I’d like to welcome Author Hanna Abi Akl to my site.
Let’s start by finding out a little bit about you!
What is your name and do you write under a pen name? My name is Hanna Abi Akl. I stick to my original name when writing and don’t use a pen name.
Where do you call home? Paris, France.
Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing? Reading, listening to music, and playing my guitar.
What is your greatest dream? To live in a small remote house by the beach and write quietly and peacefully.
What is the most terrible thing that ever happened to you? Losing my father when I was 13.
What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I was inspired by some great writers I had the chance of reading, most notably Charles Bukowski and John Fante. I felt they were talking to me through their books so many years after they were published and that’s what got me into writing. I’ve been writing seriously since college and published my first novel at 23.
What is your greatest fear? Failure.
Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? Paperback or hard-covers. Anything in print.
Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Factotum by Charles Bukowski.
What is your opinion of novellas? I’m all for them.
Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? “God is Dead” by Ron Currie Jr.
What is your favorite film based on a book? The Shawshank Redemption based on the work by Stephen King. Close seconds are Ask The Dust and Factotum.
What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Literary fiction. I especially enjoy dirty realism.
What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? “Slouching Toward Nirvana” by Charles Bukowski in paperback.
If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Charles Bukowski, John Fante, Charles Baudelaire and Ernest Hemingway. I think they each have their distorted view of reality they’d like to make us part of. Plus, they’re all good drinkers!
Let’s shift somewhat and talk about your latest story.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? The book is titled “It’s a Big Big World”. The work is a novel. It’s the story of an up-and-coming writer trying to get published while having moved to another country. It deals with the themes of immigration, institutionalization, society, and love.
Is the above book part of a series? No.
How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? The cover was made to be simple and vague, just like the book title. It is based off a circle, which could easily be interpreted as a globe or the world. It was designed by a small subsidiary team of my publisher.
Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? Classical music, mostly Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven.
How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? I was aiming for something simple and that could reflect a feeling of overwhelming vastness at the same time.
In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her? The protagonist is John Kaliba. He is a stubborn, opinionated, semi-alcoholic up-and-coming writer who has just published his first book.
What is your character’s greatest strengths? His passion for writing and his love for Diane.
And what are his/her greatest weaknesses? Stubbornness, alcohol problems, detachment, pride.
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has? His indomitable will to be different and stay true to himself. Not follow the herd.
Let’s talk now about your writing process.
What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter? I write in a concise, economical, lyrical style. My writing is a stream-of-consciousness so I prefer to sit down and write instead of outlining.
What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? The final judge of writing is the writer himself.
Carol
Danvers becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught
in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.
IMDB STORY LINE:
After crashing an experimental aircraft, Air Force pilot Carol Danvers is discovered by the Kree and trained as a member of the elite Starforce Military under the command of her mentor Yon-Rogg. Six years later, after escaping to Earth while under attack by the Skrulls, Danvers begins to discover there’s more to her past. With help from S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury, they set out to unravel the truth.
MY 2 CENTS:
Writing/Story: ★★★ The Marvel Cinematic Universe is
finally introduced to Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson. She learns about
her past, she discovers who she is, and she finds herself caught in the middle
of a war between two alien races and realizes she is more powerful than she ever
knew or thought possible.
Carol Danvers is the everyday woman turned female hero. In my opinion, we don’t have enough female heroes on screen so I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I understand that when the lead character doesn’t know anything about their past, it can be difficult to tell the story and portray that disassociation to the audience. With Carol Danvers, we learn about her past at the same time she does, through audio recordings and short flashes of things that happened in her past. It’s similar to when you’re reading a book and the author just word vomits all over you, telling you what happened instead of showing you. I wanted to see Carol physically discovering her powers, reacting to things instinctively, which would then lead to sparks of memories. Instead, more often than not these memories were brought on by the audio recordings, the short flashes of memory, and her visits with the Supreme Intelligence (played by Annette Bening) which is somehow supposed to tell her or show her what she most desires… I won’t even get into that because it was just a really strange plot line to me.
Honestly, for me, this was more of a Nick Fury movie…
It was my first experience really getting to know the Character of Nick Fury
and I thought Samuel L. Jackson did a great job with the role. I loved seeing the
younger version of Nick Fury since my only other experience with him was in Spiderman:
Far from Home earlier this year. Captain Marvel was more of a buddy cop movie
staring Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson. Or an amnesia self-discover movie…
or maybe it’s a fish out of water movie since she comes to earth and has no
idea how earth operates.
Cinematography ★★★ Visually, there just wasn’t much to talk about with this film. There isn’t a whole lot of style with this one. This film felt like a series of storyboard moments. The actors are intentionally framed, and their performing but there is no really remarkable style to speak of. That isn’t to say there aren’t good moments. There are. There are a couple really fun fight sequences and a cool slow-motion walk to the space craft, but other than that there just isn’t a lot of visual style to it.
Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI): ★★★★★ I have to say one of the most noteworthy aspects of this film was the CGI done to de-age Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson). Truly amazing CGI. If for no other reason than to see the stunning CGI work, this one is worth the TV rental fee. After the first scene or two, I stopped noticing and they seemed completely natural, which to me is the sign of a truly gifted CGI team. If you stop noticing the CGI and it starts blending into the rest of the film then you know they’ve done a great job.
Character(s)/Acting: ★★★ I felt like Brie Larson, although maybe not my choice for Carol Danvers, she did have some good moments. The chemistry between her and Samuel L. Jackson was fun to watch. They played nicely off of each other and the banter back and forth was very clever and entertaining.
Like
I said, Brie Larson wouldn’t really be my choice for Carol Danvers. It isn’t
because I don’t think she is a good actress, I do. I loved her in Room, and
honestly think she is fantastic in the right role. However, in this film she
just wasn’t the right choice. She doesn’t seem to fit the strong superhero persona.
Her acting style felt forced and she seemed stiff and uncomfortable in the
costume, and her movements were choppy, rather than fluid, during the fight
sequences.
Although
I felt like Lashana Lynch did a decent job at Maria, Carol’s best friend, there
just didn’t seem to be much chemistry between the two actresses. Sure, Carol
doesn’t have any memory of their friendship, but Maria does… There should have
been some sign of that internal struggle she would have been feeling having
lost her best friend, thinking she was dead for years, and then having her show
up on her doorstep. I just wish there had been more of an emotional connection
between the two of them. Without that, I just didn’t really care for the
characters.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I’m
not gonna fight your war. I’m gonna end it.” ~ Carol Danvers
Honestly, this is a pretty good superhero
quote and to me, probably the most superhero thing Carol Danvers says in this film.
TO SUM IT UP:
I
was more disappointed than I was entertained. The movie isn’t terrible… but it’s
not great… it just seemed to fall flat.
Have
you seen Captain Marvel yet? If you have let me know, in the comments below,
what you thought of it! As always, I do recommend seeing this film and finding
out for yourself what you think of it. My opinions might not line up with yours
and you might just love the film.
Check out my YouTube channel and the video review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
I have third degree burns down the right
side of my face and body. I’ve been in the Operation Atlas Treatment Center for
over a month and the doctors say I’ll be released in just under a week. The
average human would take months and multiple skin graft surgeries before they’d
be healed enough to leave. Not me, I heal quickly. It’s one of the many benefits
of being a metamorph.
Sure, without the surgeries I’ll
have scars, but I don’t care about the scars. I’ll wear them with pride, like a
badge of honor.
You see, I can do something not
many others can do. I can control fire, or at least I will once I get my powers
under control. I’m still learning.
Being an Incendiary is rare, but
being an incendiary with two of the three primary powers is unheard of. That’s
why Operation Atlas is taking such good care of me. I’m one of their elite.
Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
What are you recovering from right now?
What books have made your August reading list? Check out the New York Times bestsellers for August 2019 by CLICKING HERE!
Are
you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all
your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all
the tools I use in my writing process!
What does it mean to clean a room mindfully? It means to go slow, to appreciate each and every item in the room. As you clean, ask yourself how you feel about each item and what each item means to you. What emotions do you associate with each item as you pick it up, dust it, polish it, etc. Explore feelings of self-appreciation. Appreciate your physical ability to clean: the ability to bend, stretch, lift, and carry. How does the room feel when you’re finished cleaning? How do you feel?
Mindfulness Journaling:
After completing the ‘Clean
a Room Mindfully’ activity, describe how both you and the room have changed.
How do you feel now that the chore has been completed? How does the newly
cleaned room make you feel?
Mindfulness journaling can be very
private. However, I would love to invite you to comment below and share your
experiences with the ‘Clean a Room Mindfully’ exercise.
Check out
my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you
never miss an episode!
I’m certified in Holistic Stress Management and Mind/Body Fitness. I’ve been practicing Mindfulness for 10+ years and am passionate about helping others in their pursuit of a more mindful existence.
Alita is a creation from an age of despair. Found by the mysterious Dr. Ido while trolling for cyborg parts, Alita becomes a lethal, dangerous being. She cannot remember who she is, or where she came from. But to Dr. Ido, the truth is all too clear. She is the one being who can break the cycle of death and destruction left behind from Tiphares. But to accomplish her true purpose, she must fight and kill. And that is where Alita’s true significance comes to bear. She is an angel from heaven. She is an angel of death. Written byAnthony Harmon
MY 2 CENTS:
Writing/Story: ★★★★
This movie was Based on a graphic novel series by Yukito Kishiro. I haven’t read the graphic novel series so I can’t compare them to the movie. I’m just reviewing what I saw on screen and I personally think that James Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis did an awesome job with the adaption and that Robert Rodriquez was exactly the right director to bring it to life.
Right from the start of the film, you are swept away in this mysterious, dangerous new world where nothing is as we know it today yet the societal struggles of class are all too familiar.
The only think I really had a problem
with was the unnecessary romantic storyline. I didn’t really believe the
relationship between Alita and the local boy who falls in love with her.
Cinematography: ★★★★★
I don’t usually call out the cinematographer by name, but this film was so much fun to watch and the imagery that Bill Pope gave us on screen was truly beautiful. The world created in this film is stunning and the effects are amazing!
The motor ball scenes which depict this
world’s sporting event are insane. Basically, the players go around a race-track
with a metal ball that they have to capture. Its violent and fast-paced, and so
exciting. As a movie goer, I was drawn right in.
The visuals in this world are insane!!!
The fight sequences are so exciting. I love a strong female character, but I do
think that Alita is a character than all movie goers can enjoy.
Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★
Rosa Salazar was fantastic as Alita and the special effects associated with her character were astounding. I will definitely be checkout out more of her work.
Christoph Waltz was good as Dr. Dyson Ido. You could really feel his fatherly love for Alita as well as his internal struggle with what he was doing just to survive.
I’m a Jennifer Connelly fan but with this film, I felt that her character was really under-utilized. There just wasn’t much character development with her character. I felt like they could have done so much more with her.
Mahershala Ali was another actor that just felt stagnant in this film. There wasn’t much to his character. He was a puppet and I felt like just about anyone could have played his role.
Keean Johnson who plays Hugo, Alita’s love interest, actually surprised me. No, I didn’t believe the romance between them, but he did a great job with his internal struggle. He so desperately wanted to get up to the upper world and will do, and has done, literally anything he has to do to get there. Then, when he meets Alita his starts to struggle with some of his decisions.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“This is just a body. It’s not bad or good. That part’s up to you.” ~ Dr. Dyson Ido
“You’ve been given a chance to start over with a clean slate. How many of us get that?” ~ Dr. Dyson Ido
TO SUM IT UP:
Overall,
I loved this film. I’ve seen some less than flattering reviews on it, but I
really enjoyed it and think it was a lot of fun. Sometimes you really just want
a fun, strong, unstoppable character and that’s what you get with Alita.
Have
you seen Alita: Battle Angel yet? If you have let me know, in the comments
below, what you thought of it!
Check out my YouTube channel and the video
review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
US residents only. Receive a FREE eBook download code for Awaken (book 1 ~ the Blood Angel Series) when you purchase the Sector C Series three (3) eBook package ($12 plus $1 shipping and handling fee)
$13.00
Set in a futuristic dystopian where society is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes, selection students are sheltered and raised in a deceptively utopian world. Strict rules are imposed to control population growth, education, and even personal interactions with other members of the Sector, all in the name of safety. When ‘A’ comes of age, she like all youth throughout Sector C and her selection classmates aren’t sent out into the world to find jobs, make money and lead happy carefree lives. They are forced to endure the rigorous physical and mental testing of Selection Week before choosing their destiny or being forced into a fate far worse. Those that make it out alive are announced as sector residence, given a position within the society, and allotted all the privileges of their chosen “culture.” However, when your only choices are vampirism, lycanthropy, breeder, blood donor, or banishment to the Wastelands, what choice do you really have? Suspenseful, intense, passionate, and awash in paranormal delights, Sector C captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.
In the future, most of the world is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes. Sector residents are offered the freedom to live as they desire provided they stay and abide by the laws handed down. After being jolted awake by the blaring screech of the sector alarm, Zelina is dragged from her bed, gagged, and tied to a chair. Confronted with the brutal murder of one of her former classmates, she realizes that all eyes are on her as the primary suspect. Whether she was involved or not doesn’t matter. In the eyes of most sector residents, and most Council Members, Zelina is already a pariah—feared for the powers she will certainly come to possess. For she is the first human known to have both vampire and lycanthrope blood flowing through her veins. Zelina will find herself on a gripping adventure that will take her beyond the borders she’s known all her life in an attempt to save those she loves—and herself from becoming The Hunted.
Change is happening all around Zelina and with it a prophesy is revealed. Is Zelina the key to unlocking a new way of existing on earth? What will she do when she discovers the true monsters of Sector C – the darkness that feeds off of the fear and the unknowing. Will she be able to suspend her own disbelief about what is possible and secure a new future?
With the help of Merick, a motley crew of defectors, and a host of unexpected allies, Zelina bridges space and time in an attempt to bring forth a new future for all sentient beings.
Join Zelina, Merick, and the others as they discover the power of the prophesy and their parts in setting their stagnant world free.
When you purchase the 3-book package above (The Chosen, The Hunted, and The Bridge) you’ll receive a FREE e-book download code for Awaken (book 1 ~ the Blood Angel Series).
Awaken is set in a world very much like our own, yet Atlanta isn’t just an ordinary city and Alee isn’t just an ordinary girl. Having barely survived her childhood it will take the death of her father for the truth of her true bloodline to come out. Even if it means losing her life, or at least her identity she won’t be able to escape her true destiny as the first surviving Dhampir in history. Surrounded by a new world where the horror films she grew up watching have become reality and the most unlikely characters have become her lifeline, Alee will struggle to find herself and her purpose if she hopes to survive.
Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would notify me whenever…”
I
wish an alarm would notify me whenever it was time to wake up and go to school.
I’m twelve years old and I haven’t been to school in almost two years.
I
miss it.
It’s
funny, when I was going to school every day, I hated it. Sure, I liked seeing
my friends and recess of course, but sitting in a class, listening to the
teacher talk all day… I can’t say I enjoyed that.
But
now, I miss it.
I
guess you always miss the things you can’t have; the things that are taken away
to early.
You
see, where I’m from, if they find out you have powers that can be useful to the
government, like mine, you’re carted away to the Operation Atlas headquarters. I’m one
of four watchmen with the power of telepathic perception. Basically, it is the ability to receive information from another mind. It’s more complicated
than that, but you get the picture.
I have alarms that wake me up, tell me when to eat, when to leave for work, when to sleep, and just about everything else. My movements are monitored and I can’t do anything out of order or without permission. For once, I’d love to sleep late, skip a meal, play outside, or just go to school.
There are times, first thing in the morning before I even open my eyes, that I forget where I’m at. I forget about the ten-foot by ten-foot whitewash room they keep me in. I forget that I’m not just another normal kid. Those first few seconds of the day are my favorite. But lately, they’ve been happening less and less. I think I’ve started to forget… forget my past, my friends, even my family.
Alright,
now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in
you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing.
Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would
notify me whenever…”
What books have made your August reading list? Check out the New York Times bestsellers for August 2019 by CLICKING HERE!
Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
Jason Ranieri was often asked when
he would run for office. According to Ranieri, this was because of what he
called the “father factor”. “My father was a politician and if your father is a
blacksmith, chances are the boy will do the same,” said Ranieri.
Initially, Ranieri seemed destined
to follow in his father’s footsteps. In his freshman year at Worcester State
University, he was elected class president. After college, he became a member
of the political activist group M-power. During his tenure, Ranieri
successfully reinstated Massachusetts’ health coverage of eye and dental exams
for those in need through the state’s House and Senate.
Now Ranieri is devoting time to a
new passion: writing. So far, he has published two books and three short
stories on Booksie. However, the “father factor” still finds ways to influence
Ranieri’s writing. His latest novel is a political satire.
The Story of Polka Dots and Politics
Q: Where did you get the inspiration for Polka Dots and Politics? How did the story come to fruition?
A: The inspiration for Polka Dots and Politics came from political happenings in my younger days. My father was a politician and if your father is a blacksmith, chances are the boy will do the same. Many people would ask me when I would run? The story is the result of that “father factor”. A factor that can influence and upon doing so inspire.
Q: How did you come up with the title of the book?
A: I came up with the title Polka Dots and Politics by viewing the complex characters that surrounded me in this book as “polka dots”. Each person is a “polka dot”. Although a difficult pattern to wear, it is a style that is unique like the characters of this book, the “polka dots” were the chess pieces and politics was the game. The only game in town.
Q: Which characters, especially the fictional Ranieris, are most like you?
A: The characters most like me I would say would be Ernie Taft and Joseph Ranieri. Ernie had a laid-back attitude, political insight, loved History and had a sense of adventure. I graduated Cum Laude in my major, History, traveled America for a year and a half and am a born-again dude. Joseph would grab the bull by the horns and make friends with that bull. As he did all living things. He was a philosopher and artist much like myself. I am a vegetarian also. Animals are people too. Joseph loved all animals great and small.
Q: Have any of your relatives or friends read the book yet?
A: I gave most of my relatives and friends a copy. They enjoyed reading the character portrayals and laughed at the humor. The exaggerated plot put a larger than life twist to a satirical story that invites them to cast a ballot for the main character.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your novel?
A: I hope readers take away from my novel that politics is a learned behavior. The door begins to open when we focus on what’s working and what is not. Hopefully, we can become informed voters and not just rely on the influence of others to decide who we vote for. We must hold our politicians accountable. They weren’t born that way but somewhere along the line, they learned behavior that encourages democracy. Democracy is a form of government where the people decide. If a politician wants to win then please the people. Some politicians will say and do anything to this end. Those aren’t leaders they’re something else.
A Look Back at the Writing Process
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
A: I enjoy the process of writing. The actual writing and completion of the finished work is very rewarding. What we say is not as important as what we write because of the process that goes into writing. I like brainstorming also which forces me to become creative. Thoughts and ideas must be developed and I enjoy the method of procedure that results in a well-written story.
Q: What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
A: The most challenging part of the writing process was constructing original characters that would become the “polka dots” of the story. Each one of them had to be believable. The outlandish circumstances that they found themselves in prove that small-town politics can be fun, glorious, and exciting.
Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
A: Those who wish to travel on a path within the continuity of space and form as a truth-seeker begins to recognize purpose, will, and intention. Having a purpose is not as important as serving a purpose. Thinking and feeling our purpose enough when combined with will and intention.
Will you catch me a fish? The
intention is to feed myself. In Zen, the act of doing leads to a deeper understanding.
For example, I may explain how to write. I may show you a film about writing a
book, nothing will increase your understanding about writing then actually
writing so if you want to learn how to write then write… simple as that!
Q: How did you feel when you saw your e-book available on Barnes and Noble for the first time?
A: I was very thrilled and excited. I feel I can get my book into the hands of a lot more people and thus sell more copies. I believe the reviews of the book will be great. I would love for all of you lovers of political, comedic wisdom to purchase a copy for only $3.99 and write a few words about my unique style, original expressions and overall satirical glam.
More About Jason
Q: What was your childhood like? Were your parents into politics?
A: My childhood was a time of great learning. I was disciplined in the ways of Jesus of Nazareth and politics. Religion and politics, the two subjects you don’t mention in polite society, but my parents often did.
Q: Were you allowed to date anyone who shared opposing political views?
A: Dating someone with opposing political views is never easy. One summer I dated a girl with dreadlocks who practiced witchcraft. My parents thought I was becoming a pot smoking, communist, Satan worshiper. I just liked her smile.
Q: Out of all the genres out there, why political satire? How did you develop your passion for politics?
A: I chose to write a political satire because I like political cartoons. They capture the absurdity of bad public policy and politicians. The drawings reveal a lot but a story can reveal so much more. I developed my passion for politics by studying History, working on campaigns, becoming Freshman Class President, joining the Massachusetts Leadership Academy and lobbying for eye and dental exams for those in need through the Massachusetts House and Senate.
Q: Are you a fan of Lewis Black or Bill Maher?
A: They both have a good grasp on current events and use critical, comedic commentary. I am a really big fan of George Carlin. He was once quoted as saying, “Politicians claim they are serving the Nation. I am in public service. Yes, I like America. The food is great but the public service is terrible.”
Q: Who do you hope wins the 2020 presidential election?
A: I hope whoever wins the 2020 presidential election will be honest and trustworthy. I would like to see Bill Gates as president. He’s highly intelligent and a great philanthropist. He would focus on the environment, curing disease, education, poverty, and technology.
Q: Do you have any books planned in the future?
A: Yes. I wrote the poetry book, The Good Old World. It contains 33 original poems that are all songs I sing as I’m also a musician. Please YouTube (Jason Ranieri) you can hear some of the songs. Check out “Fixing to Die” an anti-war political protest song.
My third book will be a book of
essays which I have already begun. Essays like “Man of Peace” and “Industry of
Insanity” are hard-hitting, controversial reports exposing hypocrisy and
institutional fraud. The majority of works are thoughtful, provocative articles
which challenge the conventional wisdom concerning issues of importance. The
essays have something new and significant to say. For the quality of writing, I
make points clearly and in a way that holds the readers’ interest. A reader
should not have to struggle to guess an author’s meaning. The essays contain
social and ethical commentary in a broad sense, religious and ethical perspectives
on society, culture, medicine, music and more.
Q: Where can readers go to learn more about your upcoming projects?
A: I plan on making 3 compact discs of 11 songs each from the poetry book, The Good Old World. Furthermore, I’m currently in contact with Taleflick. They are a company that turns books into Hollywood movies. A future project is to turn Polka Dots and Politics into a film. Please follow me on Facebook to learn more about my upcoming projects. You may email me at jason.ranieri@mail.com for autographed, printed copies of each book for $10.
Jason D. Ranieri is a graduate of Worcester State University and was Freshman Class President. He graduated Cum Laude in his major, History. He passed the Massachusetts Educator’s Exam with a perfect score in Economics. He is a “Heroes Among Us” award recipient from the Boston Celtics organization for playing Santa Claus for physically and mentally handicapped at Wrentham Developmental Center for over 20 years. He graduated from the Massachusetts Leadership Academy and became a member of the political activist group, M-power. He successfully reinstated Mass. Health coverage of eye and dental exams for those in need through the Mass. House and Senate. He was nominated for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s Young Leader Award. He is the author of the poetry book, The Good Old World and Polka Dots and Politics. He is a vegetarian, Freemason and avid musician. Jason toured America for a year and a half.
Today’s
#MindfulnessMonday Tip: We can’t all meditate
at work, and that’s ok, but you can still take advantage of the benefits mindfulness
has to offer, like stress reduction and increased focus.
5 tips for bringing
mindfulness into your WORK life:
Be
Consciously Present – being consciously present means that you are aware not
only of what is going on around you, but also what’s going on within you. Mindfulness
can help you be consciously present in what you’re doing, while you’re doing
it, as well as managing your mental and emotional state.
Use
Short Mindful Exercises at Work – Finding time for a 30-minute mindfulness
exercise such as mediation can be hard a work, if not impossible. Does that
mean you can’t be mindful at work? Not at all. Mindfulness exercises can be as
short as just one minute, you don’t even need to close your eyes or be sitting down.
Be creative about finding time throughout your day to connect with your senses.
This process helps to tone down the fight-or-flight response we can feel when
stressed, engages your brain, and helps us focus on individual tasks to
increase productivity and reduce stress.
Be
a Single-Tasker – Multi-tasking is known to increase stress and reduce
productivity leaving us feeling more overwhelmed than necessary. Try focusing
on just one task at a time and keep a ‘to do’ list, adding items throughout the
day instead of moving from one task to another, so that you stay on track.
Use
Reminders to Stay Mindful – Until mindfulness becomes a habit in your daily
life, it might be helpful to set an alarm on your phone – even a vibrating
alarm that doesn’t disturb others while working – to remind you to take time to
practice mindfulness. One mindful reminder I really enjoy is the Breathe app on
my smart watch. It reminds me once every hour to take a minute and just
breathe.
Accept
What You Can’t Change – This one isn’t always easy at first. However,
acceptance lies at the heart of mindfulness. To be mindful means to accept this
present moment as it is. Once you are able to accept your current moment… your
current situation… you will be able to move past it and try and deal with the
situation. If there has been a mistake at work, accept that it happened… it can’t
be changed… Once you can accept the situation you can learn from the mistake and
move on. Acceptance leads to change where a lack of acceptance can lead to
avoidance and even aggression.
For the next thirty (30) minutes I want you to pick one
task – ONLY ONE TASK – and focus solely on that one task. When you find your
mind wandering to other things, jot down a quick note so you don’t forget then
move back to the original task.
Practicing single-tasking can help increase productivity,
improve focus, and reduce stress. You just might find this becomes your new preferred
working style.
Mindfulness Journaling:
How did you feel
completing your 30 minutes of single-tasking? Did you complete the task? How
many times did you find yourself becoming distracted with other tasks?
I’d love for you to
complete both the 30-minute single-tasking exercise and the mindfulness
journaling reflection once a day for two weeks. Studies show that with consistent
practice, your results will improve increasing your productivity and improving
your mental focus.
Check out
my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you
never miss an episode!
I’m certified in Holistic Stress Management and Mind/Body Fitness. I’ve been practicing Mindfulness for 10+ years and am passionate about helping others in their pursuit of a more mindful existence.
Nina Soden 