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Category: Living Well

Keeping Death Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

Published on July 3, 2025

In all Bosnian cities, they place cemeteries in the city centers—in the prime real estate locations—so as to remember those who have come before… and to serve as a reminder of where we’re all heading.

Contrast this with most other cities in the world… and what will you find at the city centers?

And maybe more importantly to consider… where are the places for those who have passed in those cities? What about the places where those who are about to pass go? Where do we (you) ever stumble across death in our lives (besides the news where we’re desensitized to all things violence and death)?

…Keeping death out of sight, out of mind doesn’t help with life.

In fact, I’m of the opinion that it makes us forget where we’re all undeniably heading. And when you forget where you’re heading, you forget to make the most of the trip along the way.

Add Sitting To Your Travel Itinerary—Yes, Sitting…

Published on July 2, 2025

I went on a 9-hour sightseeing/history tour in Bosnia today.

This was in stark contrast to how the first few days were spent.

It was a lot of driving around, a lot of walking, and a LOT of talking—which is in no way a complaint. It was an absolutely incredible tour.

What I found to be so interesting, however, that I found myself reflecting on as I compared the days I’ve spent here is that you can learn just as much from a place by mindfully sitting as you can from actively sightseeing.

In fact, being in a hurry can make you miss more than relaxing in one spot might allow you to gain.

…The body language, the mannerisms, the expressions, the topics, the pace, etc.

This might not always be true, and I wouldn’t necessarily only recommend mindfully sitting when visiting an area… it’s merely an observation that compliments the one from yesterday: wherever you are—be there.

…And don’t be so busy trying to fill your day-to-day itinerary—be it on vacation or in your day-to-day life—that you don’t ever give yourself a chance to just sit and allow presence to catch up with living.

…There’s more to learn from sitting than I think you can ever plan for.

Pockets Of Heaven

Published on July 1, 2025

I’m in Bosnia on vacation.

It’s a beautiful country with gorgeous scenery, friendly people, and a culturally relaxed vibe—especially in comparison to my New York, USA, hometown.

In fact, one of the first distinct differences I noticed was how easy it was to just sit down and not do anything… for hours.

It has happened several times already (and it has only been two days) where I’ve just sat on a porch, sat at a café, sat by the water… and did nothing for hours on end.

When you can find little pockets of complete presence and contentment like that, it can feel like pockets of heaven.

But one of the reasons I think I’ve been able to appreciate it as much as I have is because of the full time commitment I’ve devoted to my work.

I’m sure it’s possible to have a lifestyle complete with presence and contentment, maybe that’s even what enlightenment is… but I don’t think it’s plausible to expect to have pockets of one without the other and pockets of the other without the one.

In other words: wherever you are, be there.

Don’t wish for a work-free life, but don’t live a work-only life either. Appreciate work in full and appreciate (and work hard to create) heaven-like moments in full.

Pockets of work are what make pockets of heaven—heavenly.

…Without it, they just become an expected norm.

On Changing Everything All At Once

Published on June 27, 2025

One of my martial arts students tested for her first belt tonight.

At the end, I asked her what she wanted to improve in her life as an accompanying challenge with the new rank.

She said, “I need to improve my Work/Life Balance, I’d like to work on my strength, …” and before she could list anything else I stopped her.

“Just one thing.” I told her.

And so we talked about work/life balance.

We made a specific plan that had a singular focus to it.

And she’s going to work the plan for the next three months up until her next belt test.

Then—and only then—after she tests for her next belt, will we discuss the next “just one thing.” And only if, of course, this current challenge has been successfully completed.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a martial artist, you should try following a similar protocol.

As much as we want to improve everything at once, just one thing at a time is how anything is ever really changed.

Day 2,000

Published on June 22, 2025

Today marks 2,000 days of daily writing.

And in each of those days… with only few exceptions… the daily writing was one of the—if not the—most important parts of my day. It’s ranked right up there with exercise, reading, building, and serving…

And nothing, not any of the above mentioned items or anything otherwise, has helped me grow as a person more than these daily reflective pieces. Especially when I think in terms of mental clarity, self awareness, emotional intelligence, general council, and public speaking…

The fact that these pieces have maybe helped others along the way is a bonus.

2,000 days ago, I decided simply to share my thoughts on a quote. And I did so again the next day. And the day after that. And each day, I renewed this simple decision with the intent of doing inward exploration and packaging it in a way that might serve others. And slowly, it evolved into what it is today.

My offering for you today, on this landmark day for me, is a simple one: invest in yourself daily. Simple is better than complex. Direction is more important than speed. And inner work should be prioritize over outward consumption. Package it in a way that serves others only as a bonus and as a secondary intent. And fight like hell to keep the streak alive.

…Because what you’re really fighting to keep alive: is the prospect of realizing the greatest version of yourself. Which only is and only ever has been realized one day forward at a time.

Life “Problems”

Published on June 22, 2025

Nothing will give life “problems” perspective like hearing a good friend with Stage 4 cancer—eyes swollen with tears—say, “I am just so thankful for each day…”

I hope this is never something you have to hear.

But, if you imagine you did, like I did, you might leave this short reading with a life perspective that’s costing somebody else the threat of their life to gain.

…And all you need to do is shut up the noise… and really hear.

Sitting First Class Daily

Published on June 18, 2025

People will pay thousands and thousands of dollars for a comfortable seat in an airplane. And, generally speaking, will cherish every moment of it when they think about what they might’ve had to sit in in comparison.

What if you could channel that same appreciation when you sit in a comfortable seat in your house or at work? Generally speaking, the seats you sit in daily are probably more comfortable than even the nicest ones on some airlines…

Appreciation is an attitude. It’s a mindset. It’s a perspective. And you don’t have to pay thousands and thousands of dollars to obtain it. Generally speaking, all you need to do is… change your mind.