Two Step Formula for Change
A friend of mine, who is an alcoholic, offended another friend during a drinking bout. Later he apologized. When the alcoholic said “I am sorry,” his friend replied, “You are a sorry specimen because you apologize, but you have…
Death behind the IHOP
Between the pancake house and the Fitness center is where he died. I walked into the scene. A desperate, frantic wife was improvising mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on her failing husband, where he lay half in the car, his feet splayed out…
A Deadhead’s Story
“Sugar Magnolia, blossoms blooming, heads all empty and I don’t care” — Grateful Dead I shared an outdoors lunch table at a restaurant in Phoenix with a ghastly looking guy name Jacob–glazed eyes, long matted hair, a distant disposition. His story:…
Chocolate & Dry Cookies
Tuesday night at the Boy Scouts after the Court of Honor ceremony, snacks were being served. From across the room, the tray of dry cookies choked on sight–but wait: a tiered pyramid of Hershey’s milk chocolate bars—my favorite!! I love…
Deathbed Regrets (how to avoid them)
Note: this post originally published on http://thegangmagazine.com/ Bronnie Ware worked in end-of-life care for the elderly. Her patients were those who had come home to die. She was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their…
It’s complicated (not)
You want to talk spiritual truths? It’s not that complicated. Jesus said everything flows from two major principles: (continued)
That person at the crosswalk
That person who stands at the crosswalk repeatedly pressing the chirping button to cross the street; and the crosswalk button that responds with benign neglect. 00
Pride and a Coach
Why do we who have accomplished so little struggle with getting advice from a coach or mentor, when those who accomplish so much counsel regularly with a coach, a mentor, a board of advisors? why do we chisel ourselves out of wisdom?…
Guitar: a Friend for Life
A young teen i know is reluctantly taking guitar lessons; he mopes along and neglects to apply himself. Maybe guitar isn’t his thing, I don’t know—but I wish to encourage him, because for me, the guitar has been a loyal,…
Warren Buffett–His Greatest Success
According to Alice Schroeder’s book, The Snowball, Warren Buffett addressed some students who asked him about his greatest success and his greatest failure. Buffett replied: “When you get to my age, you’ll really measure your success in life by how many…
Warren Buffett–“Live your Life by an Inner Scorecard”
“It’s very important,” said Buffett, “always to live your life by an inner scorecard, not an outer scorecard.” What does that mean? Buffett illustrated this by asking: “Would you prefer to be considered the best lover in the world and…
Not in Scripture
Christ stood next to the condemned adulteress and said to the mob, “Let he who is without sin be the first to cast a stone”. A disciple complained, “Oh Jesus, you always get to go first!” 00
Make it Happen
Motivate: to provide someone with a motive for doing something. The first step to making something happen is wanting to make it happen. Motivation is a primary building block for achievement. Some say education is more important. Education is…
Boys at Heart
Overheard: ‘Yes, we’re responsible, but we also want to have fun. We’re boys at heart. If you a see a man acting grown-up and mature, he’s faking it.’ 00
How to be a Good Lover
How do you know when someone loves you? No really—think about it. How do you know? Reflect for a moment on someone who loves you—who positively loves you, no sinew of a doubt. Have you been fortunate enough to have someone like…
Grandpa at the Apple Store
Ok, it was not my finest moment. I was traveling in San Jose when my laptop crashed. Apple phone support said I needed in-person work, and directed me to a local Apple store., which unfortunately was totally packed. No tech support appointments were available, the…
Critics
“I’ve got a lot of critics out there… In my business, I’ve learned that success is 50% plus one; I’ve got a responsibility to advocate what I believe and speak my principles. It’s very important to be part of the…
Opinions
All opinions must be valued. Some are worth nothing; heed them accordingly. 00
Heroes
Tim was a hugely successful businessman, influential, high visibility, deeply honored, admired. Before business, he had played football for the Miami Dolphins and won two Super Bowl Rings. Anyone invited into his circle got glow from his halo of fame.…
Pokemon Generosity
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly…
