I tried giving up sugar once. I drank my tea and coffee black, skipped carbonated drinks, avoided desserts. And I read labels, checking for insidious ingredients like corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. But the prevalence of sugar in the foods we consumed became so overwhelming and my desire for sweets so strong, I gave up…
Self-improvement
Bucket List Life Dare: Start a Ripple of Change
What bothers you most in life? What action would you be willing to take this month to be a pebble causing a ripple of change? It feels like there’s an ocean of uncertainty, fear, and just plain bad stuff in our world lately. Terrorist attacks, brutality toward and by police, political divisions and coups and…
Teach Your Children Well: Skills Goals
When I was young my parents bought a piano – not because they were eager to play (Mom played some), but because they had a goal. And it wasn’t the goal you would expect. They didn’t desire for their children to become master pianists. Instead, the goal was simply for all of us to learn how…
Are You Ever Jealous of Your Kids?
Are you ever jealous of your kids? Where you wish you could be doing what they’re doing? Or could have seen what they’re seeing when you were the same age? Do you look back with regret on opportunities you passed up in your youth and do everything in your power to make sure your kids don’t…
January Bucket List Life Dare: Habits for the Dream Life
For 2016 I plan to read two books each month. That’s not all I plan to do. And it’s not even really a bucket list goal. But setting that intention for the year, I believe, is going to be pivotal to the realization and enjoyment of most of the bucket list goals I hope to…
Looking Forward and Back
Has 2015 been a good year for you? Or a struggle? What can you learn from your experiences this year to make the next one even better? What do you most want to see happen in your life in 2016? If you are serious about living your bucket list dreams, then I invite you to…
Living the Story You Want to Tell (October’s Dare Accomplished)
I rolled down my car window to see the Starbucks menu better in the foggy morning air. I never remember the name they use for the extra-large drink. Venti. With a free drink on my card, I could splurge and go big. Then I glanced in my rearview mirror. An older model Buick had pulled up…
November Bucket List Life Dare: Express Gratitude
Does it ever feel to you like Thanksgiving is here and gone in a flash? Like the blessing over dinner that we pass off as “giving thanks” isn’t proportionate to how much we have to be grateful for? It bothers me, but I have to admit that I’m not very good at doing something about it….
September Bucket List Life Dare: Back to School (Learn Something New)
I love learning – new facts, new skills, new technology. In the past year alone I have learned two new software applications, Scrivener and Screenflow. I learned the basics of how an 1890’s print shop was run and how to demonstrate it for museum visitors. I learned how to travel for less using hotel and airline…
Life Dreams, Work & Discovering Your Calling: An Interview with Jeff Goins
Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Jeff Goins, author of the new book The Art of Work, about work, calling and bucket lists. I have followed Jeff since his first e-book The Writer’s Manifesto in which he sets forth the mindset for embracing the calling of being a writer. His other (awesome) books…