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 […]
Day 121 – Patience and Repetition
Navigating the delicate balance between repetition and patience is a challenge I often face, both in my own life and in the journey of raising my children. The essence of improvement lies in tackling difficult tasks, tasks that are essential for acquiring new skills and making progress. While there is some merit in escalating the […]
Day 120 – From Russia with Grit
“I should be grateful if you would consider the present letter as an official challenge to a match for the World Chess Championship.” Excerpt from a letter from Alexander Alekhine to Raul Capablanca. e6. Alexander Alekhine’s first move in the first game against the famous Chess Champion Raul Capablanca from Cuba. This move was in […]
Day 119 – Inbox Anxiety
In the early stages of my career, I often felt worried about “missing something.” This concern drove me to find ways to capture and process everything in front of me. Gradually, this approach became a part of my daily routine, leading to a feeling I like to call “inbox anxiety.” Although it’s not officially recognized […]
Day 118 – Use My Shirt
As we find ourselves in the pinnacle of the religious season in the United States—the week leading up to the Super Bowl—I felt compelled to reflect on my initial profound encounter with the spectrum of emotions that the game of football evokes. Casting my mind back to the age of 14, I revisit the 1986 […]
Day 117 – The Greatest Gift
The greatest gift one can offer another is to assist them in realizing their potential. Every human soul harbors latent potential, which is not always immediately apparent. When you manage to carve out time and possess the capacity to delve into another’s soul, recognizing their untapped potential and then extending a supportive hand to elevate […]
Day 116 – Achievement Requires Sacrifice
When I was much younger, I had a daily routine of checking the mailbox. This habit, in many ways, was beneficial. I managed the incoming mail right away, preventing any buildup. It was a good practice. Yet, I eventually noticed a pattern of disappointment each time I returned from the mailbox. The reason, which seems […]