I’ve made the observation that the older I get the more friends I have who are, seemingly all of a sudden, interested in “staying in shape.” Yes, it is somewhat funny that “staying” implies they are already in good physical condition, and they’re not, but it’s also sad too. For that matter, it’s far easier…
I am blessed. There’s no question about that. One of my blessings is purely intrinsic (meaning it’s inside of me; innate to me) – I try to learn in every way I can from every experience, every conversation, everything I read, etc. One of my (many) blessings is purely extrinsic (from outside of me; from…
Every year people make resolutions to do something or some things that they believe will somehow alter their life for the better. They resolve to quit smoking. They resolve to lose weight. They resolve to get in shape. They resolve to cut back on eating fatty foods. They resolve to drink less alcohol. They resolve…
I remember being taught as a boy, “Opportunity often only knocks once. Be sure to open the door.” I also remember thinking, in such a childish way, “Cool! Opportunity’s going to come to me. I don’t have to seek it out.” Of course, as I got older, it was explained to me and I learned…
There was a time in my life when, without filter or care, I’d say whatever was on my mind. Like anyone else, some of what I said was critical of others and, although I didn’t realize it, sometimes unfair. To say that I made a few enemies in my youth would be an understatement. Heck,…
…but don’t waste time to prove it. What am I talking about? In today’s world it seems, at least to me as I view the news, social media, etc., that there is a general call to perform random acts of kindness. Further, it seems as if proof of such action is somehow required – as…
We ALL have dreams. Some of them are big dreams: a bigger house, to be married, to have a dozen grandchildren, etc. Some of them are smaller dreams: a better (newer?) car, to date someone we like, to get that promotion, etc. Most of us recognize that “dreams” are also goals – and we can…
It’s a reality of life that we can’t incorporate just one positive characteristic into our personality make up and be a complete person. Instead, we have to incorporate numerous positive characteristics, molding them together, finding the proper balance between them, and leveraging the sum of the whole to reach an improvement in who we are….
Yesterday evening (as I type this) I had a conversation with my oldest son about choices we make in life and how they shape our future. Of course, we can only guess and/or assume how our future will change when we’re making those choices. In the future we can look back and see the results…
One of my favorite birthday greetings to offer someone is, “Happy Birthday! Celebrate like it’s your last; live each day like you want 100 more!” While I’ve had a few people express dismay at the very thought of having their last birthday (completely understandable reaction), the also express delight at the idea of “celebrating large”…
Every day it’s inevitable: I talk with someone who, at some point during the conversation, says, “I wish…” WHAT they wish for may be highly improbable. “I wish I could win the lottery.” “I wish I could go back in time and change blah blah blah.” “I wish…” But some of what they utter a…
I was at lunch just the other day with four men who I consider friends. In fact, two of them I consider brothers. One of those brothers I have trusted with my life and I’d trust the other three with my life without hesitation. The one that I HAVE trusted with my life I’d happily…
It’s almost a stereotypical response. When asked, “What’s most important in a relationship?” one of the most common answers you’ll ever hear is, “Communication.” Of course, that’s just one word and not the whole answer. “Open, honest, interactive communication,” is more complete. For those who think about it and comprehend it, the implications of the…
The quote is from the Master, Bruce Lee. He was a man who certainly didn’t have an easy life, but somehow found the time and energy to train, as well as training and motivating others. All too often we – all of us humans – find a crutch in praying to god (or God –…
I will freely confess: One of my biggest pet peeves is when I go out of my way to help someone or do something in an effort to brighten someone’s day… and they sound aggravated that I had the audacity to interrupt whatever it was they were doing or whatever was going on at that…
I feel that this saying goes along with, “Quitters never win; winners never quit.” We all know people who just never seem to get ahead in anything they attempt and when we look at their efforts objectively, we realize it’s because they never really finish what they’re attempting. Their failure isn’t because they can’t accomplish…
It was a very rare occasion indeed in Basic Training (Army) if I thought, “Wow, this is fun!” More often than not I was digging deeper into myself, looking for the strength and courage to meet the next challenge; wanting to help others find the same strength; encouraging them on and appreciating it when they…
All of us have experienced, at some point in our lives, those people who try to tell us what we can’t do; why what we want to do is silly; how something we want to do is a waste of time; that a dream we hold dear is unattainable. Sometimes those people are mere acquaintances…
I think procrastination should be considered a much greater sin than it is by spiritual people. Consider this: Life is precious. Few of us will disagree about that. Life is also a gift: it’s a gift you received from a mother and father. Most of us are courteous enough to express our appreciation for such…
One of the things I’ve come to realize is that, “Use it or lose it” is a true statement. As I’ve studied aging (because we all do it, like it or not) I’ve learned that what we do (or don’t do) in our twenties and thirties can contribute to our physical strengths or frailties when…