THE ARCHIVES
Here’s where you will find every stoic ranting in chronological order.
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JANUARY 2018
It Doesn’t Matter How We Get There, As Long As We Get There
Welcome to the 2018 daily rantings of a stoic! In order to get the creative juices flowing, so that I can finally finish my book, my new years resolution is to publish one blog post per day for the next 364 days. My plan is to write whatever comes to mind. I have no idea where this will lead or even what will end up pouring out of me. Frankly, I don’t ca…
The Further Down We Slide, The More Momentum We Build
My daughter and I were recently reading about Kislev, the Hebrew month that is shaped by Chanukah, the holiday of miracles. We were moved by the following quote, “At the darkest time, there is light and there will be light.” Upon reading that quote, my daughter looked at me and said, “You know, Mom, life is a series of hills and the further down we slide…
I Found Out Why the Chicken Crossed the Road - (SPOILER ALERT: He was on his Way Home to Roost)
This past Spring I was on my, seemingly, daily run to the Post Office when I was impeded by a family of chickens crossing the road. Yes, I think I single-handedly kept the US Postal Services in business this past year, mailing out legal briefs. Okay, to be perfectly clear, these chickens were more like geese, but
Committing to Blogging Every Single Day is Really Freaking Hard
On January 1, 2018, I began executing on my new years resolution: to blog every single day in 2018. And for the first three days, I was on a roll. I was totally committed - just like the many out-of-shape Americans who overcrowd our gyms during the first week of every January.
Why Do Hand Models Always Get the Shaft?
In the late 1990s I left a cushy job in finance to become an entrepreneur. After depleting my 401k, I took a side job, modeling - hand modeling that is. You may have seen my work in Best Buy catalogs, grasping a remote control or clicking a mouse. Although I was able to successfully hone in on my craft, I never got the chance to walk the runway - or even …
Please Underestimate My Hidden Superpower
I cannot run faster than a locomotive. I cannot leap tall buildings in a single bound. And as much I would sometimes like to try it, I cannot pilot an invisible jet in my underwear. But I do have a secret superpower. I have the remarkable ability to never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. It's called persistence.
The Things No One Can Steal
As a writer and historian, I am a prolific note taker and a meticulous record keeper. I am never without a pen, and I carry little notebooks with me wherever I go. Over the last few decades, I must have accumulated hundreds of little notebooks filled with everything from random thoughts, stories, poems and ideas to business notes, to-do lists and remind…
They Tried to Bury Me - They Didn't Realize I was a Seed
In May 2014, I came across an inspiring article about an ancient Greek philosophy called, stoicism. At its root, stoicism presents the ability to transform obstacles into advantages. Those who practice stoicism are called, you guessed it, Stoics. The modern day philosopher and writer Nassim Nicholas Taleb defines a Stoic as someone who, “transforms fear …
The Day I Stopped Waiting for Perfection
My entire life has been a quest for perfection. I like perfection. Actually, let me correct myself. I need perfection. Everything must be perfect. A perfect example of my need for perfection has been my requisite for the perfect parking spot. And by perfect, I don't just mean the closest parking spot. It must be close, perpendicular and I must be able to e…
If I Were a Football Player, I'd Play Defense
I never played football. I barely understand the rules. I mean I get the basic rules: you get four chances to keeping moving the ball 10 yards until you get to the part of the field where you find your team's logo and what appears to be two festivus poles attached by a bar. And I understand that the goal is to get to this logo pole area with the ball (t…
A Refreshing Reminder that there is Still Goodness in a Dog Eat Dog World
I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now that I don't even know where to begin. I was all set to publish a fairly gloomy blog post pondering why there are so many venomous creatures in the corporate world when I received an unexpected call from a well-respected colleague whose distinguished four decade career on Wall Street I've always admired.
Dreams are Simply Future Accomplishments
This isn't the my first post boasting about my ten year old's insightfulness, and I'm quite sure it won't be my last. I am constantly amazed by her wisdom. She is a voracious reader and a very gifted writer. She is a better writer at 10, than I was at 20. That is for sure.
Treasured Moments
I read that Dr. Seuss once said, "Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Whether it takes minutes or a lifetime to be recognized, whether it feels monumental or inconsequential, every moment carries value.
Greetings and Salutations
Some blog posts will be profound. Others not so much. Here's one that falls into the "not so much" category but still worthy of posting. Why? Because it's kind of funny. And because I am just too busy dealing with slime at the moment to be philosophical.
"Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere"
Anyone who knows me can attest that I am a quote junkie. I jump on any opportunity to absorb inspiration from words. In honor of what would have been his 89th birthday, today's inspiration comes from the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who once said:
Guest Post from a Stoic in Training (S.I.T)
Hello! I am the stoic-in-training that my mother, the stoic extraordinaire, keeps talking about. Let’s call me the S.I.T! And please, don’t pronounce it as “sit”, say S–I–T. My mom is so busy dealing with slime at the moment that I have to fill in for her today. She has been working extremely hard to fight off the slime that has been attacking her throug…
There is No News – Only Opinions With Which We Choose to Agree
Journalism is dead. And it has been for a very long time. Facts only exist in a fleeting moment of time. And then they vanish. Memory converts all facts into perspectives. It is inevitable. Even weather is opinionized … and sensationalized. It can’t just be snowing. Instead, it has to be snowmageddon-ing.
Walk Tall or Don't Walk at All
One could master a lot from Bruce Springsteen lyrics. In fact, it was Bruce Springsteen who said that we can learn more from a 3 minute record than we can ever learn in school. Or something like that. (By the way, kids, a record is a circular object with grooves that plays music when touched by a needle.)
0% Chance of Rain
Before I get on a plane, I always check the weather report of my destination. However, I still keep an umbrella in my suitcase at all times – even if there is not a cloud expected in the sky. I like to be prepared. People err. Technologies glitch. Nothing is ever certain. Well, scratch that, the only certainty in life is that there are no certainties.
The Great Big L.I.E.
When I was 17, I was petrified of merging onto the L-I-E, also known as the Long Island Expressway to non-New Yorkers. I’d be frozen at the onramp, for what seemed like forever, waiting for the perfect moment to make my entrance. Many gave me the finger. Others would take the time to roll down their windows and curse me out. It didn’t matter. Even though …
A Diamond in a Rock
Tom Petty once sang: “Some days are diamonds Some days are rocks” Petty was mistaken. It is not one or the other. All days are diamonds. Some days you just need to look harder to see some trace of sparkle. Today was one of those days. The kind when you’re forced to watch someone age before his time. The kind when you have to accept just how fragile and finite…
Does Art Imitate Life or Does Life Imitate Art?
I recently read a scathing article, depicting the innocuous and beloved sitcom, “Friends”, as offensive – especially to millennials. Let me be a little more specific. 24 years after it debuted, “Friends” is now being described as transphobic, homophobic, racist, misogynistic and sexist.
The Road to Self Discovery is Paved with Blood
I have this remarkable ability to find humor in every situation. It’s what keeps me going even during the tough times. It was a gift that that my Grandmother passed down to my Dad, who then passed on to me. I inherited my work ethic from my Grandfather who reluctantly retired at 76. I have a habit of getting immersed in assignments, lose complete track o…
Just Laugh – and When You Can’t Laugh, Laugh Some More
When I was 10 years old, my Grandmother taught me how to laugh in face of adversity. It was one of the most valuable lessons I ever received. And to this day, humor is my fail-safe remedy for handling setbacks. In fact, I’ve become pretty, pretty, pretty good at finding some parcel of hilarity even amidst the bleakest of circumstances.
The Path of Most Resistance
From trodden, ever-traveled trails to desolate, hindered roads, life is a journey from one pathway to the next. While some are navigated with ease, others require tenacity. Although I can’t be sure whether it is conscious or not, I seem to keep finding myself, laying footprints, on the most obstructed roads.
Stepping Forward
Yesterday’s post was about stepping forward – even when it necessitates walking through shit and dangerous debris. Out of sheer coincidence – or maybe a sign – an old poem I wrote in 1997 called, Stepping Forward, just appeared on my facebook memory feed.
Sometimes Strength Finds You
A few days after my son was delivered via c-section, he developed a fever in the hospital. I was still recovering from the surgery and was having a lot of trouble walking. The nurses kept insisting that the only way for me to heal was by walking around.
Cutting Off Your Nose Doesn’t Always Spite Your Face
When I was growing up my Mom was constantly cautioning me not to cut off my nose to spite my face. “I’m not going to the party if I have to wear those hideous shoes with the buckle that look just like the pair that Christopher Columbus was wearing when he discovered America.”
Don't Trust Anyone With Teeth
My husband’s grandfather was a very successful businessman whose company helped build New York City. His advice to my husband was to never trust anyone with teeth. As a modern cautionary tale of someone who has trusted far too many people with teeth, my husband is frequently pleading with me to heed his grandfather’s words. Despite my husband’s constant …
The Last Word
I love words. I’m inspired by them. I collect and treasure them. Often, when I’m writing, I can’t get enough of them. But I know that not every beautiful word can find it’s way into a piece. I especially love the last few words. It is often those final words that make or break an article, a poem, a song or a story.
Some Courts Birth Legacies, Other Courts Give Rise to Movements
Different people excel in or on varying types of courts. In addition to sporting one of the most iconic mullets in history, Andre Agassi shines on the tennis court. While he was no Derek Jeter on the baseball field, Michael Jordan owns the basketball court.
FEBRUARY 2018
How Can You Tell When a Liar is Lying?
There’s an old joke that goes something like this: “How can you tell when a liar is lying?” “Easy. His lawyer’s lips are moving.” Or maybe it’s… “How can you tell when a liar is lying?” “Easy. His lawyer’s nose is growing.” No, that’s not it either. I am having trouble remembering the punchline. Probably because it isn’t very funny.
I Was Born During the Day – Just Not YESTERDAY
I was born during the day. It just wasn’t yesterday. I feel like I need to clarify this point as it seems as though some are hell-bent on treating me like I was born yesterday – as if I have the word, “naivety” tattooed on my forehead. Warmth is not synonymous with vulnerability.
The Moxie
My love affair with words is no secret. It is one of the reasons why I subscribe to Dictionary Dot Com’s “word of the day”. Other reasons include my never-ending quest for inspiration, and the need to brush up on my vocabulary – in case I ever decide to retake my SATs.
Adult Bullying is Alive and Well
Most people think that bullying ends long after we’ve ran off the playground and tossed our graduations caps in the air. Nope. Some (and by some, I mean bullies) would be happy to know that adult bullying is alive and well. Bullying runs rampant in our politics, our corporations and in our courts. Only as opposed throwing sand, adult bullies toss threats. …
When Actions Contradict Words
I came across this quote the other day: Your words mean nothing when your actions are the complete opposite. It made me think about all of the words rendered meaningless by contradictory actions. I started questioning why so many people don’t feel any sense of duty to coordinate their words with their actions.
When Heeding Advice Consider the Source
Some people get off on telling other people what to do. They are constantly giving advice – whether they are knowledgeable on the subject or not. They just can’t help themselves. They are so desperate to be heard that when they exhaust live listeners, they resort to sharing their 2 cents on social media.
The Destination of the Kicked Can
A recent blog post addressed why so often one’s words contradict one’s actions. It reasoned that since most people don’t think that they’ll ever be held accountable for the words which oppose their actions, there is little incentive to remain honest.
Filling Big Shoes
In every aspect of my life, my objective is to be a little better than the day before. Except when it comes to motherhood. This is one area where I apply a different yardstick – my own mom. My mom is the most caring and selfless mom ever to walk the earth. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her children. She would give the shirt off her back on a 10 deg…
Time for Some Hardball
Baseball makes me really sentimental. It awakens all kinds of emotions – feelings of patriotism, pride, hope, unity, innocence and nostalgia. I cry at every baseball movie. I teared at my very first glimpse of how green the field was at Yankee stadium. I sobbed uncontrollably during the first televised baseball game after 9-11.
Ticktock
The world is filled with misguided rivalry. People are consistently battling the wrong enemy. A sports team’s opponent is not the other team on the field. A corporation’s competitor is not a company with a similar business model or product. The real adversary is not found on the battle field, in some ballpark or on the exhibit floor of an industry trade sho…
The Visionary Versus the Industrialist
Entrepreneurs come in two forms. They are either visionaries or they are industrialists. Visionaries create. Industrialists capitalize on a visionary’s creation. Visionaries are inspired by the product whereas industrialists are driven by profits. Despite Microsoft going public years after Apple, Bill Gates became a billionaire much earlier than Steve Jobs.…
Worrying Won’t Change the Outcome
This morning my daughter and I were having a conversation about anxiety. I told her that all worries fall into two categories: those within our control and those in which we will never have control over. Worrying about things within our control can be immediately eliminated from our psyche. Don’t commit a crime and you you’ll never have to worry about goi…
Call Me Crazy. Please.
The label, “crazy” often gets lumped in the insult category – as if being crazy is something to be ashamed of. Dreamers are constantly being called crazy – not because they are deranged, but because they are imaginative geniuses who others can’t quite understand.
Fairy Tales and Happily Ever Afters
Growing up, I never doubted fairy tales and I always believed in happily-ever-afters. Even when I was old enough to know that fairy tales were too far-fetched to be real and that happily-ever-afters were the exception rather than the rule, I still believed.
If You See Something, Say Something
Yesterday’s events serve as a reminder of how much evil exists in the world. While it will likely never be eradicated, it can certainly be mitigated simply by not ignoring the warning signs. Silence allows malevolence to fester. It also guarantees repeat offenses. It ensures that rapists will continue to rape and cheaters will continue to steal.
Sometimes all it Takes is a Silly Facebook App to Recognize Why Some Fights Need to Go the Distance
Facebook provides a wealth of can’t-live-without knowledge. I mean, what would we do without knowing what became of the child stars of the 80s, how proficient we are at recalling Seinfeld episodes, or seeing what we would look like as the opposite sex? SPOILER ALERT: Most 80s child stars became fat drug addicts, I score a 100% on every Facebook Seinfeld …
There Are No Shortcuts – Only Traffic Avoiders
Once upon a time, when I lived in Manhattan, I would escape to the Hamptons during summer weekends – along with millions of other New Yorkers. The traffic was usually insane. There were times when a 3 and 1/2 hour car ride took over 7 hours – especially if you attempted to drive Montauk Highway during peak hours.
The Failure
Today I had a million things to do. Well, not quite one million. More like 999,999 – including conjure up a blog post when, to be honest, ever since Wednesday’s tragedy I have been at a total loss for words. Instead, I decided to share some quality time with my 12 year old son. Just the two of us.
The Big 5 0
This post marks the 50th daily rant of a Stoic. I don’t know what amazes me more – the fact that I have accomplished writing 50 blog posts in 50 days or the fact that 50 days have already gone by since I undertook this challenge. I have to admit, when I impulsively made this new year’s resolution 50 days ago, I didn’t fully grasp just how much of commitme…
Why? Why? Why?
I hate being reminded of the existence of evil in the world. Or having to process how bad things can happen to good people. Because it makes me resent my favorite, word: “why“. There is nothing more mortalizing than asking a question incapable of being answered.
Never Chase. Replace.
My friend Janet is an endless source of inspiration. This morning I saw the following motto on her facebook page: “Never Chase. Replace.” As soon as I saw it, I knew I found today’s blog topic. This is a truism that can be applied in many facets of life.
Comedy is Humanity’s Bandaid
I read an article the other day where Matt LeBlanc was quoted as saying, “Comedy is humanity’s band-aid.” My first thought was, who knew that Joey from “Friends” could be so profound?
And the Needle Returns to the Start of the Song
Einstein has been credited with saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” That doesn’t sound like insanity to me. It sounds like life. I go to bed every night expecting to wake up and experience something different from the day before.
To Avoid Criticism: Do Nothing. Say Nothing. Be Nothing.
Some people are very outspoken. Critiquing seems to be their forte – regardless of whether or not they have knowledge on the subject. Then there are those, like me, who are the complete opposite. I was always considered to be more of the “inspoken” type. I kept my words to myself. To me, hurting someone feelings wasn’t worth giving even an honest, yet ins…
Let ‘Em See What They Did to You
One day, when I was about 8 years old, a little boy who lived across the street from me decided to throw a rock at my back. I ran home crying in pain. I told my mom what had happened and showed her just where the rock hit. When my mom saw the welt on my back, she became enraged.
“Some have Hopes and Dreams; Some have Ways and Means.”
Yesterday, I stumbled upon another great quote on my friend, Janet’s Facebook page: “Some have Hopes and Dreams; Some have Ways and Means.” This is a verse from a song by Bob Marley fittingly called, “Survival.” It got me thinking about what it takes not just to survive, but to thrive.
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Is that all you got? Really? Might I suggest a bit more training? Or, perhaps recruiting an army? Because it takes a lot more muscle than that to knock out a Stoic. “Knock me down, it’s all in vain I get right back on my feet again Hit me with your best shot
Choices, Choices, Choices
Life is an endless smorgasbord of choices. Every second of every minute of every day we are faced with the daunting task of forming – and forever, thereafter, owning – a decision. While some choices may be more pivotal than others, all our choices – from whether to have the sole or the filet to whether to pursue a career in finance or in law – shape us.
MARCH 2018
There Comes a Time When You Just Stop Giving a Sh*t
Some people dangle financial carrots to get what they want. Others use threats. Unfortunately for them, a strategy of preying upon greed or fear is only as effective as an opponent’s greed and fear. Not everyone is as incentivized by money. Not everyone is afraid of another’s perceived consequences.
Bad Guys Don’t Win
Ah, the American cinema. There is nothing more sanguine. In case you’ve never experienced a cinematic escape, below are a few spoiler alerts. The mean step-sister doesn’t get to marry the Prince. The underdog will unfailingly triumph. The one with the ugliest face is most likely the villain.
Some Gifts are Wrapped in Love – Others in Karma
Although unexpected, random acts of kindness never go unnoticed or unappreciated. While eternally grateful, I am never surprised by the constant show of support from family and friends. But occasionally, favors arrive from the most unforeseen source: a nemesis.
Don’t Disrespect the Doodle
For as far back as I can remember, I have been doodling. Doodling helps me think. I also find doodling very soothing – kinda like my grandma’s chicken soup. I doodled my way through school. Doodling enabled me to concentrate better in class. Doodling proved to be a great study aid and memory tool. I aced many exams thanks to doodling.
This is The Calm
Someone told him long ago, there’s a calm before the storm. He knows that it’s been comin’ for some time. When it’s over, so they say, it’ll rain a sunny day. So he waited. In the howling winds, he waited. Surrounded by the sounds of boisterous thunder, he waited.
The Obstructed Road
The other day, the road I usually take was closed due to a gas main break. I was forced to take an alternate route – throwing off my entire routine. At first, the unfamiliarity was very unsettling. I got lost. I was confused. The traffic was grueling.
The Universe is Nothing But Circles
It has been said, time and time, again that what comes around goes around. This is not just an adage. It is the law of the universe. Everything that leaves, eventually returns – in one form or another. Food. Water. Air. Money. Thoughts. Feelings. Karma.
We are Each the Hero of Our Own Flick
Lights. Camera. Action. This is your movie. Even if you can’t act, you were born to be the star. You have a supporting cast of about 7.5 billion. You won’t ever share a scene with most of them. Those who get the highest billing are the most integral to the plot. They are the ones who will be there with you when the closing credits roll.
The Reason
In my failure to find answers, I sometimes find reason, and in my attempts to understand reason, I sometimes find purpose. Today was one of those days. So I thought I would post one of my proudest poems. 68 blog posts down – 297 more to go…
Into the Future Once Again
Tonight I’ll be going into the future. Precisely one hour into the future. Yup, I’ll be springing forward once again. Daylight savings or not, for years now, I’ve been visiting the future. It is the soul vacation that I refer to as my reassurance zone.
The Great Pendulum Shifts
Within each of the universe’s infinite circles sits an oscillating pendulum – swaying back and forth at 180 degree intervals. Much like the political pendulum that swings left and right, left and right, left and right, life’s pendulums rarely strike a balance.
Living Will Age You
Some people fear despise aging. As if it’s a bad thing. Meanwhile, one would think that growing older is much better than the alternative. But, vanity is a powerful emotion. Almost as mighty as greed. Narcissism keeps people lying about their age. Some are so obsessed with age that they forge their birthdays on government issued IDs. Yes, they would rather …
To Whom Does the Future Belong?
Ronald Reagan once said, “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” While bravery is an admirable and important quality, unlike adaptability, it is not essential to survival. Nothing – not even courage – could exist without the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances.
Strength is Both the Medicine and the Cure
I used to stress out every time my kids caught a virus – until I learned that these illnesses were helping to strengthen their immune systems. We are stronger in the places we’ve been broken. I’ve often envied those who could let themselves fall in love so easily. I really never understood how one could give their heart so fearlessly – time and time again…
The Roller Coaster
“You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster…
The Art of the Schpiel
When I was a kid, a friend’s mom once took us to Burger King (I know, eeew). My friend didn’t want to go inside the restaurant (if you can call it a restaurant). In fact, he was adamant about not going in. At first, he wouldn’t stop whining and pleading. But his mom just seemed to ignore him.
A Few Moves Away from Perfection
When I was 11, I got my first Rubik’s Cube. As all brand new Rubik’s Cubes do, it arrived in its already solved state. Every square was precisely positioned to ensure that the colors of each of the six sides of the cube were homogeneous. In order to play with the cube, you need to mix it up by repositioning the squares. You may one day be able to return i…
Age is Privilege
Today’s post is inspired by my Mom – and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Although I will not disclose her age, let’s just say that I am pretty sure that she is older than me. Anyway, my allegedly older and definitely much wiser Mother, informed me today that when you reach a certain age, you have earned the right to say whatever the hell you want.
It’s All About How You Get Back Up After Getting Knocked Down
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi Or so I once thought. As I learned today on LinkedIn, the way you get back up is just as – if not more – revealing. Check out this inspiring video: Now, that’s the way to get back up again!
My Inspirational Beach Chair
Today my daughter found a box of my old journals (note to self: I must burn my old journals before I die). An entry from May 19, 1996 had us laughing out loud. According to the journal, May 19, 1996 was a gorgeous, 82 degree sunny day that found me sunbathing on my 80
Advice for Storm Creators
This morning I came across a great quote by an unknown author: “Some people create their own storms, then get upset when it rains.” This quote characterizes so many different types of people. There is the Firestarter. I’m sure you’ve met a Firestarter
Doubting What Nobody is Sure About
I must have been about 7 or 8 years old the first time I watched “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. It instantly became my favorite movie (the Gene Wilder version – not the freaky Johnny Depp rendition). I mean, at the time, candy was the only currency I really understood. And what
So Much To Do and So Little Time – Don’t Reverse It
When you’re a kid, life is like an everlasting gobstopper. The minute hand knows no bounds. Days are filled with so many hours, yet very few tasks to fulfill. Even play time can grow boring after a while. At 25, you feel invincible – as if you have oceans of time and the strength to swim forever. While more has been added to your “to do” list, you feel li…
Give Back the Everlasting Gobstopper
I promise this will be the last blog post containing a Willy Wonka reference – at least for a while. But today’s Wonka lesson is arguably the most significant one of all. Even more important than, “Burp, Charlie, burp. It’s the only way.” Life is constantly asking us to decide between right and wrong. You don’t have to be a Willy Wonka fanatic to know tha…
Don’t Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Today’s post is inspired, once again, by my uber insightful 10 year old daughter who also happens to be my spiritual advisor. Yesterday, completely out of the blue, my little Stoic-in-Training (S.I.T.), cautioned me to never follow the Yellow Brick Road, for it is paved with delusions and leads to a charlatan who can’t give you anything more than you alr…
Poetic Justice
Here’s a little rhyme about how a tenderhearted poet went to sleep one evening and awoke a warrior. You can call it a poem about a poet that personifies poetic justice. 85 blog posts down – 280 more to go…
It’s All About the Riff
I once dated a guy who didn’t like music. I refer to that dating period as the dark ages. The relationship ended upon realizing that I would never be able to truly connect with someone who lacked appreciation of a melody. To compensate for the months of harmonic emptiness, I began dating a musician whose obsession with music was as strong as his predecess…
Time to Stop Chasing IFs & WHENs
I am guilty. I am guilty of waiting around for specific events to occur before allowing myself to take action. When the holidays are over, I will start my diet. As soon as this next project concludes, I will finish the remaining 3 chapters of my book.
This Blog. This Dreadful, Laborious, Obnoxious, Magnificent Blog.
87 days ago I made a new year’s resolution to start a new blog. This blog. I vowed to post every single day for one year. It was a commitment made – in haste – without much any thought. At the time, I had a lot on my plate. A lot. Much more than the average bear. But that’s a saga for another time.
The Place In-Between
Sometimes change grabs us by surprise. We find ourselves propelled into newness by a sudden and unanticipated event. We embrace it simply because we have no other choice. However, more often than not, change is gradual. It frequently goes unnoticed until confronted by a memory. Even mirrors can be deceiving. I believe I’ve been looking at the same reflect…
The Things that Keep Us Safe
I write about modern finance. Highlighting injustices in the investment world has been a central theme in my work. I’ve often pointed out the fact that many securities regulations, which were meant to protect investors, have done nothing but harm them by curtailing their opportunities to prosper.
APRIL 2018
Not My Decision
I don’t want to have to make choices for someone else. I have a hard enough time making decisions for myself. In fact, I’d never make any decisions at all if I didn’t find comfort in believing that all of my choices are in someway preordained, and that each and every decision delivers something of value – even if when it turns out to be nothing but a les…
Time for a Cleanse
Last night I had the strangest dream. I was at a conference, handing out business cards that contained my old AOL email address. I haven’t used my AOL email account in 20 years – let alone recall the password to access it. After making sure that no one’s emails would ever be able to reach me, I decided to jump onto a waterslide that very quickly turned in…
Don’t Get Derailed Chasing Hoaxes
Everything in life can be reduced to two elements: the real and the imaginary. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to recognize the difference. Not every kiss is love – just like not every thought is intangible. Sometimes, even those things that you are able to touch turn out to be nothing more than illusions. Promises may not always be worth the paper th…
Where No Mail Gets Delivered
I have a friend who tends to voyage into her own little world every now and again, but it’s okay because, as she explains, the people know her there. Although I’ve never met her friends, she says that they are very nice. Before she departs, I usually tell her to have fun and ask her to send me a postcard.
Whichever Way the Wind Blows
I am an optimist who worries, and a fatalist who has learned how to seize control. This way, I am able to anticipate the best while preparing for the worst. I found that not caring about which way the wind blows is really the only way to enjoy the breeze.
Bueller. Bueller. Bueller.
I couldn’t wait to become a mom. From the moment I did, I looked forward to the time when my kids would be old enough to watch 80’s movies with me. I guess I always envisioned it as a way for me to share parts of my childhood with them. The other night I introduced my 12 year old to Ferris Bueller.
The Farther You Crawl
Yesterday, I took a tour of Ruby Falls, America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall. The attraction has been named one of the ten most incredible cave waterfalls on the planet. It was founded in 1928 by a man named Leo Lambert, a local cave enthusiast. After endless hours of crawling through unchartered darkness, Lambert discovere…
A Dimming Yesterday Makes for a Clearer Tomorrow
“Little boy says to me where you goin’ now son I said, I don’t know where I’m goin’ boy I only know where I’m from And it makes me wonder” – Hootie When I was 25 and constantly questioning where I was going, these lyrics really resonated. It’s hard to doubt where you’ve been when you are standing in the exact place where you are from.
Moving On
Start threading the needle Brush past the shuttle that slides through the cold room Start turning the wool across the wire Roll the new life over In the middle of the night there’s an old man Threading his toes through a bucket of rain Hey, mister, if you want to walk on water
The Power of Determination
99 days ago, I challenged myself to start a daily blog. Had I foreseen what a commitment it would be, I never would have done it. While I admit that it has been cathartic, I’ve been kicking myself every day since I undertook this little pet project.
Limiting Options Can Broaden Horizons
What does XM Radio, Diners and Manhattan all have in common? Options. Options. And more options. We all love having options. But I have found that unlimited options can be as limiting as having no options at all. In fact, options are another example of when
The Fine Line Between Enough & Complacency
Someone once told me, many years ago, that better is the enemy of good enough. I struggled with this notion for a very long time. As a writer, who has never once published an initial draft, I couldn’t understand how “good enough” could possibly suffice. As a
Believing in Miracles – That’s How I Roll
Once day, a long time ago, in a land far far away, known as college, I witnessed a miracle unfold. At the time, I was engrossed in a very suspenseful dice game. Let’s just call it “Yahtzee”. Ordinarily, I would only play to win. I mean, if you’re not in a game to win it, then you might as well just be a spectator. AMIRITE?
It’s the Experience, Silly
I was recently asked what it is that motivates me more: ego or greed? I responded by stating that I was motivated by neither. I am motivated purely by the experience. The experience itself encompasses everything I treasure the most. The challenge. Wisdom.
Do It For The Challenge
Too many people these days are driven purely by money and ego. That said, I really couldn’t tell you what they love more: the dollar or themselves? Those who can’t get passed their own greed and vanity are not only contributing to the downfall of society, they are a detriment to themselves.
Flowing into New
There are no beginnings or endings. There is only the flowing into new. I often have to remind myself of this. Otherwise I get too caught up in trying to precisely time transitions. 106 blog posts down – 259 left to go…
Vanity Plates and Lasting Impressions
Some think that people with vanity plates are assholes. Not me. I think it’s all about the messaging. To me, vanity plates are a lot like Twitter. Both provide a limited number of characters to tell the world who you are and what you stand for. In a sense vanity plates are nothing more than a pinned tweet rolling across life’s highways.
Phoning It In
I try to work out nearly every day. Sometimes I’m really into it. Other times, I wish I was doing anything else. On those days I don’t exert myself very much. Although I am constantly being warned not to “phone my workout in”, I convince myself that a lame workout is better than no workout at all.
The Cleanse
I am a big fan of “the cleanse”. There is nothing like a good cleanse to eliminate toxins and refresh the body and soul. Funny how getting rid of something can actually make you feel more full. I just completed a 5-day purification plan. I may have even found a Honey Nut Cheerio I digested when I was two. Let’s just say that it was both detoxicating and in…
Wounded Healers
Today’s post is dedicated to wounded healers – those who gift their scars to humanity. Their bruises strengthen us. Their pain mends us. Their recoveries cure us. Their struggles inspire us. Their broken places not only make us stronger, they make us more compassionate.
The Fine Line Between Compassion & Sacrifice
One night I was talking to my young daughter about bullying. I told her there may come a time when she will encounter the “mean girl” who will try to affix some derogatory label to her. If that should ever happen, I instructed my daughter to laugh in the bully’s face and walk away with her head held high.
The Limited Commodity Capable of Unlimited Returns
Time is a limited commodity. But, one that can provide unlimited dividends if invested in wisely. It returns nothing if you don’t. Invest discerningly. 112 blog posts down – 253 more to go…
Closing Windows
I once worked in the fashion industry for a wholesaler of scrunchies. Yes, scrunchies. I guess you could say that I am in part responsible for this: I’m sorry. Fortunately, I was let go before I could cause further damage to fashion trends. Firing employees was an extremely stressful task for my boss.
Never. Stop. Learning.
I love learning. Everything. Anything. Any subject. Any topic. I even appreciate learning lessons. Yes, including even the gut-wrenching ones. If there was a full-time job for a perpetual student, I’d be the first to apply. I was sad when my school years ended. Partly because I didn’t want to grow up just yet, but mostly because I truly do enjoy learning.
Everyone Waits But Not Everyone has Patience
According to Dr. Seuss, one of the places we’ll go is to the waiting place – full of people just waiting. “Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No
Preoccupation with Closed Doors
Isn’t it incredible how inventors come up with the best quotes? As if transforming the planet with their inventions isn’t enough, they have the remarkable ability to move us with their words. While researching Alexander Graham Bell quotes for my “Phoning it In
The Arc of the Moral Universe Bends Toward Justice
“The time for the defendant to escape justice is over. It’s finally time for the defendant to dine on the banquet of his own consequences.” – Stewart Ryan, Prosecutor While the road to justice may seem endless, there is nothing more inspiriting than watching truth finally reach its proper destination – except perhaps seeing justice and karma working toge…
The Suspense is Killing TV
Dear Network Television, We need to talk. As you know, we’ve abandoned your commercials years ago. Now, we’re about to walk away from your shows. Not because they are bad, but because we no longer have the patience to wait days, weeks or even months for closure.
Everything Changes, Nothing Changes
20 years ago, I could be found in New York City, sipping cappuccinos on sidewalk cafes, writing about the meaning of life. Here I am, two decades later, in Georgia, parked in front of a suburban juicery, drinking beetroot, and writing about the same exact thing.
Never Underestimate Your Strengths or Overestimate Your Weaknesses
I recently came across my old baby book. Along with my first tooth and a lock of hair from my first trip to the salon, there was a page where I highlighted my competencies and described what I wanted to be when I grow up. It appears that I was a very confident seven year old who dreamed of one day becoming both a singer and a mother.
MAY 2018
Some Have a Way with Words. Some Don’t.
I had intended to draft today’s post while on a plane ride across the country. Instead, I ended up watching a movie about Winston Churchill. And then another one about Tonya Harding. I learned from Churchill that “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Know Your Customer
Selling entails knowing your customer. But, marketing is all about locating them. It became clear to me today that Twitter doesn’t know me at all. It tried to sell me Heinz Mayonnaise. Yes, Mayonnaise. Not only is mayonnaise the most disgusting food on the planet, it is kryptonite for most humans.
Time Moves in One Direction, Memory in Another
“Time moves in one direction, memory in another.” – W. Gibson Don’t mess it up or you’ll end up living in the past and reminiscing about the future. 123 blog posts down – 242 left to go…
Why I Go
I’m really not a big fan of business traveling. Don’t get me wrong, I love working. I just can’t stand the nuisances of traveling. I really don’t like being away from my family. I despise being crammed onto crowded airplanes with people who always seem to find a way to sneeze on me. I miss my daily routine and my morning beetroot shakes. I fret about hav…
Payments
“Sooner or later we have all to pay for what we do.” – Oscar Wilde True. But, we also eventually get paid for the good that we have done. Each of us has the power to choose between becoming a debtor or creditor. It’s called, karma. And if you understand how it works, you’ll stay out of debt.
Truth Allergies
In recent years, there has been a great deal of discussion about the alarming rise in food allergies. However, no one is really talking about the dramatic increase in non-food related allergies. And by non-food related allergies, I am referring to truth allergies
Who Cares What is Said So Long as it’s the Truth
With age comes confidence. And with confidence comes not giving a shit what others think. The older you get, the less you even care what others say about you. Let ’em berate. Let ’em mock. Let ’em insult. So long as they speak the truth. Because the only time their words really matter is when they form a lie.
Ah, the Narcissist
Ah, the narcissist – a pompous yet farcical creature. Dealing with a narcissist is like dealing with white flour. They think they are integral to the recipe but they are really just a needless toxin, always trying to incriminate some other food group.
Defining Songs. Defining Moments.
When we first started dating, my husband and I used to take road trips all of the time. It didn’t matter whether we were driving 10 miles or 100, having the perfect driving music was crucial to the trip. Before we would hit the road, he used to ask me to pick out CDs for the drive. Looking back, I think that that this was his way of getting to know me. Y…
First Steps
Without first steps, there’d be no path forward. Take the step, leave the footprint and let it do its thing. 130 blog posts down – 235 more to go…
Songs without meaning
Sometimes I see me in words of a song. Sometimes I have no idea what the lyrics even mean. I don’t always have to empathize with a composer or even understand his message to appreciate his song. Sometimes I just get lost in the melody and sing along.
Fairy Tales
I just read that 16% of US parents are banning their children from watching fairy tales. Apparently, many find fault with the Prince for not obtaining Snow White’s consent before awakening her from a coma with a kiss – despite the fact that no tongue was involved. I’m confused. Didn’t he save her life? Isn’t it kind of like a really hot paramedic giving …
Parenting 101
Ah, Mother’s Day. The day I get to be showered with love simply for teaching my children the lay of the land, such as: Big Macs are made with maggots. It’s true. Google it. Find yourself before you find your spouse. Eat your organic kale. You’ll thank me when you are 115.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
“Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world” – Tears for Fears What if less people wanted to rule the world and more wanted to enhance it? What if? 134 blog posts down – 231 left to go…
We Get What We Pay For
Sometimes you need to hire assistance. Sometimes you are better off learning the necessary skills and doing what needs to be done on your own. Hiring makes life easy – so long as you never run out of money. Otherwise, you will be left penniless and unskilled.
You Aren’t Wealthy Until You Have Something Money Can’t Buy
“You Aren’t Wealthy Until You Have Something Money Can’t Buy.” – Garth Brooks I guess that by the same token, you aren’t really poor unless you have something that money can’t fix. 136 blog posts down – 229 left to go…
Feelin’ Groovy
I’ve decided that I would start my days with a wheatgrass shot along with a kale, mango, ginger, tumeric shake. Guess what? I feel groovy. So groovy, in fact, that I started talking to lampposts. “Hello, lamppost, what’cha knowin’? I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’
Fine Lines
Today I came to the realization that life is an endless stream of fine lines. There is the fine line between: enough and complacency; compassion and sacrifice; freedom and protection; humor and torment; eccentricity and madness; recklessness and fearlessness;
Thick Lines
Yesterday I had an epiphany that life is an endless stream of fine lines – things that are much more alike than they seem. I have now come to the realization that there are just as many “thick lines”, or items which we may view as similar but in reality could not be more diametrically opposed.
There is Only One Truth
Truth does not exist in the abstract. There are no variations of truth. There are no degrees of truth. There are no types of truth. There is only one truth. There are no adjectives that can be used to describe truth. There is no “good” truth or “bad” truth. There is no “harsh” truth, “pretty” truth or “ugly” truth.
The Long Short
Last night I had the strangest dream. I dreamt that I was working at IBM of all places. And, of all things, on my desk sat a rotary phone. Every time I tried to place a call, I would accidentally dial an incorrect digit – forcing me to start the process all over again.
The End Does Not Justify the Means
The end does not justify the means. It never has. And it never will. Saying so is merely a way of trying to excuse one’s own reprehensible behavior. If YOU want to risk proceeding unethically or even illegally because YOU believe it will lead to some benevolent outcome, at least have the balls to own up to the conduct.
Information is a Drug. And I’m an Addict.
A few weeks ago, I started working on a research project. My research led me to begin a separate, but related, research project. The research on that project brought me to yet a third one. I now find myself working on these three research projects simultaneously.
The Seriousness of Humor
Humor is a serious topic. Very serious. Even more serious than humor itself is the compatiblity of humor. I was once set up on a blind date with this guy named… Actually, I can’t remember his name so let’s just call him, Sherman. The only thing Sherman and I had in common was that we both just so happened to have been single at the very same moment in time.…
Tempus Fugit – Occupandi Temporis
At this very minute of time, it is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you’ll ever be. By the same logic, because knowledge is cumulative, it is also the wisest you’ve ever been and the least informed you’ll ever be. Seize the moment by doing something that seems brilliant in your youth and is sure to enlighten you as you age.
Life is an Endless Supply of Material
What’s with all of these movie remakes? Is Hollywood trying insult to the viewing audience? I mean, Overboard? Really? There was absolutely no need for a remake of the movie, Overboard. The original was as good as it gets. And, that is a fact. I should know, because I saw Overboard at least 800 times.
Along the way
Happiness is not an aspiration, it is an accumulation. Make sure to grab some along the way. Holding out for it can keep you from ever holding it at all. 147 blog posts down – 218 left to go…
Gratitude
Some days are meant for blogging. Others are for basking in gratitude. On this Memorial Day, I just want to thank all who serve. I am forever grateful. 148 blog posts down – 217 left to go…
Beyond Boundaries
Think like there is no box. Paint like there is no canvas. Write like you bleed ink. Live like there are no limits. 149 blog posts down – 216 more to go…
Just Relax and Take it Easy
I learned a long time ago that suggesting relaxation to the wrong person could ignite a fury of biblical proportions. If you’ve never witnessed it, you could probably catch it in action on the Lifetime Movie Channel. I don’t really get it. What’s so offensive about telling someone to relax? It’s just a word. And relaxing can actually be quite enjoyable. …
Silver Linings
You know what’s great about dark clouds? Silver linings. 151 blog posts down – 214 more to go…
JUNE 2018
Darkness
If darkness didn’t exist, we’d never know that there are stars. Or even light. 152 blog posts down – 213 more to go…
Detours
Appreciate detours. While they may not be the quickest route to a destination, they are often the most fruitful. Life’s a voyage – not an excursion. 153 blog posts down – 212 more to go…
The Highest Form of Ignorance
According to Albert Einstein, “Condemnation before investigation, is the highest form of ignorance.” I disagree. I believe that there are higher forms of ignorance. Repeating the same exact mistakes over and over again is pretty high up on the ignorance scale.
Intentions are Nothing But Perceptions
Intentions are not always easy to decipher. Sometimes one’s statements are aimed at offending. At other times, one’s words are actually compliments which could easily be mistaken for insults. Because I always assume the latter, I am always being flattered and never insulted.
Be the Egg
Not only is the egg integral to life itself, it is by far the most versatile food on the planet. Eggs are strong, yet adaptable. And they can persevere like no other. Eggs can be scrambled, fried, devil’d, boiled, dropped and baked. And even after being burnt, eggs still come back for more, frequently asking, “is that all you got?”
Be Remarkable
I’m not a big fan of tattoos – especially the “temporary” kind that are applied with a wet washcloth and take weeks to remove. My kids want to know why I don’t want them decorating their bodies. So I explain, there is no need to be markable when you can be
Don’t Let the Fate of Civilization Rest Upon Shortcuts
Gullibility is a product of laziness not idiocy. Yes, I realize that learning is time consuming. Sometimes painstakingly so. But, that is precisely what makes knowledge a commodity – one that cannot ever be bought or sold. Sadly, too many people just want to read life’s CliffsNotes. Or, worse, simply get spoon-fed information.
Complicating Matters
“They” say that there are no easy answers. I don’t know who the hell “they” are. Of course there are easy answers. Lots of them. People just like to complicate matters. Doing so can be very lucrative. Drama sells. Confusion is a money maker too. It causes people to pay for clarity or vote a certain way.
The Lost & Found
One of the best kept secrets is that trains are equipped with the most exceptional Lost & Founds. All you have to do is buy the ticket. 160 blog posts down – 25 left to go…
The Only Thing More Menacing to Society than a Liar
The only thing more menacing to society than a liar is a culture that condones dishonesty. Stop excusing it. Stop defending it. Stop ignoring it. And start denouncing it. While some may get paid to expose it, and others have the job of punishing it, we are
Remembering to Look for them Make Blessings Easier to Spot
Blessings are easy to spot when we remember to look for them. “Things got bad and things got worse Half like a blessing, half like a curse Seems a blessing’s so hard to see sometimes Got a little clearer ’bout dusk last night Ain’t nobody got a blessing like mine
Luck
Luck is a funny thing. Those who rely on it, never have it. Those who pay for it with blood, sweat and tears, are never without it. Don’t wait for it. Don’t wish for it. Don’t bank on it. Just seize it. 163 blog posts down – 202 left to go…
The Oh, You’re So Funny
When a friend of mine had no interest in dating a guy, but didn’t want to hurt his feelings with a rejection, she would act like his proposal wasn’t serious. Upon being asked out, she would playfully reply, “oh, you’re so funny!” It was an absolutely brilliant response. In fact, I wish I had thought of it.
Blamestorming
Tuesday’s word of the day was Blamestorming – [bleym-stawr-ming] – noun – a discussion or meeting for the purpose of assigning blame. Isn’t it amazing how one word can capture the essence of every single government meeting in the history of mankind?
Honest People Plant Seeds
Yesterday, my daughter relayed a fable that I hadn’t heard before, but one that I felt needed some modification. So I took the liberty of “karma-lizing” it. Anyway, it goes a little something like this: Once upon a time, there was a handsome Prince who sought a Princess.
Distance Makes Matters Seem So Small
I must have driven through countless intersections during my lifetime. While I always made sure to observe the color of the traffic light, I never paid notice to its size. That is until the other day when I was stopped under a traffic light that was undergoing construction.
Dance As If You’re Insane
“Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music.” – George Carlin And some dancers are so bad that they are seen as insane even by those who can hear the music. Therefore, you might as well just dance like you’re insane – regardless of who is watching or listening.
Better to be Late than to Arrive Ugly
I was recently informed by a meme on Facebook that it is better to be late than to arrive ugly. Accordingly, please note that from this moment forward I will not be on time to another in-person meeting or video call. Please date any such calendar invitations to me 15 minutes early.
Bring On Your Wrecking Ball
“So if you got the guts mister, yeah if you’ve got the balls If you think it’s your time, then step to the line, and bring on your wrecking ball Bring on your wrecking ball Bring on your wrecking ball Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you’ve got
The Invention of Problems
Imagine the possibilities if resources are allocated to resolving problems instead of inventing them. I think I shall file this post under politics as well, for no one invents problems better than a career politician. 171 blog posts down – 194 left to go…
Art is a Lie
“Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” ― Pablo Picasso That is why it belongs in a museum – not in a courtroom. Where it could be admired instead of distorted. 172 blog posts down – 193 left to go…
It’s Our Comebacks that Define Us
“The catastrophe that awaits everyone from a single false move, wrong turn, fatal encounter. Every life has such a moment. What distinguishes us is whether — and how — we ever come back.” Spoken by a man whose paralysis never kept him powerless. And a constant reminder that an individual is defined not by his circumstances, but by his comebacks.
The Power of Dreams
Paul McCartney doing Carpool Karaoke is one of the best video clips I’ve seen in a long time. In it, McCartney describes how the inspiration for the song, “Let it Be”, came to him in a dream where his deceased mom assured him that everything would be okay and that he should just
The Other Side of a Dime
It is said that life can turn on a dime. That just one day can forever alter your existence. Sometimes that day takes you completely by surprise. In other instances, it is a day that you have been planning for your entire life. June 24, 2003 was that day for me.
Run With the Unknown
“It’s the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.” – Nicholas Sparks Well, of course not. There is no thrill in certainty. Having the answers takes all of the fun out of discovering them. Choose adventure – run with the unknown. 176 blog posts down – 189 left to go…
Stop Looking and Start Eliminating
People are always searching for something. Most have no clue what it is that they are even looking for. They’ll tell you that they’re seeking fulfillment. Although they can’t really describe what it is that they are lacking, they’ll tell you that they’ll know it when they find it.
Ignoring Reality
Imagination can be a great escape. It can also be a prison. “You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.” – Ayn Rand Maybe the secret is to dream with one eye open and make sure not to disappear for too long. 178 blog posts down – 187 left to go…
Courage
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill But you’ll never know unless you pull up a chair. 179 blog posts down – 186 left to go…
Looking Back
“The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.” – Author Unknown But presumably a Stoic. 181 blog posts down – 184 left to go…
JULY 2018
Nostalgia
“Those crazy nights I do remember in my youth.” – Journey And just like that I am in bunk 15, on nine-sies in an intense jacks competition, listening to Journey Escape through a boombox. “Gunter Glieben Glotchen Globen.” – Def Leppard And just like that I am in junior high, crushing on XXXXXXXXX. Oh, like I’m really going to type his name.
The Finish Line
On January 1, 2018 I vowed to blog every single day for the entire year. At the time, I had grossly underestimated what an undertaking it would be. But, every single time I contemplated quitting, I ended up publishing a new post. Go figure. Today, at 183 blog posts down, I officially crossed the halfway milestone.
Work in Progress
Yesterday, after crossing a critical halfway mark, I wrote about how easy it is to start something, but how challenging it is to finish it. I struggle with this on a daily basis as I find myself constantly enthused by new ideas. Ideas are a dime a dozen. But seeing those ideas to fruition? That is hard. Really hard. This is because execution requires surm…
Because of the Brave
Happy Birthday to a nation of the free because of the brave. 185 blog posts down – 180 left to go…
Be Dangerous
Yesterday, in searching for “inspiring 4th of July quotes”, I came across the following quote by Louis D. Brandeis: “We may have democracy, or we may have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.” Because I have written extensively about
Strong People
“Strong people stand up for themselves. Stronger people stand up for others.” – Author Unknown I never had a problem standing up for others. Standing up for myself, on the other hand, has always been a challenge. I guess I’m not strong. Rather, I am stronger.
Flowing Thoughts
“Every limit is a beginning as well as an ending.” – George Elliot If something is both a beginning and an ending then nothing really begins and nothing really ends. Instead, everything just flows. Just like thoughts. Thoughts don’t begin. They never end. They simply flow.
Comfortable Shoes
“The point of life is comfortable shoes. If you’re not wearin’ comfortable shoes, life is just chaos. I mean the greatest accomplishments in history have been made by men wearin’ accommodating shoes.” – Cliff Clavin I would argue that the greatest accomplishments in history were made by those who simply kept moving.
The One Thing You Can Never Outgrow
Outgrowing is a side effect of aging. The older we get, the more items we outgrow. We outgrow our clothes. We outgrow our toys. We outgrow our tastes. We outgrow our ideas. We outgrow our beliefs. Sometimes we even outgrow people. But no matter how big we get or how many years pass, we can never outgrow our inner truth.
A Great Fu*king Day
Thoughts race by so fast that it is often difficult to catch one – let alone them all. And even when you do grab hold of one, the real challenge is in finding a way to express it. That is why most ideas go undocumented and end up forever lost. But, every once in a while, you find just the right words to articulate a fleeting thought and then memorialize it…
Somewhere Under the Rainbow
Sometimes it rains. And sometimes the sky just smiles upon us. Thanks to my friend, Cindy, for posting this beautiful picture on Facebook. We waste so much time wondering what’s over the rainbow, we often forget to appreciate what’s under it. This photo is a wonderful reminder of all that lies beneath.
Exceeding Expectations
Happy Birthday to a great son who never ceases to exceed expectations. 193 blog posts down – 172 more to go…
Life is Beautiful
Life is beautiful. But, beauty should never be confused with bliss. A few weeks ago I watched the movie, “Life is Beautiful”, with my 10 year old daughter. It was a story I wanted her to see, especially since she had been reading about the Holocaust.
Always One Step Closer
Obstacles mislead us into believing that we are taking one step forward and two steps backward. The fact is, time makes going in reverse an impossibility. Keep treading, for “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lau Tzu 195 blog posts down – 170 more steps to go…
Expression Versus Suppression
Expression versus Suppression – it is the internal battle that every artist is forced to preside over. Humanity is grateful for every ruling in favor of expression. 196 blog posts down – 169 left to go…
Where the Best Things Hide
Good things are everywhere – hiding in plain sight. However, the best things lurk in obscurity. Over mountain tops. Beneath heavy rocks. Behind locked doors. Beyond thick walls. While good things are up for grabs, the best things force us to climb, to use strength, keys and curiosity.
The Power of Pride
When I was 6 years old I remember, like it was yesterday, talking to my grandmother about school. She told me that she was sure that I was the smartest kid in my 1st grade class. I wasn’t. But her confidence in me gave me something to strive for. Her pride became my motivation.
Retro
There are certain styles that know how to make a comeback. They re-emerge much better than the original. Bell bottoms jeans are a great example. They are much classier in the 21st century than they ever were in the 1970s. So you could imaging my joy when I came across the following post on facebook:
Good Things Come to Those Who Do
Waiting is defined as delaying action or remaining in a state of repose until a particular time or until something else happens. It is a paradox. It is an action verb that denotes inaction. But, it is not a synonym for laziness. Good things never come to those who wait. They come to those who “do” – who work their asses off and never give up.
Failures Fail and Losers Lose
Only failures view failing as an end game. And only losers count losing as an indelible loss. “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” – Henry Ford And by the same logic, losing is merely another shot at winning.
The Circle of Self-Destruction
Crime breeds cover-up. Cover-up prompts lies. Lies impel evidence. Evidence – or lack thereof – exposes lies. Exposure triggers fear. Fear spawns anxiety. Anxiety precipitates desperation. Desperation begets hostility. Hostility engenders aggression.
The Journey of an Idea
“The real question is not where ideas come from but where do they go.” – Paul Beatty Upon stumbling across this quote this afternoon, I began to ponder the journey of an idea. Ideas are endlessly conceived. Often, prematurely shared. Frequently stolen.
More on Waiting
I sometimes write about about waiting. And also about waiting. It is probably because writing is something I do while I wait. Today, I read that Steve Tyler was quoted as saying, “The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.”
Insanity
“Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do.” ― Steve Jobs Insanity is underrated. 205 blog posts down – 160 more to go…
The City of Happiness
I began my financial career in retail. Although we were called, “Account Managers”, the entire job entailed selling investment products to consumers. I would spend most of my days on the phone speaking with interesting people – many of whom were retirees.
Smile Because it Happened
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” That quote describes every last day of camp in a nutshell. While it is great advice, when all you’ve been doing was smiling as it was happening, how can you help but cry because it’s over? 207 blog posts down – 158 more to go…
Wisdom Commences when Ignorance Concludes
Wisdom commences when ignorance concludes. Sadly, those whose ego prevents them from recognizing their own idiocy will never know. 208 blog posts down – 157 left to go…
Footnotes
A footnote is defined as an incidental piece of information printed at the bottom of a page. Most footnotes are overlooked as they are deemed inconsequential. It is for this reason that the most compelling and revealing information is typically cloaked in a footnote - especially when it comes to legal pleadings.
Things Most Worth Knowing
“Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” – Oscar Wilde. Well, except for lessons. Especially the valuable ones. Lessons can be taught. Just not through the education system.
What Box?
A colleague recently commended me on my ability to think outside the box. I confessed that I don’t really think outside the box at all. I think like there is no box. Never was. Nor will there ever be one. True story. 211 blog posts down – 154 left to go…
It’s Never the Wrong Week to Quit Sniffing Glue
It always feels like the wrong week to turn over a new leaf. But the fact is, it never is. 212 blog posts down – 153 left to go…
AUGUST 2018
The Filthier the Hands, The More Useful the Advice
Some advance on theories. Others through experience. But, theories can only get you so far, for thinking can never truly compensate for doing. Even the most brilliant idea evaporates absent successful execution. I’d rather heed the advice of the one who rolls up his sleeve and gets his hands dirty laboring than the one who spends his time hypothesizing.
Unearthing Our Strengths
When I was a kid, I refused to accept that I was a slow runner – despite never once winning a race. Blaming the track, I started running on grass. When it was clear that there wasn’t an issue with the terrain, I assumed that my sneakers were the culprit.
The Things we Sacrifice for Answers
I used to be really good at math. Until I heard Joan Rivers call a dress so ugly that it looked like it would be good at math. So I consciously forgot how to add 2 + 2. Incapable of doing basic math did wonders to my face. I looked fantastic! Then, the other day I saw this sign hanging up in a classroom:
Altitude
The other day I came across the following proverb: “Let your attitude determine your altitude.” It’s perhaps one of the greatest pieces of advice ever given. Sadly, though, most people mix it up and live their lives letting their altitude guide their attitude.
Normalcy is a Fallacy
Boring People think that fun people are crazy. Fun people think boring people are senseless. Hence, the only conclusion to draw is that no one is sane. And that normalcy is a fallacy. 217 blog posts down – 148 left to go…
One Idea Can Change the World
Every epic transformation began as nothing more than an idea. Every. Single. One. Some ideas lead to personal prosperity, while others enrich the world. This is a day to honor the latter. 27 years ago today, a man named Tim Berners-Lee published a short
Talkers
They said it couldn’t be done. Until someone else did it. Now they say, it can’t be sustained. Even as it continues to yield results. Even as doers achieve, skeptics keep speaking. It would be interesting to see how much more could be accomplished by mankind if only naysayers spent less time talking and more time doing.
The Realist
A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties – Harry S Truman And a realist is one who keeps them both in check. 220 blog posts down – 145 left to go…
Your Inner Oddball
Why vanish when you can just embrace your inner oddball? #Ilovequirkypeople 221 blog posts down – 144 left to go…
Unknown Unknowns
I just read that Donald Rumsfeld once said, “we’re living in a time of ‘unknown unknowns – the ones we don’t know we don’t know.'” Um, isn’t this the entire essence of life throughout existence? 222 blog posts down – 143 left to go…
Freezing Time
What if you were granted the power to freeze time – to simply stop the clock at the moment you felt that your life was perfect? Things would never get worse. However, they would never get better. When I was a kid, I used to pretend that I had this special power.
The Verbs of Life
Life is lived forward. Felt in the moment. And most appreciated when looking backwards. 224 blog posts down – 141 left to go…
The Worst Part of a Great Day
You know what’s the worst part of a great day? A sunset. No matter how beautiful it is. 225 blog posts down – 140 left to go…
The Night the Lights Went Out on Broadway
As was predicted by one Billy Joel decades earlier, on this day in 2003 the lights went out on Broadway. In fact, the electricity went out all across the northeast. Here’s a pretty cool picture memorializing that evening… I remember it like it was yesterday.
The Half Opened Door
A pessimist will always see a half-opened door as shutting. An optimist always views it as opening. And, while they are both busy arguing over which way the door is swinging, the trailblazer just walks right through. 227 blog posts down – 138 left to go…
The Reward
“Today I will do what others won’t do so that tomorrow I can do what others can’t” – Jerry Rice Remember that the next time you’re stuck in the office on a Friday night. Or, even when you’re fetching coffee and making copies. And, especially when someone steals credit for your work.
Proportion
“The most important word in art is ‘proportion.’ How much? How long is this joke going to be? How many words? How many minutes? And getting that right is what makes it art or what makes it mediocre.” – Jerry Seinfeld I have to be honest, I don’t really get proportion.
Truth
“Truth is like poetry. And most people f*%*ing hate poetry.” – The Big Short Yes, truth is a lot like poetry. Both are deeply underappreciated. However, I disagree that most people f*%*ing hate poetry. Most people don’t f*%*ing hate poetry. They f*%*ing fear it.
The Future
The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln Paint it. Write it. Sing it. And then live it. 231 blog posts down – 134 more to go…
Suppressed Ideas
“I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” – John Cage Indeed, old ideas can be downright chilling. Like slavery, human experimentation and, yes, fiat money. But you know what is even scarier than old ideas?
More Precious than Time
“Time is precious, but truth is more precious than time,” says my Mom’s fortune cookie. Ironically, time is just what you can get when you disregard the truth. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time. 233 blog posts down – 132 left to go…
Character
Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking. – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. You wanna know what I think? I think that people should just act as if someone is always looking. Because someone always is. 234 blog posts down – 131 left to go…
Is Vision without Momentum Wasted?
The planet runs on information. And at a meteoric pace. Information doesn’t wait. And it doesn’t end. It just keeps multiplying. And it quickly becomes outdated. The world has become a race to find, process and use information. Uncovering it takes curiosity.
The Feather and the Bag
The feather and the bag are the two most underappreciated characters in the history of cinema. If not for the feather, we’d never know just how many lives were impacted by a man named Forrest Gump. And as for the bag, well the plastic bag blowing in the wind serves as a constant reminder of just how much beauty there is in the world.
Ego and Greed – The Enemies of Confidence and Ambition
Ego is the enemy of self-pride. Just like greed is the enemy of ambition. Ego doesn’t build self-respect. It merely masks low self-esteem. By the same token, greed does not create wealth. It destroys it. While I could provide countless examples, I won’t. Instead, I’ll save them for another time and venue.
Victor of Circumstance
A lot of people ask me to explain stoicism. Here is the most simplistic definition that I can think of: Stoicism is merely the realization that you are a victor of circumstance. 238 blog posts down – 127 left to go…
Know This
14 years and still laughing. But should we ever run out of jokes – or words – just play this song. Because… “when we both grow old And there’s nothing left to say I want you to know That I loved you all my days And when we close our eyes on this lifetime
Fortress of Solitude
One of the best times to journal is when you are listening to an old playlist while flying over Superman’s fortress of solitude. 240 blog posts down – 125 left to go…
Into the Distance
“If you never stared off into the distance then your life is a shame.” – Adam Duritz Maybe that’s because the best things in life are often those most seemingly out of reach. But, faraway is not synonymous with unobtainable. Never was. Never will be.
The Very Spot Where the Rain Ends and the Sun Begins
The other day I was driving through a storm when a red light forced me into stopping at a traffic light. As the rain was pouring down on my car, I glanced beyond the intersection. I noticed that just past the traffic light there was nothing but dryness and sunshine.
Somewhere Down the Line
There is beauty in every tear. In every disappointment. In every loss. Because, where there is pain, there will be art. Somewhere down the line. 243 blog posts down – 122 left to go…
SEPTEMBER 2018
What’s a Song Really Worth?
People who claim to have bought or sold something for a song are grossly underestimating the value of songs. A song is more than just a little ditty. It is a life story; told in a universal language; that evokes emotion; compels movement; bears repeating;
Who is John Galt?
Sept 2nd is known as Atlas Shrugged day. It is the day that Ayn Rand began writing Atlas Shrugged and had everyone questioning, “Who is John Galt?” Those who read the book know that John Galt is the first of many innovators to mysteriously disappear from earth.
It’s What We Save that Means the Most
My father never once ended a call with me without saying, “I love you.” My response was always the same, “I love you, too.” The conversation had become so habitual that I would often just respond without ever really thinking about it. It was as if I had taken for granted the fact that words are supported by actual feelings.
Tomorrow
You should never give up on tomorrow. Especially not before today even begins. It’s likely to surprise you. 247 blog posts down – 118 left to go…
Crowns and Drugs
Today’s post is what you get when you mix blogging with laughing gas, anesthesia and pain killers. And by pain killers, I mean 600 mg of ibuprofen. Because if I take the oxycodone I will have my husband chasing after the imaginary insects I think I see crawling up my walls.
Changing the World
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world,” – Robin Williams. But only when they are acted upon. Without execution, words are just combinations of letters. And ideas are nothing more than aspirations. 249 blog posts down – 116 left to go…
Bad Things Don’t Get Better
Bad things don’t get better. At least that is what the doctor told the hypochondriac. On the other hand, good things tend to get better. With each and every passing day. People are a lot like things. Stay away from the bad ones. 250 blog posts down – 115 more to go…
It’s Never too Late to do the Right Thing
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – S.S. Lewis Because it is never too late to the right thing. 251 blog posts down – 114 left to go…
Divinity is the Shadow of Human Action
Today’s post is inspired by a passage my daughter pointed out to me during Rosh Hashanah services: If this isn’t the greatest motivator of action, I don’t know what is. I hear a lot of people complaining about the world and wishing that things were different.
Never Forget, Always Rise
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius America is much more than an idea. She is a Stoic who rises higher with each and every fall. On this 17th anniversary of September 11th, let’s remember to #Neverforget and to #AlwaysRise.
Unity is not Uniformity
“Unity is not uniformity.” We don’t need to be identical for there to be unity. We can disagree on policy, yet still be united as Americans. We can be diverse and still be unified as human beings. We can be different – even quirky – and still integrate.
Boomerang Effects
My horoscope said that acts of sacrifice will have a boomerang effect today. I do not doubt it. Because all acts have a boomerang effect. Every single day. 256 blog posts down – 109 left to go…
The Real Courage
People do not fear being weak. They fear being strong. For, weakness provides an escape. A safety net. An excuse for assigning blame – anywhere but within. It takes strength to shoulder the weight of one’s actions. To take responsibility for one’s failures and misdeeds.
Walking on Sunshine
“I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!) I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!) I’m walking on sunshine (Wow!) And don’t it feel good (Hey! Alright now!) And don’t it feel good (I’ll say it I’ll say it I’ll say it again now) And don’t it feel good (Hey yeah now!) And don’t it feel good (Don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it, don’t it)
First Win
I read today that we are stronger when our first win comes from within. Probably because that is the most formidable opponent we’ll ever face. 259 blog posts down – 106 left to go…
When Fear Becomes Enthusiasm
Today, as I was penning a new industry article, I was thinking about how so many people who had once feared cryptocurrencies have now become such staunch advocates. Some will credit FOMO (fear of missing out) for this phenomenon. Others will argue that the more popular something becomes the easier it is to jump on.
Achieving Goals
I don’t understand why so many people struggle to achieve their goals. It is the easiest thing to do. In fact, everyone is doing it. Even the laziest person on the planet has masterfully achieved his lifelong goal of doing as little as possible. If you’re not achieving your goals, you’re just not aiming low enough.
Things We Share, Borrow & Own
I’ve been doing a lot of research on sharing economies for a report that I am working on. The statistics are staggering. People are sharing more and more stuff – like car rides, office space, residences, hand bags, watches etc. The list goes on and on.
Are all Memories Created Equal?
This morning my daughter was telling me about an animated movie she once saw where a child’s happy memories were accidentally lost. Although memory is an emotional subject for me right now, together we pondered whether losing our “good” memories is worse than losing our “bad” ones.
On the Edge of the Unknown We Tremble
I recently read that it is on the edge of the unknown on which we tremble. While everyone exhibits some sort of trepidation about the unknown, I have found that he who professes to worrying the least is typically he who trembles the most. 265 blog posts down – 100 left to go…
Biggest-ticket Items
“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” – Derek Bok If you think a lie is costly, try doubling down on it. If you think mistakes are pricey, try not acknowledging them. I could probably go on and on. But I won’t. It costs too much time.
The Lie Detector
I hear a lot of people discussing the accuracy of lie detector tests. Unfortunately, such machines are unreliable. While it can send a ship to Mars or calculate Pi with precision, technology is presently incapable of pinpointing falsehoods. Maybe one day that will change.
There is No Excuse for Ignorance
While intelligence is a gift, knowledge is a choice. That makes ignorance, escapable. And inexcusable. 268 blog posts down – 97 left to go…
Moms and Daughters
The best part about being a mother of a daughter is everything. In her, I’ve gained a new best friend. In her, I get the chance to re-live childhood. In her, I see a much improved version of me. Happy birthday to my mini better me. 269 blog posts down – 96 left to go…
You Can’t Buy Integrity
My son was recently assigned a group project at school. I came home to find him diligently working on it – all by himself. He informed me that his assigned teammate offered to pay him $25 to finish the project. My son then spent the next few hours working on the assignment.
The Slow Naked Truth
“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” – Winston Churchill The truth may be slow, but it eventually arrives – and bearing it all. 271 blog posts down – 94 left to go…
Glass Houses
People who live in glass houses are cautioned not to throw stones. That’s funny considering that anyone fearless enough to live in a glass house is not likely to be intimidated by a warning. 272 blog posts down – 93 left to go…
Sunshower
Memories of lost loved ones can be bittersweet. Even the happiest ones can make us laugh through tears. That is why memories are like sunshowers. Where the sky doesn’t know whether to smile or cry. If the sky can find a way to do both at the same time, I suppose, so can we.
OCTOBER 2018
Where Does Time Go?
“Where does the time go?” That is a question so often asked when reflecting upon the speed at which time passes. However, it is not nearly the same thing as asking, “where does time go?” After a moment passes, where in the universe does it physically go?
Kaleidoscope Eyes
Those with kaleidoscope eyes may be able to notice patterns. But, only those with eyes in the back of their heads can detect betrayal. 275 blog posts down – 90 left to go…
Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
Today’s post is brought to you by my ever insightful 11 year old daughter who feels that it is okay to bite off more than you can chew so long as you don’t spit it out. This blog is a perfect example. There were moments over the course of this year that I regretted committing to blogging every single day.
Old Stomping Grounds
When memories find you on old stomping grounds, greet them with old friends. 277 blog posts down – 88 left to go…
Never Too Old
When I was a kid I thought of becoming a lawyer when I “grew up”. When the time came to act on it, I chose a different path – one that was originally only intended to be a diversion. Today, I had the chance to walk along the very streets I used to wander when I was “deviating”. On these familiar roads, I searched for my old footprints.
Inflamed Passions
“It is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy.” – Susan Collins Because this is the precise moment when rational thought succumbs to impetuosity. 279 blog posts down – 86 more to go…
To Play Is To Win
Unless it’s weight, I hate losing. So I just don’t do it. Instead, I do the opposite. I win. Always. Winning is not that hard. To win, all you need to do is relish the game – no matter the outcome. It’s as simple as that. Winning is something I was taught in college.
When Listening is Overrated
I came across the following quote the other day: “Do you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” – Charles Bukowski I felt compelled to answer. So I reached into my memory and thought about it long and hard. It was then I realized that when the world was telling me who I should be, I must not have been listening.
History
According to Edmund Burke, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” However, I think that history is far kinder to those who repeat it than to those desperate to rewrite it. 282 blog posts down – 83 more to go…
Comfort Zone
According to Neale Donald Walsch, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I don’t know. I think it really starts when we discover our comfort zone. There’s nothing more invigorating that feeling comfortable in your own skin. 283 blog posts down – 82 more to go…
The Secret to Living Without Regret
I don’t believe in regrets. Decisions either provide relief or they yield lessons. Anything that could become even remotely regrettable could easily be avoided by following your heart and having a good moral compass. It really is that simple. 284 blog posts down – 81 more to go…
Always Changing, Rarely Noticing
I can barely capture a thought or notice moments ticking by I can’t feel the earth spinning no matter how hard I try Yet I feel like I’m changing I think I might be changing I don’t need to see the sun set to know that night is here I don’t need a morning ending
Tomorrow’s Most Valuable Treasures
The most revolutionary ideas aren’t always the most productive. They’re just the ones with the loudest voices. Likewise, the most impactful inventions aren’t always the most optimal. They are merely the ones with the biggest marketing budget. Changing the world entails hearing through the noise and seeing past an unpolished brochure.
When I Grow Up
When I was a kid I used to wonder what I would be when I grew up. Even though – according to the calendar – I am now a bona fide grown up with a career, I still think about what I’ll be when I grow up. I probably always will. Because the only thing we are destined to be is the person we create.
No One Sees Things as They Are
I work in a very fluid industry that is constantly being disrupted by innovation. Some view this disruption as the greatest thing to happen to mankind. Others see it as the biggest fraud perpetrated on humanity. When heeding the opinions of others, I’m reminded that we do not see things as THEY are. Instead, we see things as WE are.
Where Do Thoughts Go?
A few posts back I questioned where time goes. I was referring not to the passage of time, but rather to the physical destination where moments go once they become a yesterday. Is there some sort of celestial repository where time is stored once it has passed, I pondered.
Inventions that Become Verbs Change the World
Innovation becomes transformative prior to it becoming a verb. People phone one another to speak. They google what they are searching for. They text their written messages. Many crowdfund in order to raise capital. I could probably go on and on. A number of inventions that have went on to become verbs have changed the world.
Being You
I may get into big trouble for this blog post, but it’ll be soooo worth it. The other day a pre-teen that I know – who shall remain nameless – confided in me about a crush she has on a boy in school who shall also remain nameless. And like the first 60 minutes of nearly every John Hughes flick, she agonized over whether or not he liked her back.
The Best Un-laid Plans
Some people spend their lives planning, preparing and prepping. They save all of their money, their strength and sometimes even their happiness for a future moment in time. Others take a different approach. They race to spend their treasures with no regard for tomorrow.
Many Worlds I’ve Come
“Mama, mama many worlds I’ve come since I first left home.” A great line from an old song that I caught on the radio while I was driving home yesterday. Who would’ve thought that hours later one of those many worlds would end up in my dream. My dream found me at 24 years old – 24 but possessing the knowledge of everything I’ve learned ever since.
We Are What We Feast On
They say that we are what we eat. But, it reality, it’s more like we are what feast on. There is an old Cherokee legend known as “Two Wolves” that goes like this: An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, so…
Breaking Points
Even the nicest people have their limits. That is something frequently overlooked by those who prey on kindness. The kindest and most timid can turn into a predator’s greatest nightmare once they’ve had enough. It is an undeniable truth that those who fail to account for breaking points are doomed to miscalculate.
Duh
Today’s horoscope said that I would be required to choose between the past or the unknown future. I think I’m going to file this in the “duh” folder. When is there ever not a day when one must choose between clinging to the safety of the past or embracing an unknown future?
Vienna is Waiting
“Slow down, you crazy child And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile It’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?” – Billy Joel Despite Billy Joel’s assurances that Vienna is waiting, it’s hard to slow down.
Rainbows and Lollipops
My husband likes to tell our kids that “mommy thinks the world is all rainbows and lollipops.” This is so not true. I know better than to believe that the world is all just rainbows and lollipops. The world is filled with rainbows, lollipops AND unicorns.
After We Stumble
Do you know what happens after we stumble? According to Paul Young, we fly. At least the Stoics do. “Through all the things that have to be, we often have to cry. And beneath the weight of gravity we stumble then we fly.” – Paul Young Sang like a Stoic.
Doctor My Eyes
“I have done all that I could to see the evil and the good without hiding” – Jackson Browne I suppose choosing to see, no matter how painful, is sill better than hiding. Hiding doesn’t keep us safe. It just prevents us from seeing more of the good. 300 blog posts down – a mere 65 left to go…
Evil Doesn’t Win
My husband summarizes nearly every Jewish holiday as follows: “They attacked us. We fought back. We prevailed. Now we eat.” I thought about his words as I initially hesitated taking my kids to Sunday school this morning. Then I remembered that cowering doesn’t prevent attacks. It only empowers attackers.
The Safest Bet
Life holds but one guarantee. And, that is change. Change is the only thing we can ever truly bank on. Yet, it’s the one thing that people most fear betting against. 302 blog posts down – 63 left to go…
Right Place, Right Time
If you never venture outside, you’ll never find yourself in the right place at the right time. #seizeitlikeastoic 303 blog posts down – 62 left to go…
Laughing at Monsters
There are so many reasons to love Halloween. It’s the only time of the year when the cobwebs in my house look intentional. It’s also when I get to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a candy inspector. But the best reason to love Halloween is because that is when monsters try their hardest to be scary and intimidating, but instead only come off looking ridi…
NOVEMBER 2018
Zero Sum Games
It is commonly believed that in order for one person to win, someone else has to lose. This is simply not true. There are a gazillion examples, in life, where every side wins. Just ask the giver who ends up receiving far more than she ever parted with.
High on Work
Today on my drive to my morning beetroot juice, I started thinking about all I needed to tackle on today’s “to-do” list. As my thoughts began racing from one task to the next, my mind was flooding with ideas. It occurred to me that I wasn’t dreading all I needed to do, I was actually looking forward to it.
Young at Heart Or Immature?
A friend once told me that my gift was the ability to look beyond all that is supposed to harden us, and instead, maintain a view of the world through childlike eyes. It was one of the best compliments I ever received. I’m not sure if this “gift” makes me young at heart, naïve or just plain immature.
Once in a While You Get Shown the Light in the Strangest of Places if You Look at it Right
Even with the extra hour, I barely had enough time to think of something to blog about. But I knew if I drove around long enough, something would eventually come to me. And right I was. All it took was catching a 3 second verse on my way home from Whole Foods.
The Cycle of Progression
From struggle comes strength. From strength comes freedom. From freedom comes ideas. From ideas comes innovation. From innovation comes progress. When you recognize the cycle, you realize that struggles are not only unavoidable, they are a blessing.
We the Jury
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist.” – Keyser Soze The greatest trick a politician can ever pull is convincing the populace that his intentions are noble. Some are. Others aren’t. The right to vote comes with the responsibility to seek truth and an obligation not to ignore it.
Better Forms of Flattery
Stolen ideas are justified by this notion that somehow imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Um, some say the same thing about stalking. Chalking it all up to flattery does nothing but condone theft and, well, encourage creeps. The last thing society needs is more thieves and more creeps.
Listening to a Memory
I was trying to write a blog post. Instead, I found myself listening to a memory. I’ve always been sure how it goes. It’s sad and it’s sweet and I knew it complete when I wore a young girl’s capezios. La la la, di da da La la, di da da da dum 312 blog posts down – only 53 more to go…
The Original Stoic
I recently posted about change being the only constant in life. I’ve been saying this for years – long before ever learning that this is an actual quote by a famous philosopher, named Heraclitus, who predated and influenced both Plato and Socrates. I decided to do a little research on this philosopher whose name I cannot say with a straight face (yes, I a…
Today is a Good Day to Have a Good Day
Today’s post is inspired by an old friend who forecasted in a Facebook post that today is a good day to have a good day. She just happens to be my most clairvoyant friend. She actually predicted that I was going to end up marrying my husband as well as the exact day that my first child would be born.
The Best Kind of Outstanding
Outstanding can mean unfinished business. At other times it is defined as exceptionally good. And, sometimes, it’s a combination of both. Like when something long overdue results in something extraordinary. Now, that’s the best kind of outstanding. 315 blog posts down – only 50 more to go…
A New Level of Evil
It has long been believed that evil lurks in the darkness, fearing exposure from the light. This is not true of all evil. Narcissistic evil is a whole other level of evil. It is an evil so brazen that it unapologetically hides in plain site, taunting the light.
Multitasking
As most working moms do, I’ve mastered the art of multitasking. Unfortunately, I have yet to perfect the act of multi-existing. While I can easily do many things at the same time, as of right now, I cannot be in more than one place at one time. Nor can I listen to more than one radio station at the same time.
How Not to Die
I can’t help but notice this book every time I walk out of my local juicery, sipping my morning beet root juice. People are always searching for the fountain of youth or the secret to eluding death. But, the answer is not found in a book. There is only one sure fire way not to die.
It’s a Good Day to Blog About Karma
I just read that karma isn’t a bitch, she is a mirror. She’s also a poet. And isn’t the best kind of justice the poetic kind? 319 blog posts down – only 46 more to go…
Ask and You Shall Receive
You know what happened to the person who asked for too much? He received it. And then some. Sometimes you get what you want. Sometimes you just get what you need. And sometimes you get much more than you ever bargained for. Because, well, karma is a bitch. And a mirror. And a whole lotta poet.
The State of Enlightenment
“On the road from the City of Skepticism, I had to pass though the Valley of Ambiguity” – Adam Smith I’m going to assume that he ultimately ended up in the State of Enlightenment. Everyone usually ends up there. Eventually. Even those believing they are traveling from the City of Certainty and through the Valley of Clarity.
The Taste of Words
Taste your words before you spit them out. Unless they taste like chocolate. Then just swallow them. 322 blog posts down – only 43 more to go…
A Lesson in Humility
There is nothing like a visit to the planetarium to remind you that life, itself, is a lesson in humility. And I’ll take a shot of humility over a wave of humidity any day of the week. #dontsweatthesmallstuff #exceptbadhair 323 blog posts down – only 42 more to go…
Beneath the Survivor Tree
17 years ago, I spent my birthday at ground zero, staring at a hole in the earth filled with rubble, just crying. After enduring a depressing year, I needed a reminder of how blessed I was and how precious life truly is. Today, I returned to that spot with my husband and kids – not needing any cues.
Life
Sometimes life’s a comedy. At times a mystery. Or a drama. Even a romance. But when she’s a musical, there’s nothing to do but sing and dance. 325 blog posts down – only 40 more to go…
Gratitute
On this day I am reminded of the powers of gratitude. “It can transform common days into Thanksgivings; turn routine jobs into joy; and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” It can even ensure that lessons become godsends. #treasureitall Happy Thanksgiving!
Live while Dreaming
Successful people work while they sleep. The brightest learn while they party. The most fiscally responsible save while they spend. And the most creative? Well, they just live while dreaming. 327 blog posts down – only 38 more to go…
The Best Heirlooms that Money Can’t Buy
“People don’t take trips…trips take people.” – John Steinbeck And the best ones take them with family. But the best souvenirs are not what is taken. Rather, they are the memories made. For, these become the best heirlooms that money can’t buy. 328 blog posts down – only 37 more to go…
The Best Spot in the Universe
Everyone has a favorite spot in the universe. For some it is standing on top of a mountain peak breathing in freedom. Many find their peace simply by watching waves crash onto a shore. There are those who are made whole just by drawing energy from a crowded Manhattan street.
Better to Arrive Smiling than Kicking and Screaming
“Fate leads the willing and drags along the reluctant.” – Seneca Assuming the destination is indeed unalterable, isn’t better to arrive smiling than to show up kicking and screaming? Maybe it does matter how we get there after all. 330 blog posts down – only 35 more to go…
Learning to Tie
It is said that a lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. Just wait and see what happens once the truth learns how to tie its laces. 331 blog posts down – only 34 more to go…
Choose Right
Today I was stuck at an intersection, waiting – for what felt like an eternity – for the perfect opportunity to make a left turn. I seriously could have completed the entire Harry Potter series sitting at that intersection. Just kidding. I don’t read fiction.
Happiness and Freedom
I recently read that doing what you like is freedom but that liking what you do is happiness. Sometimes, on this big blue bouncing ball, we find what makes us happy. Sometimes we find what sets us free. And if we are lucky, we find that they are one in the same.
Retrospection
Peering out the windshield, I was sure I was driving through a storm. It wasn’t until I made it to the sunlight and looked back did it become clear that I had merely been cruising through a car wash – in neutral – the entire time. #Retrospection 334 blog posts down – only 31 more to go…
DECEMBER 2018
Desperation
Only desperate people say that desperate times call for desperate measures. Everyone else knows that desperation isn’t a strategy. It’s a Hail Mary. And flaunting it only accentuates its depths. 335 blog posts down – only 30 more to go…
Things that Make You Go Hmmm
Someone posted this picture on social media depicting the making of the world’s first camera. Yes, this is a photograph – that could only have been taken by a camera – of the very first camera. Hmmmm. Of course it is – NOT! Anyone who makes up stories, should first make sure that their tales don’t defy logic.
What To Do With Time
While it may tempting to stop it; exciting to travel in it; relaxing to escape it; therapeutic to feel it; and necessary to release it – there is only one way to treasure it. And that is to simply enjoy it. In the moment. 337 blog posts down – only 28 more to go…
Obstacles
Obstacles don’t thwart the path. They pave it. Said a Stoic. 338 blog posts down – only 27 more to go…
Purpose
When I lived in New York City, I would carry a pen and pad with me wherever I went. I would often sit outside coffee shops, listen to my tunes, ponder, seek answers and take notes. I wrote the following during one of those moments: “In my failure to find answers,
Nuggets to Grasp
Every day offers nuggets to grasp. My goal is to seize as many as I can before they slip away. Yesterday, I grabbed two items that made me cry – one from sadness and one from joy. I was visiting my Dad who has not been doing very well. As I was walking to his room, I couldn’t help but notice the bed of an elderly woman. It was perfectly made with 3 stuffed…
The Stoic
Facebook memories reminded me of something I penned on an airplane 3 years ago, nearly to the day: The THINKER reflects The POET dreams The SOUL SEARCHER retraces The TRAVELER grows The PIONEER risks The VISIONARY foresees The EXPLORER finds The HUNGRY chase
Follow the Facts
I often write about the economic benefits of crowdinvesting – of which there are many. Crowds can be great for predicting trends. However, they rarely have all the answers – even collectively. Instead of following the crowd, we’re better off following the facts.
Choose Winning
Some people fight purely to win. Others fight to destroy. The ones who fight to win most often do. The ones who fight to destroy usually end up decimated. If you ever have to choose between fighting like an animal or winning like a champion, choose winning.
Lesson Number One – Ideas Defy the Scarcity Principle
Today marks my 344th blog post – in a row. With a mere 21 posts left to go until I fulfill my 2018 new year’s resolution, I am realizing just how much this dreadful, laborious, obnoxious, magnificent blog has taught me. About life. About people. About myself.
Lesson Number Two: Just Pull Over
As I relayed yesterday, ideas are everywhere. But for some reason, the best ones always surface when I’m least able to capture and retain them. This is because the best ones always seem to show up when I’m driving around, listening to music and least able to write them down.
Lesson Three: Always Keep Score
I am truly proud – yet somewhat shocked – that I only have 19 posts to go till I realize my goal of 365 blog posts in a row. When I began this enormous and incredibly laborious undertaking fun little exercise on January 1st, I wasn’t really sure I’d ever make it to 365.
Lesson Four – Openness is Fearlessness
When I started this daily blog on January 1, 2018, my main objective was to improve my writing skills. I wanted more than to merely be a better writer, I wanted to be a fearless one. In order to achieve that, I knew I’d have to bare my soul. In public.
Lesson Number Five: Reward Yourself with Inconveniences
I started this blog on a whim. To pass time on a lazy New Year’s Day. By the next day it had become an inconvenience. Then a nuisance. Then an anchor. But, I had made a commitment – to myself. And apparently those kind are the least binding and hardest to break.
Dreams Never Have to Die
I thought I’d take a quick break from revealing the many lessons this blog has taught me in order to relay a very moving story I recently heard on XM radio shared by Graham Nash (of Crosby Stills Nash ilk). Nash relayed a story about his mom who had always encouraged his musical ambitions.
A Greek Tragedy
The other day a friend of mine asked if I understood the definition of a Greek tragedy. Not as much as I understand the definition of a romantic comedy. Or a parody. Or even a good suspense. After that I’m pretty much lost. He said, “the definition of a Greek tragedy is when the protagonist is given the opportunity to avoid a fatal outcome but doesn’t take i…
Bred in the Bone
Lately, my daughter has been coming to me for advice on boys. I happen to have a lot of expertise in this area. A lot. One might even say that I know almost as much about boys as I do about digital finance. However, when I was 11, I knew nothing about either.
Tuesday evening, 9pm
“Tuesday evening, 9pm If I could wake up and do it all over again, I’d kiss the ground, and hug the sky and never let another moment pass me by” Written on May 28, 1996. After countless moments passed me by. And long before I learned how to seize them.
Timeless
Today I was reminded that no matter how quickly the earth spins, some things will always remain timeless. Good stories. Laughter. Friendship. 353 blog posts down – only 12 left to go…
Lesson Number Six: There’s Nothing Wrong With Having Big Eyes
My mom used to tell me that I had eyes bigger than my stomach as she watched me fill my dinner plate. I always took it as a compliment. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have big eyes and a small stomach? Now that I’m older, not much has changed. I’m still piling.
Write Your Own Songs
I heard a great story on XM radio today told by Glenn Frey. Early in his career, he went to see a live band with Bob Seger – one of Frey’s good friends and early influences. Although they were both digging the music, Seger leaned over to Frey and said something along the lines of:
The Seventh Lesson: The Things Most Worth Doing are Those Which People Say Can’t Be Done
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered many things that I didn’t think I could do. Until I did them. Blogging for the past 355 days in row is just one example. Then there were those things that others told me could not be done. At least they could not be done by me, they said.
It’s Not Enough to Think Big
I’ve spent a lifetime chasing an accelerating imagination. Determinedly. Un-regrettably. The quest made me realize that it’s not enough to merely think big. One needs to think far. And wide. All the while accepting that the bigger the dreams, and the more infinite the view,
The Birthday Post
Dear Diary Daily Blog, Today marks the beginning of another trip around the sun. It was a birthday filled with laughter, a few tears, some pampering, a lot of love, a dose of inspiration, and not one – but two – epiphanies. While I plan to elaborate on the epiphanies in subsequent posts, right now, I’m think I’m going to sit back and just enjoy the love.
Ah, The Epiphany
Ah, the epiphany. Famous for suddenly forcing a new reality upon us. Epiphanies typically take most people by surprise. Not me. I anticipate them. And, I find myself having them fairly often. Probably because I am always on the lookout for them. For the past few years I’ve been on this unrelenting quest to understand stoicism.
There Aren’t Enough Rocks
“Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks.” – Forrest Gump Bad people are always gonna do bad things. That’s just the way it is. You could get angry. Even angry enough to hurl rocks. Eventually, you’ll realize that there just aren’t enough rocks. That’s why I always reach for the pen.
Peaking
I’ve been known to cry when I’m happy. Like when I’m really, really happy. It’s because a small part of me can’t help but wonder if this is the happiest I’ll ever be. And the last thing I ever want to do is peak. Peaking is just one step away from sliding.
Encountering Monsters
Hey kids. When you encounter a monster, don’t run. Pose. With a smile. 362 blog posts down – just 3 left to go… ONLY THREE.
The Hard
“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” – Jimmy Dugan Upon hearing that it’s the hard that makes things great, I’ve made it a point to always seek out the hard. In every facet of life. Once I’d uncover the hard, my mission would then become making the hard seem easy.
Beyond the Finish Line in 2019
For me, 2018 has, for the most part, been about proving. Proving facts. Proving theories. Proving my worth. Proving what can be done. But, proving is not an outcome. It is a process. One that can go on, endlessly, if you let it. The time has come to stop proving and start capitalizing on that which has already been proven.
What’s Next?
Daily blogging changes the way you see the world. The way you hear music. The way you think. It has a way of making everything around you instantly become a potential blog post. A shared moment with a son or daughter. A book on display at a local juicery.
EVERYTHING AFTER 2018
Next is Now
I woke up today a bit hungover and completely free of any pressure to blog. So what did I decide to do? To blog, of course! I just needed to know what it felt like to go beyond the finish line. And, guess what? It feels fu*king fantastic! “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T. S. Eliot
Blog Withdrawal
It’s official. I have blogging withdrawal. All it took was a few weeks of not blogging to realize just how much I miss it. Yes, I miss this stupid, obnoxious, laborious blog. I truly do. Experiencing the world through the lens of a blogger is not something you can simply undo.
Toss the Notes
You know that kid who kept the training wheels on her bicycle for a bit too long? That was me. Although I could ride without them and even though they slowed me down, I liked knowing they were there. Decades later, not much had changed. I still have a hard time letting go of safety nets.
Lessons From Dr. Evil
There is nothing worse than immoral people pretending to be righteous. Just be who you are. If you are evil, own it. Flaunt it, even. Just stop hiding it. It is for this reason that it is easier to respect Dr. Evil than most politicians. Dr. Evil doesn’t pretend to be a good guy.
Stay Hungry
Some starve. Others englut. I always try to stay a little hungry – literally as well as metaphorically. I believe that if you leave the table before becoming stuffed, you maintain a better physique. And if you work as if you’re on your last dime, you’ll be more productive.
Huts and Stuff – The Valentines Day Post
Many years ago I was part of the IPO team for an emerging tech business. After a long but successful raise, I was invited to the closing celebration which was held on the west coast. I spent the entire 6 hour flight, devouring lobster and ice cream sundaes, and in deep conversation with the newly public – and well capitalized – company’s chairman.
Love is Power
People think that love is merely an emotion. They’re wrong. Love is not just an emotion. Love is power. Watching my dad slowly die made realize this. Each day I watch him being stripped, little by little, of life’s pleasures. One by one they disappear.
Playing it Forward
People are always talking about playing it forward. Indeed, one good deed begets another. But so, too, does the bad ones – a fact often overlooked. Some things need not be passed along. It’s just as easy to play the kindness forward while leaving the anger behind.
Creativity
I know. I know. I haven’t blogged in like forever. I’ve been really preoccupied. That said, I haven’t stopped generating ideas. In fact, I’ve been accumulating them. Lots and lots of them. I’ve got a factory full of new ideas, presently sitting on the assembly line, awaiting to be articulated into words.
Lessons from A Very Unconventional Dad
I was in San Francisco when I got the dreaded call. As I was preparing to leave for the airport, I grabbed a bunch of tissues from the hotel bathroom and stuffed them into my bag. I knew that a 5 ½ hour flight home, alone with my thoughts, was not going to be easy.
The Strangest Dream
My recent birthday had me haunted by a poem that I had written many years ago – before I met my husband, became a mom, and long before I had anything “figured out”. The poem is a look back on one life’s journey through the eyes of a young pantomath. Yes, it’s a word.
Food Shopping During Coronageddon
This morning I awoke to my husband informing me that people were reporting online that my frequented Whole Foods is being cleaned out. Knowing that my eating habits are more unique than others, I wasn’t totally concerned that my “go to” items would be gone. Plus, I was just there yesterday.
More Food Shopping During Coronageddon
I decided to brave Whole Foods again today – partly to do an updated inventory check, but mostly because I think it’s fascinating to observe the items that people hoard in times of crisis.
Coronasizing – Forrest Gump Style
This morning I woke up, I planked, I did 50 situps, and then checked my stress level. I was shocked to find that I am far more stressed these days than I was when I was embroiled in a lengthy and life-consuming lawsuit. So I decided to go for a run. But not just any run.
Coronasizing – Where Signs and Lyrics Collide
Yesterday’s “coronasizing” was so uplifting that I decided to do it again. To keep it fresh, I chose a different path and opted for another playlist – where new signs and lyrics had a chance to collide. What began as a somber journey, ended full of inspiration.
Coronasizing Through Limitations
Today I woke up, did 60 Rocky-style sit-ups and planked for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Yesterday I planked for 1 minute and 20 seconds, so I am officially one day closer to beating the world planking record of 8 hours 15 minutes and 15 seconds. I’m still trying to figure out how someone can go 8 hours without a pretzel.
Coronasizing – Frogger Style
Upon healing from a pulled muscle (thanks CBD), I went back to coronasizing. Once again I took to the streets for a run. Well, actually it was more of a combination of a jog, walk, strut, sprinkled with a few Elaine style dance moves. It was quite a challenging workout.
Coronasizing in Bizzaro World
Today marks 2 1/2 months since we were told to “shelter in place.” I’m starting to wonder if this madness will ever end. I decided to go out for another run jog walk stroll whatever. This is my experience told in pictures. I sometimes sing to inanimate objects. Sue me.
Everything Wrong in the World Today Comes Down to One Single Math Equation
I can’t believe that is has officially been over 4 years since my last stoic rant.
Every Detour Leads to Where You Were Headed
It’s been a while since the stoic in me ranted. This blog tends to gather dust when the left brain takes over.