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8 Good Things is a curated newsletter of inspirational and informational articles, videos, and quotes sent twice a month by Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA.

We curate 8 Good Things with you in mind. Please take our quick survey to let us know how we can make this newsletter a better experience for you. Also, make sure to scroll all the way down to see upcoming trips and programs.

1Don’t Scuba? Here Are 10 Other Underwater Thrills. No dive certification required for these otherworldly underwater adventures. I would love to take a spin on the B.O.S.S. – Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter in Mauritius, or have a coconut oil massage at the underwater spa in the Maldives. What dreamy ideas to put on your experiential hit list.

212 Unconventional 4th of July Celebrations That Are Way Cooler Than Fireworks. Believe it or not, skiing at North Lake Tahoe is one option this year. However, being a warm weather person, who loves being on the water, the Great Schooner Race in Maine seems like a blast! Though torn, celebrating the moon landing in Houston would be pretty amazing as well! Lots of great ways to celebrate our country’s independence in this article.

3Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins Shares Unreleased Photo He Found ‘At the Bottom of a Box.’ Speaking of celebrating the moon landing, check out this recently released autographed photo of Astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins. By the way, NASA may be offering seats at the International Space Station to private travelers as early as 2020. The price tag, fifty million dollars per seat. Talk about breaking your piggy bank!

4Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Body Language. Having your arms crossed is not necessarily a defense posture. It could very well be self-comforting instead. I do this all the time. I stand with my arms crossed and slightly rock side to side because it feels more comfortable. Also, some interesting body language tips for those of you who play poker — watch where the players’ hands are placed on the table.

5How to Take a Relaxing Vacation Without Stressing About Work. It is summer time, which for many means much needed vacation time. The perfect antidote to burnout is a vacation. However, how can you relax when work keeps creeping into your head? 1) Share your plans before you leave. Manage the expectations of your availability. 2) Do away with mindless screentime. The average person touches their smartphone two thousand six hundred and seventeen times a day. Stop it! Especially while on vacation. We are often stressed because we are overly connected. 3) Spend time outside as much as possible. Science has proven that nature is a great healer. Find out three other ways to relax when you are supposed to be relaxing.

6Why Perfection Can Get in the Way of Happiness. Bestselling motivational author Jack Canfield shares some wise thoughts on this very topic. I, personally, prescribe to each of his five points. 1) Get clear on what you really want. 2) Stop caring about what others want you to do with your life (AMEN to that!) 3) Have reasonable expectations for yourself. 4) Understand that failure is a part of life. 5) Adopt a happiness-centered mindset.

7Gloria Vanderbilt’s Life in Photos. The heiress, socialite, fashion icon and mother of CNN’s Anderson Cooper recently passed away at the age of ninety-five. When she was a child, during a high profile custody battle, the press dubbed her the ‘poor little rich girl,’ a title she never escaped in her nine decades of being in the spotlight. “Anderson told PEOPLE in a 2016 interview that his mom ‘was much more creative and interesting and unconventional’ than other moms he knew of growing up. Both of his parents helped him realize the ‘possibilities of one’s imagination’ at a young age.” What a great gift for a parent to give to a child.

8This May Be the Only Known Recording of Frida Kahlo’s Voice. Speaking of iconic women. I never thought about what Frida Kahlo may have sounded like until I read this article. A voice clip described as ‘sweet, delicate, very feminine’ is believed to belong to Frida Kahlo. It was recently found in the archives of a 1955 Mexican radio show. If it proves to be the famed painter, it may be the only known recording of her voice.

” Thoughtful

“Only do what your heart tells you.” ~ Princess Diana

Sojourn Experiences | Inquire About Dates

Walking the Camino de Santiago | Spain In partnership with Explorer X, small group adventure specialist 9 Days | Sept 10th – 19th, 2019 | From $3,950 per person

Unforgettable Africa | Kenya In partnership with Nomadic Africa, private luxury safaris 12 Days | From $18,735 per person for 8 guests

Machu Picchu, Peru | Salkantay Horseback Ride In partnership with Peru EcoCamps, luxury geodesic domes 9 Days | From $5,975 per person for 2 guests

*Pricing varies based on the number of guests and time of year.

Sojourn Programs

Insight Timer App | Silent Wisdom Meditations As many of you know, I teach meditation. I have been a long time fan of the practice. Why? It is scientifically proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness, lengthen attention span, reduce age-related memory loss, generate kindness, help to fight addictions, improve sleep, help control pain, decrease blood pressure; and you can meditate anywhere! Meditation is about as close as one can get to a wellness silver bullet. Recently, I started recording meditations for Insight Timer. I hope you enjoy these free guided sessions.

Happiness: The Art of Life Balance As a longtime television producer, stress was my middle name. I have spent more than a decade studying what to do about it. Now, I help professionals, especially those in the media, to get out of the crazy and into the happy (and yes, I still produce TV shows). I have put together a program that can fit into anyone’s schedule and can be joined anytime.

Challenge

Be Outrageously You. What makes you special and unique? What talents or interests really light you up? Today, open up and share your true self. ~ scareyoursoul.com

? Reflect

What moves you to tears or gives you goosebumps? ~ myintent.org

Happy Weekend! Maria and Team Sojourn Learn More | +800-869-0538

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