Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the hardest. Here’s an example: Be here now! If you are stressed, anxious, or emotionally triggered, it’s usually because of something you are thinking about. When we take a vacation from thought, we find ourselves at peace. Try it, right now! Set your phone or tablet down, …
The Power of Purpose
I’m back! Summer sabbatical 2025 was great. We enjoyed lots of cabin time with family guests, including our son, Bryan, along with his dogs, Rocky and Annabelle. Our son Daniel, who’s had a rough year, with four hospitalizations. Our daughter, Julia; son-in-law, Ryan; and granddaughters, Adalyn and Arlo, from Portland, Oregon. My sister, Janet, and …
Casting Stones
The first thing I do when I get to the cabin in the summer is cut the grass. In the early days, this took about two and a half hours, but a zero-turn riding mower cut that time in half. Our cabin is located in Sawyer County, WI, on a Canadian Shield lake. The 132 …
Legacy
What is your legacy? Have you ever thought about it? We often refer to people by their titles, status, or wealth, as in “she’s a doctor” or “he’s a billionaire.” It works the other way, too: “he’s homeless” or “she’s a drug addict.” As we reach middle age, legacy begins to bear down on us, …
Lesson From Infinity, Part 2
In a recent post, "Lesson From Infinity,” I pondered the extent of our knowledge and tightly held certainties juxtaposed against the immensity of the universe. Stars outnumber the grains of sand on all the world’s beaches. What can we truly know about reality and the meaning of life from the vantage point of a …
Maybe So, Maybe Not
“I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round I really love to watch them roll No longer riding on the merry-go-round I just had to let it go" -John Lennon When I managed the Purchasing function for a large food company, a market adage we often quoted was, “The best cure for …
The Power of Praise
Praise is like rocket fuel! Not just any old praise, but sincere praise from someone we admire. Getting Personal I asked Claude about the best kinds of praise, and the answer rang true: -Specific and detailed -Authentic and sincere -Earned and deserved -Unexpected and unsolicited -From respected sources. Not a bad list, but it misses …
The Barricades of Heaven
Better bring your own redemptionWhen you come,To the barricades of heavenWhere I'm From. -Jackson Browne Song lyrics stick with me; sometimes providing inspiration, and other times, understanding. When I first heard the Jackson Browne lyric, it sounded blasphemous. Over the years, my thoughts changed. The song's title provides a hint: The Barricades of Heaven. The …
Lesson From Infinity
In my elder years, I’ve developed the regrettable habit of waking up at 3:30 AM, not refreshed, but too awake to go back to sleep. Rather than doomscrolling, I lie in bed and think. On a recent morning, my thoughts returned to a solitary beach stroll. The location was Neskowin, OR, where we rented a …
Escape
Who doesn’t like to escape? During Spring break, traffic is noticeably lighter in Minneapolis as residents vacate the northland for a brief respite in warmer destinations. Escape takes many forms. I enjoy sitting down with a cocktail at the end of the day. It’s not the healthiest thing I could do, but it’s a nice …
Towards A Life Well-Lived 