Get real: chocolate fakes it, birdwatching brains get better, snakes coil up in the yoga studio, purpose is the meaning-maker, a phone booth bridges generations, your apology could be better, and a possum befriends plush toys.

What if your chocolate isn't real?

Reese grandson spits it out.

Bad news, sorry to say. “Since 2020, the climate crisis has led to a cycle of droughts and floods in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which, combined, produce 70% of the world’s chocolate. This led to diseases that destroyed the cocoa plantations and decimated the cocoa supply.” Prices are volatile, and chocolate makers are adapting as best they can — by sometimes reducing cocoa content. And when Brad Reese, grandson in the Reese family, bit into his Valentine-themed Reese’s peanut butter heart, disappointment struck. “’I took two bites and I had to spit it out,’” he said.  Full Story >>

Good for brain health: birdwatching.

Recently reported research reveals that “the brains of study participants who were categorized as expert birders showed structural differences in areas related to attention and perception compared to the brains of participants who were not experts in birdwatching.” It’s welcome news — especially after the chocolate bummer — that an activity enjoyed by many adults is good for us. Full Story >>

Yoga’s so calmi — AIIEEEE! SNAKE!

A Portland, Oregon “reptile-centered pet store” has now added snake yoga. The snakes enjoy it: “As the class progresses and people generate body heat, the cold-blooded friends take advantage of it, snuggling closer.”  Full Story >>

Start small to find purpose.

In Mattering: The secret to a life of deep connection and purpose, author Jennifer Wallace notes that she asked people when they felt like they matter. “’They never cited the big moments in life,’ she says, ‘just the small ones.’” On your search for purpose, she suggests:

• Start small. “If you're looking for a purpose and a sense of connection to others, start with small acts of kindness and care towards others.”

• Stay connected. It’s easier to work through hardships and face challenges when connected to others. “It's opening up to others that actually makes us appear more authentic and brings people closer to us.”

• “Harness the power of invitation.” When you’re trying to find your way forward, look for people who’ve been through something similar. Invite them for coffee and ask their advice. (Like, how do you deal with chocolate cravings?)

• Take stock. At night, reflect: “’When did I feel valued today and where did I add value today?’”

 Full Story >> 

It's for you.

“Aiming to bridge the gap between members of Generation Z in their teens and 20s and baby boomers in their 60s to age 80,” a Boston University phone booth rings through to a Volunteers of America senior affordable housing community in Reno. The callers talk — about the weather, movies, favorite pastimes — and make each other’s day.  Full Story >>

Who taught you to apologize?

Harriet Lerner writes, “A good apology is an opportunity for us to take clear and direct responsibility for our wrongdoing without evading, blaming, making excuses, or dredging up offenses from the past.” Her tips:

• Drop your defenses. Keep an open mind and listen to understand.

• Be real. It feels vulnerable but be genuine.

• No ifs or buts. “’But’ almost always signifies a rationalization, a criticism, or an excuse."

• Less is more. Don’t make your apology about you.

• Stay focused. Validate their feelings and show you care.

• And remember: A good apology is a beginning, not an end.

  Full Story >>  

Possum offers no apology.

Hiding among plush toys in an airport gift shop, a brushtail possum was eventually spotted sitting very still. Customers and gift shop staff were delighted. The possum, disappointed his ruse had failed, was escorted off the premises.  Full Story >>

Who’s hiding in your lists? To take stock of leads and inactives and make a plan, call Rally.