Here are five things worth paying attention to this week. These are designed to expose you to a perspective you may not normally come across in your daily lives.

1. Grateful

I picked up Diana Butler Bass new book, Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, late last week and have found it hard to put down. One of the things I’ve noticed missing from my life lately is a deeper sense of gratitude. God has shown me in multiple ways over the last few months how important and essential it is to remember to be grateful. Rather than berating the reader for their lack of gratitude, Bass shares her own struggles with giving thanks and receiving mercy. She also puts a new perspective on our culture, emotions and practices that left me feeling edified. If you are looking to recognize gratefulness in your life, I recommend this book.

2. Tidying up with Marie Kondo

In the theme of “less is more,” Marie Kondo has minimalism down to a science. In her Netflix series, Kondo visits various families, all of whom have the same problem: excess stuff. Without judgement or shame, Kondo encourages them to only keep items that “spark joy.” If they do not spark joy, “thank” the object and donate it. Rooted in Shinto spirituality, Kondo has a deep respect for people’s lives and their physical homes. Her method is not prescriptive; rather, it’s a suggestion to those who feel they’ve become encumbered with possessions. Kondo also advises folks how to take care of the belongings that do spark joy. She also has books available that talk about her method of tidying.

3. 40 Things in 40 Days

This Lenten season I’m trying to embrace the mantra “less is more.” While that can mean many things, I’ve decided to engage in the practice of “40 Things in 40 Days.” I originally saw this practice pop up on social media, and I believe the original intent was to give away 40 items from your closet. For me, I want to expand this practice to any number of things I’ve collected in my home. Capitalism has told me to “buy, buy, buy,” and I’ve listened to its siren song too often. My hope is that in giving away possessions, I find freedom in the sense that I’ve been given more than I need in this world.

4. White Supremacy in Heels

Rachel Elisabeth Cargle explores white feminism in her article “When Feminism is White Supremacy in Heels.” She highlights problems she sees coming from white feminists who claim to be “intersectional” and “social justice-minded.” These problems can include tone policing, spiritual bypassing, giving into the white savior complex and centering. While this is oftentimes unintentional, not being self aware can take its toll on feminists of color. You can read Cargle’s article here.

5. Best brownies

Smitten Kitchen does an outstanding job on most all of their recipes, so when this recipe for brownies was passed on to me, I wasn’t worried. And I didn’t need to be. They turned out amazing. If you’re looking for fudgey, rich, easy to make, fool-proof brownies (even more fool proof than normal), this recipe has you covered.