos will take listeners through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories. Santos became a household name when she offered her popular class “The Science of Well-Being” at Yale free to the public at the height of the pandemic. The class had a whopping 3.4 million students, including yours truly. The podcast is a more accessible look at happiness through different lenses. Throughout the podcasts you will continually shift the way in which you think about happiness. These stories can do nothing but up your happiness quotient during and post pandemic. Check out more about the “Happiness Lab” here: https://www.happinesslab.fm

Stay tuned for next month’s post, which will feature brand new resources to explore. 

 

Kate is a member of several AFC circles. She is an avid reader who enjoys sharing exciting, new resources focusing on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Kate is a freelance writer residing in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and three teenage children. 

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Comments (2)
  • Nikki Kallio, AFC alum '15 • October 1, 2021

    I love this, Kate!! So happy you’re sharing your perspectives & recommendations. Yay!! xo

  • Jenny Purdie • October 12, 2021

    Thank you for this, Kate! And you know I always love the book recommendations!

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