31 Things (Part One)

In celebration of my 31st birthday (which is ending in about twenty minutes), I wanted to share 31 resources that rock my world with you. Since you, my lovely readers, are quite a diverse crowd… I’m sure everybody will find something they love. So, in alphabetical order…

1. The Art of Non-Conformity: Unconventional Strategies for Life, Work and Travel. This site just rocks in so many ways, to the point where, when I initially saw it, I immediately signed up to the mailing list and downloaded the free e-book even though I was saturated with information products and swamped to the point of no return. That’s the kind of  reaction I hope to someday get from my own writing, so this site is certainly one I’d like to emulate.  Changing the world and living with gratefulness and purpose… what’s not to love?
2. Beginning BJJ and Grapplearts. Training in Brazilian jiu jitsu can be tough, especially if you have a coach who likes to teach super fancy moves rather than fundamentals. Kesting offers lots of great products and free information to help you improve your game. He also has a cool technique poster. I made the mistake of trying to give an extra to a BJJ black belt once, and he freaked out and made his blue belt talk to me. You are now forewarned.
3. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I first read Women Who Run With the Wolves in high school and have had a special place in my heart for Estes ever since.  And now she has these great audio sessions you can sign up for… Highly recommended for spiritual recharging and listening to amazing stories…
4. Engineers Without Borders. An engineer went to India and saw that little girls had to carry water to their village day in and day out and thus could not go to school. He founded this non-profit, which helps address basic human needs (like sanitation, clean water, power and education) while allowing local communities to retain autonomy and say what they need. Mind-blowing.
5. Eric Cressey If you’re at all interested in personal training, coaching or even just maximizing your athletic ability… this site rocks. It’s simple enough to understand, complex enough to get you thinking and always thought-provoking. Plus, Cressey has a sense of humor and his newsletters and articles are as fun to read as they are insightful.
6. Growing Power. How can you not love a non-profit that supports intensive urban agriculture to combat poverty and malnutrition all over the world?
7. Hagar International. These guys support women and children who are victims of devastating violence, abuse and even trafficking in countries such as Cambodia, Afghanistan and Vietnam, and helps them recover and reintegrate into their communities (social rehabilitation and economic empowerment). Amazing work.
8. Ittybiz. Naomi Dunford giving non-icky marketing advice…with swear words, wit, compassion and charm. Lovelovelove.
9. Jen Higgins is a nutrition genius. She’s also a homeschooling mother, an athlete and a revolutionary. Her blog, Hunt It Gather It Work It, applies “ancestral kitchen wisdom” with “adoration of delicious things.” Yummy!
10. Jon Stewart. He’s hot, he’s funny, and his Haiti skit is to die for. Even though he made fun of Rachel Maddow.
11. Karen Robinson. If you are at all interested in Heilkunst or German New Medicine, Karen has some fascinating articles. If you just want grain-free recipes or to learn how to make your own chocolate, she’s got you covered, too. And she’s got a new site up!
12. Linda Formicelli. I was a bit reticent to set up a phone mentoring session with Linda. After all, it ain’t cheap. But even though Linda charges $125/hour I’ve already scored $600 worth of writing assignments solely using her just one of three key suggestion she gave me. And that’s just the start. Linda also offers classes, and has an excellent blog and a couple books out. Freelance writers, give it a go… you won’t be sorry.
13. Michael Pollan’s books are amazing. If you haven’t read the Omnivore’s Dilemma, you’re missing out. He does a great job of addressing complexity in a thought-provoking and non-preachy way.
14. Non Toxin. The tagline and description really speak for themselves. “No tech. No gossip. No politics. If you like reading what Brittney Spears did today then please go away. This site is not for you.” Plus, everything that Ankesh writes turns to gold.
15. Wishcraft. Download Barbara Sher’s classic for free and change your life. Nuff said.

16-31 coming soon!!!