Time passes by so quickly – I feel like I blinked and October was over. I almost couldn’t keep up. I can’t believe it’s already November. These monthly posts are my way of keeping myself motivated and accountable, and also a mindful celebration of the things that brought me joy. My October was great! I loved the changing warm autumn colors, the pumpkins, and the fresh, cooler air. I feel grateful for what I learned and accomplished, for sunny autumn days and laughter, for new places, for good books, spectacular sunsets, cooler afternoons, and lovely time spent with the people I love the most.
Now let’s get into my monthly highlights:
1. Yuengling Brewery Tampa
It’s America’s oldest family owned and operated brewery. The story starts with David Yuengling, an immigrant from Germany who settled in a coal-mining town in Pennsylvania. In 1829 he establishes the Eagle Brewery in Pottsville. Many years later, in 1999, it began the production at the plant I visited in Tampa. What amazes me is the fact that today, the company is still owned and operated by the fifth generation owner Richard Yuengling, and his four daughters are all members of the Yuengling staff. I learned about the history of the company, beer, ingredients, their equipment, and the fabrication process. The plant tour and the beer tasting at the end of the tour – both FREE – were informative and amazing experiences. The Yuengling Brewery tour is something I would recommend to anyone visiting Tampa.
2. Robin Roberts Podcast
You probably all know that I love listening to podcasts, and even though I know I’ve already written a blog post about my favorites, I feel I have to mention the one I just discovered. It’s Robin Robert’s podcast called “Everybody’s Got Something”. Robin -the Good Morning America co-host – has deeply personal conversations with her guests – people who have faced incredible life challenges. Each and every podcast is an invaluable lesson on how to find your strength when you need it most and to create a blessed, joyful life. I just want to mention that Episode #7 – “Dan Harris and Amy Robach – Going Public” brought tears to my eyes.
3. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
After being involved in an almost deadly car accident and being declared dead for 6 minutes, Hal Elrod spent 6 days in a coma and was told he would never walk again.
He decided to change his life and developed a morning routine based on the best healthy habits. He put together some powerful principles that would help everyone start the day in the best possible way by becoming the most productive, focused and successful versions of yourselves. The idea is very simple: wake up one hour earlier in the morning and incorporate these 5 habits into your morning routine:
- Silence (meditation or prayers)
- Affirmations (positive, encouraging mantras)
- Visualization
- Exercise
- Reading
- Scribing or writing in a journal.
If you haven’t done so yet, I encourage you to check out The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed To Transform Your Life (Before 8AM).
4. The Wat Mongkolratanaram Tampa
The Buddhist Thai temple located in a shady, cool, and pleasant garden by the Palm River in Tampa holds a Sunday market that includes a variety of authentic Thai food prepared by temple volunteers. It includes: the soup (vegetable, chicken, beef or pork noodle soup), grilled chicken wings, grilled pork or chicken on a stick, chicken curry, egg rolls, fried bananas, and a variety of Thai desserts. They also have a mini fresh market where you can buy fruits and vegetables, spices, fruit trees and of course, orchids – I’ve never seen so many orchids in one place. The temple itself is a beautiful work of art and a welcoming place. If you ever visit Tampa, make sure you stop by this temple on Sunday for brunch/lunch. It’s an amazing, enlightening experience.
I encourage you to keep track of your goals and accomplishments each month. Be mindful. Write down the highlights – the things you would like to remember, such as conversations with friends, food you enjoyed, books you read, quiet days or busy days, anything that brought you joy. It’s the only way to remember the things you are grateful for and to bring more positivity into your life.
5. On the blog in October
Why You Should Learn To Embrace Solitude
How To Turn Your Coffee Habit Into A Healthy, Positive Experience
How was your October? What brought you joy? What made you smile?
I hope you have a wonderful month of November filled with sunny, warm days and blue skies. Take a moment to unwind and celebrate the things that make life beautiful, and whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy!
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Hi Ana! Thank you for that awesome book recommendation. If I buy it, I will use your link for sure! So glad you had a nice October and I am grateful for your post. That temple sounds surreal. I have been super busy, but good busy. Things are going well in my family and I am very grateful. The sun is shining in through the windows, it’s a beautiful day, and I’m off to work. Take care!! xx
Aww, that’s so sweet, Lisa. This is actually my first link (ever) to Amazon – at your suggestion! I’m glad things are going well for you.
I love Robin Roberts and didn’t know she had a podcast. I’ll be downloading that one Ana. I can’t believe how fast October went too. I’m not ready for Christmas music!
Robin Roberts’ podcast is so inspiring! Oh, and I am so ready for Christmas carols! The weather is a little cooler here – just perfect.
I love to read during Winter. Thanks for the suggestion.
I should really have a plan for Autumn I never do ! Other than survive Halloween !
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod is such a motivating book! My friend and I read it together and it literally changed how I start my days for the better! Happy November to you!
That’s a great idea – to read this book with one of your friends. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, that’s so impressive and special, 5 generations??? That’s really worth celebrating and Hal Elrod’s story…. oh my incredible/ Thank you Ana for once again making me see the beauty in everything <3
Thank you for your kind words! Have a sunny day!
I really enjoyed The Miracle Morning as well!
My October was so busy, but so good. The children are adjusting to their new brother, and he is starting to sleep for longer stretches. I also made a few changes to the way that I was going about my blogging, which has made me less stressed and freed up more time for what matters the most- family.
Yeah, I know it gets easier when the baby starts sleeping for longer stretches. And yes, I agree with you – family matters the most.
I would love to get up earlier than I do, spend some quality time planning is always a good plan.
It’s all so quiet in the morning!
Yes, October flew by for me too! Looks like you still managed to get quite a bit done!
This is so positive and encouraging post to see beauty in everything we have in our surrounding. have followed you on 5 social media.
Thank you so much! Just followed you back!
As much as I love all kinds of food I have never had Thai food. Isn’t that crazy? THE WAT MONGKOLRATANARAM sounds like a beautiful place to visit and I would love the market! How fun. I really need to begin listening to more podcasts, Robin Roberts is very inspiring, thanks for sharing this, perfect message to listen to while driving through traffic! THE MIRACLE MORNING sounds right up my alley, I love that when you focus on something it grows and this looks like something I should put into practice. Thanks for all the tips you share each month on how to be better versions of ourselves. Sometimes I get too busy and forget to give myself a bit of downtime.
It’s true. We have to step back from time to time and remind ourselves that life is made of little, precious moments that bring us the most joy. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and for your always gracious comments, Nikki!