October 2023

A Quote I’m Thinkig About…

“If you want to improve, be content to appear clueless or stupid in extraneous matters”. 

– Marcus Aurelius 

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Book Recommendations!

This month I have two books to recommend; a fiction and non-fiction read!

First is a fiction book written by an Iowan! Joseph LeValley is an Iowa author who resides in Clive. I was first introduced to his work when he reached out after reading one of our blogs. LeValley has many novels to his name, so far I have only read one, The Sophocles Rule. Set in our state with Iowa references throughout will make this book impossible to put down! The narrative flows, creating suspense throughout; with an ending that is sure to WOW any reader. 

To learn more about LeValley and his other novels, click here
To purchase, The Sophocles Rule, click here

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My non-fiction book recommendation is, Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, written by Bill Perkins. This book really hit home for me and reinforced a philosophy I began to operate under the past four years. There are a lot of good insights throughout that go against conventional wisdom/lessons that we’ve previously been taught. The main idea of the book is to enjoy your money while you have the health and ability to do what you want. Enjoy experiences! Instead of saving all of your money to give to loved ones when you pass, give some now to have them enjoy experiences while they’re still able. Or, if you’re planning on donating your money to charity, give it now! Why wait 30+ years to help an organization when you can see the benefits of your donation now. 

To purchase, Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, click here

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What I’m Watching

1883 – This series has me fully invested right now; it is an American Western drama. The storyline is the first of two prequels to Yellowstone, the popular series. It follows the Dutton family as they travel from Tennessee to Montana. The show gives an intense look into life after the Civil War. Since watching, I have found myself feeling a lot of gratitude for my life seeing the struggles that the Dutton’s and fellow travelers go through. 

To watch 1883, click here

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Perspective

I think most of us would agree that we would be better, maybe happier, and for sure more understanding/grateful people if we took the time to reflect on our lives in comparison to others. Now, I know that there are many negative ways to compare and social media has exasperated the ability to do this; but if done right it will change the way you look at life. 

I have noticed that my way of thinking is changing. I am much more successful in catching myself in moments when I am, as the old saying goes, making a mountain out of a molehill, when my perspective needs serious realignment.

Recent events in Israel where women and children are being brutally killed; in Ukraine where civilians have been dying for months; at the southern border where women and children are being separated from their families only to be trafficked as sex workers. Or, just last night, I heard that a young man in central Iowa jumped off the mile-long bridge that goes over the we spend so much time on during the summer, and died. 

Perspective, I have gained a lot. Seeing images from far-away countries, hearing stories of sex trafficking, visualizing a young man jumping to his death immediately got me thinking about how lucky I am for the life I have. If I compare my life to the burdens and fears other people lived with that ultimately took their freedom, life, or both; there is no comparison. There is no way to not be mad at myself in moments where I am overreacting. Just stop! I tell myself, really? Having gained this perspective I am going to continue to focus my attention on helping others through charitable giving at Buresh Home Solutions and helping my team and family realize all of the things in our lives that we should be grateful for everyday.