Reading Time: 2 minutesRethinking Kindness: Actions vs. Thoughts We often emphasize kindness in our interactions with others, but how often do we extend that same grace to ourselves? The truth is, many of us are far kinder to others than we are to ourselves. Several days ago, I read a quote by well-known author James Clear, which caught …
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn today’s polarized world, thinking critically and maintaining an open mind is more essential than ever. Whether in religion, politics, or everyday life, seeking truth requires us to question our beliefs and remain open to new ideas. Growing Up in a Closed Mental System As a teenager, I grew up in a rigid religious tradition, …
Reading Time: 3 minutesEver felt like it’s too late to change your life? Think again. Last week, I listened to an intriguing podcast interview with Sarah Sarkis, a psychologist, writer, and performance consultant. She shared a powerful story about how, at 55, her mother separated from her husband and completely reinvented herself. This taught Sarah a critical lesson: …
Reading Time: 6 minutesAccording to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, “Genes do not determine your destiny. They determine your areas of opportunity.” We all possess personality traits we were born with, natural areas of strength and weakness. These natural abilities don’t lock us into a defined future but are areas we can consciously build on. “The …
Reading Time: 3 minutesImage is all-important in our social media culture. People regularly post carefully curated photos on Facebook and Instagram to project the image they want others to have of them. They select images that say, “Look how exciting my life is,” “Look at what a wonderful family I have,” or “Look at how cool I am.” …
Reading Time: 5 minutesEvery New Year’s Day, millions make resolutions to change their behavior. Almost no one follows through. The Power of a New Year New Year’s Day holds an extraordinary power — it’s seen as a time to make a new beginning. “New Year’s Day has long held a special power over our behavior. We turn the …
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhat you allow into your mind makes a difference in your life, positive or negative. “You’re only going to be as good as the stuff you surround yourself with.” Austin Kleon, writing in Steal Like An Artist.“ We’ve all heard the old saying, “Garbage in, garbage out.” If we fill our minds with mental garbage, …
Reading Time: 3 minutesWe live in a culture of outrage. The news media and social media intentionally feed this culture. It’s an enemy of intentional living because it’s pure manipulation. It’s the opposite of thoughtful and deliberate reasoning and thinking. It’s the direct result of news media and social media using “click-bait” to grab your attention and manipulate …
Reading Time: 4 minutesPreparing for a move to South Dakota, we recently discovered a mindset that will supercharge your decluttering — assume you’re moving to an apartment, not a house with lots of storage capacity. We’ve Been Decluttering for Years We’ve been in the process of downsizing and decluttering for most of our 50 married years. Decluttering your …
Reading Time: 4 minutesToo often, we let others define success for us. It’s “better to thrive at what you’re wired to do than to aspire to something that others tell you that you should want.” Daily Creative: Find Your Inspiration to Spark Creative Energy and Fight Burnout, by Todd Henry. Last week, my wife and I watched the …