Remember alphabet soup? I ask you to remember because the last time you had it probably wasn’t yesterday, or last week. It may have been a decade or four. Something about alphabet soup brings out a sense of wonder and curiosity in us as kids. We stir it around to see if any secret messages emerge randomly, like a vegetable fueled Ouiji board. We use our spoon to carefully arrange our own words, spell our name, a simple sentence, or maybe a dirty word...Just me? But then we outgrow alphabet soup. Why? Are we afraid our sophistication will be challenged? That we’ll be considered …
What If Money Were No Object?
"Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way." --Alan Watts It's overly simplistic to say that all you need to do to be successful is to "follow your passion." It's and important factor, but not the only one. However. Money is a powerful force. Our view of it and need for it impacts our decision making in many -- often subconscious -- ways. One good way to make sure you're on track for living a great story is to ask yourself, "What would you be doing if money were no object?" How would you spend your time? What would be …
What is Your Glorious Purpose?
My favorite line in the movie “The Avengers,” is when the villain Loki declares, “I am burdened with glorious purpose.” I love that line. It’s pretty funny in the movie, because it speaks to Loki’s delusions of grandeur. Although, in truth, each of the heroes in the movie could probably say the same thing and mean it. But because their intent is noble, the connotation of the entire statement is changed. I too, am burdened with glorious purpose. Not to rule the world, but to make it better. Are you? If you aren’t burdened with glorious purpose, then binging on Facebook and …
Everyone Else
Tarzan 2 is terrible compared to the first one with the Phil Collins soundtrack. At least that's what Kim said after half-watching it with the kids while I was on the road. I know, I'm just as surprised to hear that as you. You know what separates the Oscar-winning movies from the ones that go straight to DVD? The ones that win awards are telling stories we haven’t seen before. Throughout the entire process -- from the screenwriter to the producer to the casting director to the cinematographer to the director to the cast -- everyone has the opportunity to do things the way they've …
Your Life as an Amazing Fireworks Show
I love the booming sounds, the explosive display of light, and the smoky smell of sulfur in the air that comes with a good fireworks show. But I quite like the communal aspect of it as well. I love how thousands of people gather together to stare up at the night sky and marvel at the breathtaking sights and sounds. They ooh and aah with one accord, and after the show is over, walk away with smiles on their faces and their spirits uplifted. The same thing happens when a person lives their life with passion. There is a magnetic, ethereal quality about it that we can't help but be captivated …
Living Life as an Adventure
What is the role of a parent? Obviously, keeping them alive is a big one. I've learned that feeding them semi-regularly and redirecting them away from hot stoves and wild animals helps with that. Teaching them morals, and how to be a positive contribution to society are important next-level responsibilities. But what about being brave? Isn't it important to teach them how to chase a dream and how to take risks and strive to reach their potential? …
Play This Game Like the 8-Year-Old You Used to Be
This tweet was about baseball, but if we looked at "life" as a game, it would still serve as a stirring rallying cry. When you were a kid, you spent a lot of time imagining the day when you would finally be grown up, with all the amazing powers that came with it, like independence and height and a drivers license. You had dreams and visions of the great adventures to be had, once you finally had the chance to call your own shots and live your own story. So, are taking advantage of the opportunities now before you? Are you playing this game of life with the heart and passion and …
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Are We Alive Yet?
When I was a teenager, I worked at a car dealership. The garage where I spent my days smelled of used oil, antifreeze, and in the summer, sweat (hooray for no air conditioning!). My job was to wash cars, run errands, and keep the shop relatively clean. It was good pay for a good job with good bosses and flexible hours. And I learned how to drive a stick shift and detail a car like nobody’s business, which will come in handy when I buy my Porsche someday :) By all accounts, it was a pretty great career for a teenager. But that doesn’t mean I liked it. …
What Are You Waiting For?
In conversations with people over the past several months, it was obvious that many people, businesses, and industries were waiting. Because of the presidential election, people were stuck waiting to start something, waiting to finish something, or waiting to to see what to do next. As if permission to do something amazing has anything to do with who's in office. There will ALWAYS be challenges, obstacles, and timing that's less-than-perfect. Guaranteed. What there will NEVER be again is right now. The potential for something amazing starts within. You want to SEE something amazing? …
Carpe The Hell Out of This Diem
My neighbor has a brain tumor. He's in hospice. He's under forty. So yeah, this seems about right. The best day to do something amazing is always today. Photo credit: Etsy …