Remember the first time you had your favorite cookie? The crispy M&Ms, the velvety peanut and chocolate chips, the thick oatmeal batter, the sugary aroma that emanated from the crumbling pieces?
If you are anything like me, when someone offers you a cookie, you do not refuse. Sure, the high caloric value and high-fat content may spark hesitation initially (especially after that killer workout you just finished) but ultimately you try it because you are in an unconscious pursuit of a cookie that either meets or exceeds your expectation for what a cookie should taste like. It is human nature to set an anchor and base judgments on that. Will this be just as tasty? Oh, well I better test it. If I do not even try a new competitor, I am gypping myself of happiness; it has got to be worth it, right? I have an optimistic expectation that my previous anchor will be dethroned. So, I try the cookie. It tastes good but not sure it is absolutely the best out there. Am I selling it short? Am I giving it a real chance? Life is like that too. We are constantly in pursuit of happiness, like it is some hidden treasure or pot of gold. You have to actively search for it, trap it, cultivate it. But that also seems like some unattainable state, like we constantly move the finish-line on an endless track. It may feel like if you are not moving forward, you might as well just give up. But why cannot we just appreciate the sweet morsels without the guilt? Actually notice the flavors, the textures, the smells for exactly what they are: a special treat? Why don't we savor the moment? Why do we have such a hard time acknowledging that sometimes "good enough" is actually hits the sweet spot. It is exactly what we need. Today, Rice Athletics opened its first off-campus retail outlet dedicated to Rice Owls merchandise. For a total of seven points-of-purchase between in-venues, on-campus, online & on-the-go trailers, this location allows us to continue to offer our brand to a wider audience in Rice Village and surrounding areas.
Last year's licensing revenue was the highest in school history, with an increase of 17% from the previous year. Since the rebrand, Rice Athletics is on track to increase revenue further for a total of 34% in just two years.
I had a seemingly innocuous yet insightful encounter last night. During a CrossFit workout, I partnered up with someone new to the gym. We were sharing the same barbell and weights, alternating front squats. After a few rounds of increasing weights, he looked like he was struggling a little bit. I whispered to him: "You know you can take some weight off, right?" And he looked at me wide-eyed and responded innocently: "Really?" So, we shared a smile and quickly striped off a couple tens.
In that moment, I felt a little like Oprah -- so empowering! What felt so good about that simple encounter was that this new guy had no ego about it. He knew his limits, accepted that he just wanted to do it right and worked within his means. He did not let literal or figurative pressure determine his strength. It made me put into perspective how often we try to add more and more weights, to prove our strength or our value to those around us. We so often seek extrinsic confirmation of our abilities rather than intrinsically trust our own strength. Once we accept the latter, we ultimately feel lighter, less bogged down by unnecessary weight that is not healthy nor productive for overall growth. When I was 11-months old, I took my first steps. My mom was across the room with a cookie in-hand, cheering for me to come get it. Within a few swift movements, I swooped in and shoved it in my mouth. Ever since, I can honestly say not much has changed. Anyone who knows me even remotely well knows that I have a massive sweet-tooth (but with the inclusion of nutritional education and CrossFit workouts, I have recently reduced my need for sugar intake).
With all of that said, I found a lovely little place this weekend called Dessert Gallery. Not only did they have consistent branding — colors, fonts, menus, welcoming and comforting decore, beautiful displays — they had delicious treats. As you can see below, I have not been able to contain my excitement over this slice of Unicorn cake! We also got some “The World’s Best Brownies” and some Monkey Bars to take home for later ☺️ When I graduated from my Bachelor of Arts & Humanities program in Decision Sciences & Design, the program gave me a kaleidoscope along with my diploma. I remember initially thinking, “What am I going to do with this?” But it turned out to be a really insightful and important reminder.
Life is like a kaleidoscope. It is the lens with which we view the world. Each tube has similar components — shapes, colors and mirrors — like life has its constants: family members, coworkers, circle of friends; work, school, extra-curriculars; minutes, months, years. Each rotation makes a new configuration different from the last and the next. With each shift, there are infinite possibilities. The word kaleidoscope derives from the Ancient Greek: kalos (beautiful) eidos (that which is seen) skopeo (to examine) to mean "observation of beautiful forms." It reminds me to keep moving to find that fresh perspective, to find the beauty in the chaos and to appreciate each new composition. |
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