Giant Jenga is one of the small pleasures of being an adult. There’s just something about pushing and prodding large blocks of wood in a random bar with a drink in hand that puts a smile on my face. As the tower gets taller everyone’s attention starts to zone in on each move until the inevitable crash comes, startling more than a few of the casual bar bystanders. Continue reading →

Starting a side project can seem like a daunting task.

When we already have work, school, family, friends, hobbies, and relaxation vying for our attention, adding another “thing” to our plate – especially when that thing is optional – seems like a lot to ask of ourselves.

But it’s not as hard as you might initially think.  Continue reading →

In the world of health and fitness the common logic is to think in terms in addition – adding a new workout program, adding a new type of diet, etc.

It’s natural to think that the healthiest future version of ourself is just missing some key element that we need to find. Hence the reason that so many workout and diet programs skyrocket around this time of year. After all, what better way to kick off the new year than adding some shiny new thing to our wellness bag of tricks?

But that line of thinking misses a really critical element… Continue reading →

The extent of our struggles determine the extent of our growth.

I’ve experienced this in my own life repeatedly, and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a success story that wasn’t immediately preceded by a failure story. The entrepreneur, artist, actor, or singer is on top of the world, but their story usually started with some combination of a painful relationship, a failed endeavor, a battle with drugs or alcohol, or a seemingly insurmountable debt.  Continue reading →

Have you ever had the fear of looking back in your later years in life wondering “How did I get here?”

If you have, you’re not alone. It’s a common thought that’s regularly preached by writers, gurus, and coaches. That fear, when stoked, can be used to drive change, and so it’s used liberally by the personal development world at-large.  Continue reading →

When I was in my early 20s I thought everyone was supposed to be the next great writer, inventor, entrepreneur, or philanthropist. I couldn’t understand how someone could be okay with not doing anything notably remarkable in their life. I went as far as writing an impassioned blog post titled Striving for Mediocrity that ripped apart anything less than the desire to change the world.  Continue reading →

The past two years I’ve kept a running list of the books I’m reading to give other people ideas for what to read next.

With my new site (the one you’re reading), and my inherent commitment to write 500 or more words per day, I’m taking the opportunity to expand and comment on the books I’m reading. Continue reading →

First, we have a tea party in the bath and play with the pirates that stick to the bath walls.

Next, we brush our teeth to the tune of the ABCs, comb our hair, and put some essential oils on our feet to help stave off the sickness cesspool formally known as daycare.

Then, we have a second tea party in my daughter’s bedroom – the invisible concoction not actually being tea, but some combination of chocolate, blueberries, and ice cream. Continue reading →

Did you know a male moth can smell a female moth from 7 miles away?

I love that fact. But no, that’s not the topic of this essay. I just obviously had to include it when I learned about it.  Continue reading →

The past two years I’ve kept a running list of the books I’m reading to give other people ideas for what to read next.

With my new site (the one you’re reading), and my inherent commitment to write 500 or more words per day, I’m taking the opportunity to expand and comment on the books I’m reading. Continue reading →