Day 134 – The Human Venture

The word ‘venture’ holds a particular appeal, functioning both as a verb and a noun. In each usage, it suggests that an individual or entity is embarking on a journey fraught with significant risks, accompanied by an uncertain view of the potential outcomes. Yet, it’s understood that these outcomes could be immensely rewarding, rendering the […]
Day 133 – In Becomes the Out

What lies within eventually manifests outwardly. As Emerson eloquently put it, “the inmost in due time becomes the outmost.” This principle seems akin to a lesson one might learn in childhood. I can almost hear someone advising my younger self that the thoughts harbored in the mind will, in time, be articulated by the mouth. […]
Day 132 – Your Freedom of Speech

Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his essay on Self-Reliance, eloquently states, “To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, – that is genius.” This assertion lays the groundwork for an exploration into the profound impact of individual thought and expression on society, […]
Day 131 – Brain Fog?

The post-COVID era has ushered in a new focus on the phenomenon of “brain fog” or the lack of mental clarity and focus. The emergence of long COVID has propelled brain fog research into prominence. While investigations into brain fog have been ongoing, pinpointing a definitive root cause and diagnosing this condition have historically been […]
Day 130 – Success is counted sweetest

Success is counted sweetestBy those who ne’er succeed.To comprehend a nectarRequires sorest need. Social media gurus constantly champion originality with rallying cries of “Be Unique! Be You!” However, what often goes unmentioned is the inherent cost of originality. The truth is, our collective appreciation for originality isn’t as profound as we like to believe. People […]
Day 129 – The Hobson’s Choice

I am always fascinated by the origins of concepts or phrases we use in our language. Occasionally, I will hear a phrase and then look around the room to see if people actually understand what is being said, or if they are just assuming the meaning from context. Usually, it’s the latter. Therefore, I often […]
Day 125 – “Let Me Talk You Through It”

I never met my grandfather, James Donnel, who was my mother’s father. He passed away at a young age but left a legacy as a World War II veteran who later worked in the booming car sales industry post-war. My mother often remarked that my knack for selling anything to anyone was a gift inherited […]
Day 124 – Stay Stoked

When I was younger and visiting California in the 70s and early 80s, t-shirts that represented the surfing culture became popular. There were many brands coming out, usually from surf shops in Hawaii, that were trying to create merchandise around their board-shaping business. One particular brand was the most sought-after and a rare find. T&C […]
Day 123 – Troughs Feel Bad

A trough, in general terms, refers to a low or bottom point in a cycle or a series of events. It’s a metaphorical valley nestled between peaks, symbolizing the lowest ebb in a fluctuating sequence of occurrences or states. In the context of life experiences, emotions, economies, or even natural phenomena, a trough represents a […]
Day 122 – The Game is Not Fair

The game is simply not fair. I recall a game from my elementary school days, crafted by some kids, that we played during recess. This game was undoubtedly rigged to favor a select few. There was a girl who often joined us, and she would become so frustrated with the game’s unfairness that she’d throw […]