“Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got.” - Art Buchwald. If there's one thing we can say about life, nothing stays the same. I remember as a little kid, time seemed infinite and waiting for holidays, birthdays or summer vacation seemed like an eternity. But now as a 37 year old adult, things seem to move at an alarming pace – maybe they always did, I was just too naïve or innocent to notice. I came across a wonderful song by singer/songwriter Darius Rucker entitled, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long”. It’s a moving ballad about just how fast children grow and how nothing stays the same. It's a wonderful example of how important it is to cherish every…
Do you decorate your office for the holidays? Some people might think it’s a little strange for a 37 year-old-man to decorate his office for the upcoming Christmas holiday, but I’m guilty. Truth be told, I never did in the past, and truly had no intention of starting now. But that was before I understood how important it is to create a pleasant, comfortable and joyful environment no matter where you might be. Let’s face it, work can be challenging at times – wearing on the very fibers which comprise one’s character. But by creating a space filled with pleasant reminders like photographs of that special someone, candles, flowers, and yes, even small Christmas trees, suddenly your brain isn’t just filled with anxiety but familiarity. It’s this familiarity which helps…
Earth Hour is March 31st at around 8:30 in the evening. I’ll be sitting home in the dark with a single candle illuminating the blackness. Why you might ask? Well it’s not because I forgot to pay my electric bill. For those of you who might be questioning my motivation (and perhaps my sanity), I’ll be one of millions of other environmentally conscious individuals on the planet who will participate in this year’s Earth Hour. From their website: Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour. More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate…
Below are just a few of the books I've read over the years which have inspired me to better myself in a world of chaos. I hope you'll find some inspiration here as well. The NightingaleKristin Hannah Click here to learn why this beautifully written book was so inspiring to me. The Art of Hearing HeartbeatsJan-Philipp Sendker Click here to learn why this beautifully written book was so inspiring to me. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely FineGail Honeyman Eleanor is a young woman who struggles with social skills and, therefore, keeps to herself without any human contact. This well-written book truly captures what it's like to feel like an outsider in the world with no love or friendship to fill one's day with meaning and purpose. When we begin to understand…
Summer vacations are now in full swing for school-aged children across the United States. As I write this post from the shade of my covered patio on a surprisingly pleasant sunny afternoon, I can hear the cheerful, innocent laughter of the young neighborhood children splashing and playing at the community pool, and it brings me back to a time long ago. In this peaceful setting, I find myself nostalgic for the summer vacations of my youth—a time when I was too young for major responsibilities but old enough to enjoy the freedom that comes along with growing up. It has been a long time since I felt the exhilarating joy of walking out of my grammar school's side doors for the last time before the start of a new school…