Recharge Your Resolutions

 

Did you make a resolution for 2022? Forbes.com reports that he most popular New Year’s resolutions are “about self-improvement (living healthier 23% of people, getting happy 21%, losing weight 20%, exercising 7%, stopping smoking 5%, reducing drinking 2%). In addition, people resolve to meet career or job goals (16%) and improve their relationships (11%).”

 

According to an article in The New York Post, “a poll of 2,000 Americans found that it takes just 32 days for the average person to finally break their resolution(s) — but 68% report giving up their resolutions even sooner than that.”

 

The article goes on to say that one in seven Americans never actually believe they’ll see their resolution through in the first place.

 

February 1st is typically the day we call it quits on our New Year’s resolutions, according to research. The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crispy Green, also discovered the “why” behind our failure to keep our resolutions.

 

First on the list of reasons our resolutions don’t stick is a “self-aware lack of discipline (52%), followed by busy schedules and lacking the proper time to see them through (43%).”

 

Studies also show that only about 8% of those who set goals for the New Year will actually go on to achieve them. Even so, Forbes.com lists these reasons why it is a good idea to make them anyway:

 

#1 – Intention

Being honest with yourself about your current condition and the distance to your preferred situation is key to improvement. And being intentional about how you want to grow and develop will help you achieve results.

 

#2 – Hope and Engagement

Making New Year’s resolutions is inherently hopeful and optimistic. You expect things can get better for you, for your work experience or for your community. This positive view of the future, in turn, tends to motivate action.

 

#3 – Responsibility

Most New Year’s resolutions have some impact on others; even if they are about individual self-improvement, they affect families, friends, colleagues and communities.

New Year’s resolutions are terrific ways to focus on yourself, but also to consider your broader responsibility—and to expand and multiply your positive effects on others.

 

#4 – Inspiration

When you seek to be better, do better or contribute more fully, you tend to inspire others as well. The primary way people learn is through experiencing the behavior of others. When you focus on the future and focus on improvement, you inspire those around you.

At the Vienna Public Library, we have a great number of books in our collection that are available to help recharge and re-inspire your goals. You will find a display near the circulation desk and we would also be happy to offer suggestions and assistance finding selections that are in line with the aspirations that you hope to achieve this year. 

Stop in soon to say hello and check out a book that will inspire you to stay the course and help you live your best life. We look forward to seeing you!

A Book Review from the Director's Desk

 

Near the Bone by Christina Henry

Part domestic thriller; part horror novel; all suspenseful fun. If you are a true crime nut like so many of us are, you could really be into this fun, quick, scary read from an author that is quickly becoming one of my favorites. 

There is definitely a "true crime" kind of element to this fictional story. I love the dystopian feel (even though it's technically not a dystopian novel), and the cryptid monster antagonist seems really novel to me. (The mothman is even mentioned at one point, and considering that I am from 20 minutes north of where the mothman sightings occurred, I found that pretty neat.) So there are a lot of themes in this book sure to appeal to a large variation of readers. 

Isolation, Self-Sustainable Off-the-Grid Living, Cryptids/Monsters in the Woods, True Crime Mysteries, Domestic Abuse, Religious Zealotry and quick, suspenseful pacing. It's got something for everyone!

Click here to see Near the Bone in the Vienna Public Library collection.

Make time for tea... and other sensible advice.

 

In the rush of the everyday- the to-do lists, the people to see, the hills to climb- some things get accomplished and other things fall to the back burner... simmering slowly... or rapidly boiling over so that they may finally grab our attention.

I recently had a conversation with a fellow over-achiever about the art of actually slowing things down a bit in order to accomplish more. If I am being brutally honest, she is the over-achiever. I am merely an over-scheduler. I tend to get excited about one project, and then another, add a third, and so on until my task list looks like Santa's delivery schedule.

This time of year, beginning in October and through to January 2nd, will really throw my kind for a loop. In a hurry to accomplish everything. Actually accomplishing very little. This leaves a body feeling a little stressed, a little depressed, and not in a celebratory spirit at all.

I began thinking about our TLC Tuesday segments and how it is necessary to care for yourself if you are going to properly serve and care for others. 

(Our TLC Tuesdays have been on the back burner for a bit...slowly simmering.) 

Then I started thinking that it would be wise to write about this very thing in a blog post... to remind you lovely folks that, despite all that needs to get done in the next few weeks before the debut of 2022, you do not have to take on everything.

(This blog... boiling over on the back burner...spilling to the floor.)

So I come to you now with three bits of advice to carry you through the next few weeks:

1. Do what you can and forget the rest of the list.

Some things matter. Some things do not.

Put your 3 most important goals at the top of your list.

Set the priority based on family, work, or service.

Remember that you do not have to be all things to all people.

2. Spend at least an hour each day doing something that soothes your soul.

Again, it is necessary to care for yourself if you are going to properly serve and care for  others.

Make time for tea.

Pray or meditate. 

Read, watch a comedy, paint, cuddle a pet, or do literally anything that is legal that brings joy.

My over-achieving colleague suggested a book. 

Calm Christmas by Beth Kempton

It is available to borrow here at the Vienna Public Library.

I will be reading it soon.

3. Don't be afraid to say, "No, thank you."

One meaningful, relaxing gathering with people you care about will be far more memorable than 4 hurried conversations at 4 different events with 4 half-eaten plates of food and an exhaustion that will be hard to recover from.

Again, you do not have to be all things to all people.

Spend time with and love the special people in your life who will love you back.

Make memories.

Life is short.

Slow down.

Enjoy.

 

 

What's Cooking (& Baking) at the Vienna Public Library

It's National Cookbook Month

The Friends of Vienna Public Library have an impressive display of cookbooks for sale on their Book Nook. There are many that are specific to holiday cooking, so make sure that you see what is offered the next time you visit with us. It is most certainly the season!

So much so, that we have been inspired to do some cooking (and baking) of our own and we are sharing the recipes that we love with you.

First up is a sweet treat for Autumn: Pumpkin Cake Cookies

Our Assistant Director, Catherine, says that they smell like a perfect pumpkin pie while they are baking in the oven and that they are most delicious served warm from the oven and freshly frosted.

I can not wait to give them a try!

I decided to spend the time in the kitchen as well. In honor of National Cookbook Month, I selected a couple of our slow cooker cookbooks from our collection at the library and picked a few that look delicious as well as economical.  On Sundays, for the rest of October, check out our Facebook page for our Slow Cooker Sunday segment.

The first recipe was White Bean Chicken Chili.

This recipe give you a LOT of return for a little effort. Pair it with some cornbread and fried potatoes (and the Pumpkin Cake Cookies for dessert) and you have a PERFECT Fall meal.

(Click on the images to enlarge)

After National Cookbook Month has passed, Catherine will continue sharing some delicious recipes for our patrons to try every month on our Facebook page. Make sure you continue to stop by and visit. And remember, we have a large selection of cookbooks of all types in our collection. We would be happy to help you find them on the shelves.

We look forward to seeing you!

 

Happy National Women's Health & Fitness Day

 

Today is National Women's Health & Fitness Day and we are sharing 5 suggestions to help you celebrate!

1. Drink Your Water

        Water makes up about 60% of the human body. Keeping yourself hydrated has multiple benefits:

• Relieves Allergies
• Helps Digestion
• Aids Weight Loss Efforts
• Keeps Skin and Joints Healthy

        And those are just a few. Most doctors agree that you should try to drink eight to ten 8 ounce cups of water daily to stay hydrated. Monitor the heat and your activity level and increase as needed.

2. Sleep

        Missing out on sleep can cause more issues than a grumpy morning. If your body does not get the rest that it needs, you will often have a difficult time focusing and retaining new information.

        Lack of sleep is responsible for increased negative emotional reactions. Chronic lack of sleep increases your risk of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and high blood pressure.

        A restful sleep routine not only lowers blood pressure, it helps regulate blood pressure and aids in weight control. It is recommended that most individuals get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for maximum benefits.

3. Schedule a Check Up

        Regular check-ups can help discover possible health issues before they become a problem. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to receive the proper treatment quickly.

        Getting the correct health services, screenings, and treatments leads to a longer, healthier life.

4. Make a Fitness Plan with a Friend

        When you have a workout partner, you are more likely to feel motivated. Encouraging each other - and maybe even some friendly competition - can lead you to work a bit harder and achieve better results.

        You will also be more consistent. When someone else is counting on you to show up you will be much less likely to skip out on your fitness routine.

5. Visit the Library

        We have a wealth of information here at the Vienna Public Library to assist you with your health and fitness routines.

        Stop by and pick up a book (or two!) and learn how to live a stronger, healthier life!

        We look forward to seeing you!

(Image below is only a small fraction of what we have available for you!) 

                            

Banned Books Week

 Today is the first day of Banned Books Week, an annual campaign promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International that celebrates freedom to read and provides awareness of books that have recently been banned or challenged. The international campaign also notes individuals “persecuted because of the writings they produce, circulate or read.”

Held during the last week of September since 1982, it encourages readers to become familiar with challenged literary works and promotes intellectual freedom in libraries, book stores, and schools.

Stop in the library this week to learn more by picking up a copy of Field Report 2020. It is a compilation of “public bans and challenges to books, programs, displays, and other materials in libraries and schools that were reported in the news or recorded in public records.

Ask us about the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020.

Find out why they were challenged and discover how many you have read.

Also, make sure you pick up a few items that will remind you to share what you have discovered with family and friends.  We have buttons, book marks and other items full of information.

Censorship, in any form, is a dangerous thing.

Celebrate the week by checking out one of the books from the list that you may not be familiar with and exercise your intellectual freedom. 

We look forward to seeing you!

 

 

Vienna Public Library Adult Coloring Contest

 

September 14th is National Coloring Day!

The Vienna Public Library is holding an adult coloring contest to celebrate.

Participants must be 18 or older. The color work can be achieved with colored pencils, markers, painting pens, etc. To enter, simply pick up your coloring page from the library before September 14th. Pages must be returned to the library before the close of the business day on September 29th. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 1st.

All entries must have the contact name and phone number printed on the back of the color sheet in the event that their submission is selected as the winner.

In a world that has recently had us focusing on so many negative aspects of life, sitting down to relax and focus on the joy of expressing yourself through color seems the perfect way to recognize National Coloring Day.

According to health.clevelandclinic.org “there are several reasons that adult coloring relaxes people. The first is that it take the focus away from ourselves. You stop giving attention to the things that are causing stress and you get involved in the present moment.

The second reason is that it relaxes the brain. When thoughts and movements are focused on a simple activity, your brain can rest. 

Finally, low stakes make it pleasurable. The outcome of coloring isn’t predictable or prescriptive. It can be as neat - or as messy - as you choose, and this is one of its relaxing perks.”

Call the library at (304) 295-7771 or email: nicolette@viennapubliclibrary.org for more information.