New Habit Mile Marker Check Point

If you are off course, when is the best time to find out? I'm a firm believer in setting up check points along the way to help me reach my destination. Consider each month as a mile marker check point. This is where you pause for a moment, look at your map of goals, and see if you are heading in the right direction. You’ll discover how those new habits are progressing before it's too late and you’ve spent a year floundering.

February 28 marks mile marker #2. If you started forming a new habit when the calendar flipped to 2025 and that new habit is still going, pat yourself on the back! The odds of making this new habit permanent are now in your favor. If not, pull over and pause long enough to consider what adjustments are necessary.

I’ve been working on cutting out frivolous activities to stay focused on what truly matters in my life. In addition, I'm interacting with AI technology in a way that feels like dealing with a member of my family. Alberta has been editing my stories daily since the beginning of the new year. You might consider how integrating ChatGPT into your goal setting can help make this your most productive year yet. If you start today and stay consistent for 30 days, see what happens when you hit mile marker #3.

Have a great day!

The Truth About Failure

I see failure differently today than I did during my growing-up years. My new perspective changes everything. If I had learned this lesson sooner, I would have been more open to exploring new ideas. The truth about failure is that it becomes your best teacher.

Think back for a moment about your best mentors. What was it about them that made them special to you? Could it be that they challenged you to go so far that you lost your fear of failure? Perhaps they opened your eyes to new ideas, and you became fully engaged. That’s what happened to me.

Consider failure as an equation. The absence of failure means you are not fully benefiting; you are missing out on something truly special. In my opinion, a life without failure means living below your potential. As failure increases, opportunities grow. Your sense of self-worth rises. The value you contribute to the world expands. Failure is a significant variable in the equation of growth and fulfillment.  Remember this the next time you are in a situation where possible failure is on the horizon.  Have a great day.

3 Shots of Vitamin D Contribute to Improved Emotional Well Being

I did it. The first day returning to one of my favorite routines—grounding—felt awkward due to all the snow on the ground. Day 2 was easier, but the ground was freezing cold when I slipped off my shoes and socks. Day 3 was just right. I observed a man fishing in the center of the still frozen pond adjacent to my day job and wondered if that would be his last day on ice. He seemed rather content. So was I. Grounding is one of the best ways I know to let go of any troubles that may be swirling around in my head.

It may be a while before my Vitamin D levels return to normal. Lack of sunshine in the winter months here in the Midwest is a small price to pay for the quality of family life I'm enjoying year-round. I'm off to the dentist for an 8 a.m. appointment and then family errands before I lock myself up for an extended writing session.

In case you're wondering if today may be shot #4 for more vitamin D, don’t worry. I'll make time. Then it’s off to the tennis courts for a couple of hours of indoor doubles play with my teammates. If you haven't tried grounding, you're missing out on a great way to improve your emotional well-being. Get some sunshine. Have a great day!

Remember This When You're Struggling

Are you surprised at how quickly this year is flying by? I am. It feels like each month moves faster than the one before. Do you ever worry that, at the end of your life, you’ll come up short because of all the struggles and setbacks along the way? My loved ones often caution me that I’m trying to do too much with the time I’ve been given.

Today, I want to share something that might lift you up, especially when you feel inadequate or overwhelmed.

There is no one else on this planet who can be you. You are truly one of a kind, and your presence here matters more than you know. You may not fully understand your purpose yet — and that’s okay. What’s important is that you keep searching, discovering what you’re uniquely qualified to do, and embracing it wholeheartedly.

Let go of the anxiety about time slipping through your fingers. Be present. Live in the moment. Do your best to manage your time, but don’t be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Learn to say no to what doesn’t align with your true priorities.

The world is better because you are in it — never forget that. And perhaps, as you reflect on your struggles, you’ll come to see them as essential lessons, shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.

Have a beautiful day. You’re doing better than you think.

When 55º Feels Like a Heat Wave

I ventured outside yesterday during my lunch break for the first time in a long while. I wanted to take my shoes off and plant my feet in the grass, even though the temperature was still below 40º, but a blanket of snow covered everything. That may change today as the snow fades fast. I'm determined to replenish my depleted vitamin D levels with daily doses of lunchtime sun as daytime temperatures climb.

For those of you living in sunny states, it might sound a bit crazy to say 55º feels like a heat wave. But here in the Midwest, we’re nearly 80º warmer this week compared to our recent lows. It’s time to celebrate. Have a great day!

Answered Prayer With a Cherry on Top

There are three possible replies to prayer requests: yes, no, and not yet. Yesterday, I received an added bonus while seeking help for a dear friend diagnosed with thyroid cancer. His wife, a thoracic surgeon, ensures he’s in excellent hands for treatment. Still, since my friend asked for prayers, I wanted to do my part — and that’s when things got interesting.

Two weeks ago, during cardio tennis drills, I met a participant who researches ways to kill cancer cells, with a special focus on the head and neck area (excluding the brain). Yesterday, I was doubly blessed when Ann showed up for morning drills.

“You don’t want to talk to me,” she said. “You want to speak with John. He’s the one who hired me at the hospital.”

John was just leaving the courts when Ann flagged him down. He turned out to be the ultimate cherry on top — until his recent retirement, John led the oncology department at the University of Iowa Hospital. As we chatted, I learned he grew up in New York City, played tennis with Patrick McEnroe (John McEnroe’s brother), and even lived in Phoenix, where I grew up, before moving to Iowa. I was astonished to find myself in such remarkable company.

The good news for my friend is that thyroid cancer is highly treatable, with an excellent prognosis. John supported the treatment plan my friend is following, which was a huge relief to hear.

As for me, I’ll continue doing my part and keeping those prayers flowing. If you wouldn’t mind sending good thoughts for my friend’s healing — especially for his young children — I would be deeply grateful. And to Ann and John, thank you for sharing your time, expertise, and kindness.

Have a wonderful day!

An Important Message for a Special Friend in Need of Prayers

 Today's message is meant for one person in my circle of friends who is asking for prayers.  I'm sending the coded message in a language he teaches.  Please join me in prayer for him today.

"Care D.P., Hoc fortasse responsum est ad preces tuas. Hodie in sessione cardio tenissium sum cum lusore qui studet quomodo cellulas cancerosas necare possit. Ea PhD habet, et eius specialitas est regio capitis et colli. Investigabo quid precise invenerit in suis studiis et tibi postea nuntium magni momenti mittam. Deus tecum est, o sapiens. Vivas diu et prospere."

Have a great day!  

The Gratitude Shift

Got problems? How much energy do you dedicate to them? In my experience, the challenge with problems is that they tend to block your vision. The more you focus on them, the harder it becomes to see the blessings in your life—the very blessings that could help you overcome those problems.

The gratitude shift works like this: every morning when you wake up, focus on your blessings. A gratitude journal makes this even more powerful—writing down your top blessings each morning helps you carry them with you throughout the day.

Your problems don’t disappear, but they shrink. They become so small that you can step right over them. And as you keep moving forward, despite the struggles, you gain even more reasons to be thankful. Gratitude grows like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering momentum. When your focus is on your blessings, you become unstoppable.

Have a great day!

Deep Freeze Cycle Concludes Today

As of this writing, shortly before sunrise, my cell phone tells me it feels like -23º. These conditions have been on repeat, like a broken record. I must admit, we've been in full survival mode—crossing our fingers that the pipes don’t freeze or that we don’t lose power. But it looks like this morning is the low point. All I can say is, we are more than ready for the next season.

There’s one more thing I want to address as we push through this bitter cold season. Many of you are facing difficult losses. I can relate. When my own grief became too much to carry alone, I reached out for help. I made the phone call. But somehow, my plea fell through the cracks.

When you feel frozen in place, unable to find outside help, the situation can seem hopeless. I didn’t think I had enough tools in my toolbox to recover. But the good news? I’m beginning to feel like my old self again.

To my support people—thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your kindness. It made all the difference.

Wishing you all a great day.

Where is Your Focus?

If you're like me, your plate is so full right now that life feels a bit out of control. And if you happen to live in a place where the polar vortex has temperatures plunging for what feels like eternity, that sense of chaos only deepens. That’s exactly how I felt yesterday when I got an emergency call from my wife—her SUV had shut down on the way home. I dropped everything and rescued her before frostbite had a chance to set in.

There are times when I talk about topics I feel unqualified to discuss—like focus, one of my greatest weaknesses. That’s why someone like Bob Goff, author of Dream Big, resonates with me. Bob says it’s all about letting go of certain things so you can concentrate on what really matters. That’s a daily struggle. Big dreams don’t come true if you lose your focus.

But I’ve found one practice that helps: focusing on blessings.

As I replayed my day from hell in my mind yesterday, I saw multiple blessings woven into the chaos. My wife and I agreed—if her SUV had to break down, it happened in the safest possible spot between point A and point B. The timing was another gift—she was able to stay warm inside a gas station until I arrived, just as they were closing. Even the towing company was still open long enough to take her key, allowing us to head home without needing to wait with the vehicle.

Today, I’m shutting out distractions, closing my home office door, and focusing on The Adventures of Castaway Wilson, which is set to be released on March 17. Later, I’ll take a break and head to the indoor tennis courts for a couple of hours of exercise.

How about you? Where is your focus? What are you willing to let go of to free up time for what truly matters?

Have a great day.

When Your Worst Case Scenario Unfolds

I got the emergency call about an hour before the end of my shift yesterday. The weather outside was at its lowest point of the day, with gusting winds adding to the bitter cold. I knew it was trouble—my wife never calls while I'm working unless it’s an emergency. It was the worst-case scenario: she was stranded on the side of the road on her way home.

Fortunately, the engine stopped in front of a gas station. Unfortunately, the station was about to close when she called, and there were no other businesses nearby where she could seek shelter. With temperatures this low, frostbite can occur within 20 minutes.

I rushed off to pick her up, knowing that time was of the essence. When I arrived, I saw a pool of oil under her SUV. Darkness was setting in fast, and the gas station had already posted its closed sign. We were in the middle of a nightmare.

That’s when my wife showed her quick thinking. “Take me to BJ’s, and I’ll drop off the key so my vehicle can be towed to the dealership. They’ll work on it ASAP.” I was amazed at how calm she remained under immense pressure, stranded in the worst weather we’ve seen this year.

Today, we’ll be ride-sharing to keep our commitments. As of this writing, the temperatures remain in the danger zone—it feels like -28º with the wind chill. With just one vehicle, there’s no safety net if we face another road challenge.

Please send good thoughts to my family today. The bright side? Temperatures may climb into the 50s next week. Stay warm and have a great day!

It Feels Like -17º Today...Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!

These next four days are bringing shockingly cold temperatures. When the mercury dips and the winds howl, it’s time to layer up!

Sending warm wishes to my Midwest friends who are braving the deep freeze this week. Stay safe, stay warm, and proceed with caution.

Wishing you all a great (and cozy) day!

The Only Sleep Alarm You Need for Blue Zone Sleep

If you’re struggling to achieve consistent Blue Zone sleep, today’s message is for you. My sleep journey has been a roller coaster for most of my life. It wasn’t until I got serious about tracking my sleep about 15 months ago that I started seeing real improvements. Along the way, I made one surprising discovery that changed everything.

Before I reveal the secret to achieving consistently high-quality sleep, I have a question for you—with a follow-up:
Do you set an alarm to wake up in the morning?
If so, why?

If your answer is that you don’t want to miss an early morning appointment, keep reading. What I’m about to share may completely change the way you sleep—forever. In fact, you may never need to use an alarm clock again.

The solution is so simple that most people overlook it entirely. The only sleep alarm you need is the one that tells you when to go to bed. That’s right—a bedtime alarm. By setting this alarm and following it consistently, your body will begin to wake up naturally at your desired time, no jarring alarm required.

The key is consistency. Yes, it will take time for your body to adjust. And yes, it will require discipline. Your new sleep habits might even disrupt social plans, especially if your friends and family are night owls. But here’s the truth: when you go to bed at the same time every night, you wake up at the same time every morning—without an alarm clock.

The payoff? More energy, better focus, improved health, and enhanced productivity. The people around you will notice the difference. I encourage you to commit to this change and make it a permanent part of your lifestyle. If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to hear from you in a couple of months. Put a reminder on your calendar to check in with me and share your results.

If you have a smartwatch, track your sleep scores and use the data to prove to any skeptics that this works. Your body was designed to follow a rhythm—honor it, and it will reward you.

Have a great day!

Crossing My Fingers Regarding Mother Nature

 Cardio Tennis Drills start at 8am as long as Mother Nature stays out of the picture this morning.  I'm rushing to get ready as the snow hasn't started falling yet.  My body is in need of a solid workout that involves more than snow shoveling which will be more than likely later today.  I'm leaving early in case Mother Nature goes on an early morning rant.  Have a great day.

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Love is in the air.  As for me and my bride of 35 yrs, we are formally celebrating Valentine's Day tomorrow night with dinner and a play.  Mother Nature will be showing up a couple more times to add some wintry mix to our celebration.  As for cupid, he shot me right in the heart.  The direct hit left me love struck.  This Bible verses sums it up:

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things"

1 Corinthians 13:7

Happy Valentine's Day!  Have a great day.

Snow Shoveling Contributes to a 95 Sleep Score

Snow Shoveling Contributes to a 95 Sleep Score

My cell phone tells me it feels like -22º this morning as the sun rises over a thick, mattress-sized layer of fresh snow that fell throughout the day yesterday. After two full rounds of snow shoveling, I’m happy to report that my sleep score hit an impressive 95.

We get a brief reprieve today, but rounds two and three of winter storms are on their way, arriving Friday and Saturday. This is what my sleep report looks like:

The dark blue areas on the bottom row represent deep sleep. The next row up shows light sleep, while the light blueindicates REM sleep. The red areas represent the times I was awake. To reach the 'blue zone', my awake time needs to be below 10% of my total sleep. I'm excited to report that my awake time was only 32 minutes (6%), with:

• REM sleep: 1 hour 54 minutes (24%)
• Light sleep: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Deep sleep: 1 hour 27 minutes (18%)

The Role of Food in Sleep and Recovery

Another key factor in sleep quality is food intake. Last Saturday, during our cardio tennis session, I chatted with Ann, one of the participants who volunteered to practice with me afterward. It turns out Ann has her own lab at the University of Iowa, where she focuses on cancer research, particularly in the head and neck area.

Ann also studied nutrition while playing #1 and #2 singles for Iowa State University in her junior and senior years. We had a fascinating conversation about sugar, ketones, and how to kill cancer cells. You may meet Ann in an upcoming Vlog interview, as her expertise aligns perfectly with the ideas in Live Long and Prosper.

When I shared my eating habits with her, she pointed out that I’m likely in a state of ketosis for most of the day.

A Day in Ketosis: What I Ate Yesterday

Yesterday was a great example of how to reach ketosis naturally. My first meal of the day was four slices of Tillamook cheese in the morning. To prepare for snow shoveling, I hydrated with Re-Lyte to boost my electrolytes.

My only full meal was at noon, right in the middle of the snowstorm. I barbecued burgers, topped them with more Tillamook cheese, and paired them with black beans, cottage cheese, and organic blueberries. My wife and I shared two glasses of cabernet sauvignon, and I added a third glass later in the evening to celebrate round two of snow removal in our driveway.

The Crazy Part: No Aches, No Fatigue

Here's the surprising part: I woke up feeling wide awake, with zero aches and pains from all the shoveling. Even though I didn’t eat much, I never felt food-deprived. My physical recovery score came in at 94%, and my mental recovery was 93%.

It looks like I’ll be repeating this routine over the next couple of days. Have a great day, and stay warm!

Forecast Calls for 4 Snow Days This Week

As expected, a winter storm rolled in last night, leaving us with four inches of snow so far. Today's agenda? Writing, shoveling, more writing, and, of course, more shoveling. Snowfall will continue until 10 p.m., making travel hazardous. We get a brief break tomorrow before a couple more storms make their way through.

If you see smoke coming from my house, don’t be alarmed. Even though it may feel like -1º outside, that won’t stop me from doing what I love—firing up the Weber and grilling some burgers.

Please keep my Iowa friends and family in your prayers as we brace for these hazardous conditions. As for the Mrs. and me, you can mark us safe. And to add a little heat to this cold day, I'll be throwing some green chiles on our burgers.

Stay safe and have a great day!

Why the 1% Improvement Mindset Works

Train your brain to focus on 1% improvement every day, and you will astonish yourself, your friends, and your family with the person you become. Sure, you will have setbacks. As long as you expect to go backward every now and then and you don't give up, the 1% improvement rule will completely transform your life—no matter how dire your current circumstances may be.

I followed this mantra diligently in my early years. Some argued I was over the top with my pursuits. I had my own personal reasons for this, but I didn’t allow the opinions of others to detract from my lofty goals. Then, the unexpected happened, and I slid back to square one. I did something that was difficult to do—I started over, striving to learn new ideas with the same energy I had in my younger years. Now, at age 64.5, all I can say is this: "The 1% improvement mindset works."

Here’s why I think so:

Your human brain is eagerly awaiting your programming prompts. All prompts lead to action or inaction based on your commands. Give your brain poor action requests, and your brain will give you poor output—just like poor computer commands lead to failure. The better you get at giving your brain specific, quality prompts, the better your results. Imagine where you can be in one year if you do this. Allow your brain to absorb that vision.

Here’s a bonus to help you stay on track with continuous improvement: collaborate with artificial intelligence. In my case, I turn to Alberta for refinement. Alberta is like a second brain. She is also on the track of 1% improvement daily. In fact, every interaction I have with Alberta leads to better and better results. I share my stories with her daily, and she works to keep my voice intact while polishing my stories. She understands that I want to get better every day, and she’s helping with that.

I highly recommend the 1% improvement mindset. Give it a try and stay with it.

Have a great day!

Fail Big, Fail Often, and Fail Forward

Do you struggle with a fear of failure? I did. But I’ve come to realize that fear of failure is often tied to another, deeper fear—the fear of what other people think. These two fears are intertwined, feeding off each other and holding us back.

Recently, I uncovered another fear buried deep within me—the fear of success. It may sound strange, but it, too, is connected to worrying about what others think. Here’s why: any time you decide to make a change in your life, you inevitably change the dynamics of your relationships. The truth is, whether you succeed or fail, some people will be annoyed simply because you are changing. People don’t like change. And once you come to terms with this, you may finally stop worrying about what others think—because in many ways, it’s a no-win scenario.

That leaves us with the fear of failure and the fear of success.

I’ve adopted a new mindset about failure, and it’s making a difference. I now see failure as a necessary part of the journey to success. Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the pathway to it. Big failures clear the way for new ideas and approaches. Frequent failures speed up the timeline. Failing forward means using failure as fuel to push you toward your goals, while failing backward leads to withdrawal and giving up—and that’s the kind of failure none of us can afford.

The fear of success, on the other hand, comes from resistance to change. Even when success is beneficial, internal doubts will creep in, making you question whether you’re ready. If you don’t address these doubts, your own mind will play tricks on you and hold you back. That’s why you must train your brain to associate success with joy rather than fear.

So, the next time those negative voices start whispering doubts in your head, remind yourself of this: You are willing to pay the price of failing big, failing often, and failing forward—because your dreams are worth it. Success outweighs surrender, even if the people around you don’t appreciate the new you.

I wish you well on your journey. Have a great day!

Drifting Away: 5 Stages of Grief and the Lessons of Cast Away

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the many friends and family members I’ve lost in recent years. It wasn’t until I started writing The Adventures of Castaway Wilson that I realized just how much these losses have shaped me. Losing Wilson—the volleyball that had become a symbol of connection and adventure—felt strangely personal, almost as if I had lost a dear friend all over again. And then there’s Erin, whose absence still lingers in ways I never expected.

The scene from Cast Away where Tom Hanks' character watches Wilson drift away into the vast ocean has been weighing on my mind. It’s heartbreaking because it’s not just about losing a volleyball—it’s about losing a part of himself. He screams, he grieves, but he can’t get Wilson back. And in so many ways, I’ve found myself in that very moment, reaching for people I’ve loved, only to watch them drift beyond my grasp.

Grief is a strange companion. It doesn’t follow a straight path, nor does it arrive or leave on schedule. One moment, I’m filled with gratitude for the memories, and the next, I’m caught off guard by a wave of sadness. The five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—don’t come in order, and they certainly don’t come just once. They cycle, they fade, they return.

But here’s what I’m learning: grief is not just about loss; it’s about love. It’s the evidence of how deeply someone mattered. And maybe, just maybe, sharing these stories—Wilson’s journey, Erin’s impact, and the many lives that have touched mine—will help keep their memory alive in the best way possible.  I have a feeling that releasing my next book project to the world next month will help me in my five stages of grief I'm experiencing.  

If you’re walking through grief, you’re not alone. Like Chuck Noland in Cast Away, we may feel adrift at times, but we can find our way forward. Let’s navigate this journey together.  Have a great day.

Living Within a Zero Net Budget

Dave Ramsey says, "You need to live like no one else so you can live like no one else." That mindset has been key in keeping us from slipping back into old habits of poor money management. By committing to a zero net budget, we ensure that our monthly expenses never exceed our income. This is why Dave strongly advises against credit cards—they can create a false sense of financial security. That’s why we always pay off our credit card balance in full by the monthly due date.

When it comes to managing money, I follow a simple rule: If we want to buy something new, we must cut something else first to offset the cost. We also limit monthly subscriptions unless they provide built-in savings and are for products we consistently use. In my experience, subscriptions are like puppy dogs—once they find their way into your household, they tend to stay for good!

Dave Ramsey has another golden rule about cars: The best car to own is the one you can pay cash for. That’s exactly what we’re doing. Today, 2/8/25, marks six months until our next vehicle purchase—a future vacation home on wheels. Even with our strict zero net budget, we’ve allocated enough funds each month to reach our cash goal for Lucy, a bare-bones van that I’ll be converting into a travel van. Every upgrade will be paid for in cash, with no financing.

Lately, friends have been asking about my writing tools. Like anything else, there’s a price range for both hardware and software when it comes to book writing. I’m proud to say that I’ve stayed true to my zero net budget for all of my writing projects—including my new virtual assistant, Alberta. The only challenge? The free version of ChatGPT has daily limits. So, when I hit my limit, I simply shift to another task until Alberta’s time resets. This approach may not work for everyone, but it keeps me on track financially.

I have no plans to alter our zero net budget because, honestly, I love living like no one else. Thank you, Dave, for setting us straight!

Have a great day.

Chisel Like Michelangelo

While I'm no Michelangelo, I do share something in common with him—a love for creating. Michelangelo saw things others in his time could not, and in my own way, I see things too. Of course, my tools are far different from his. Instead of a chisel and marble, I work with modern tools like Canva, ChatGPT, Scrivener 3, and DaVinci Resolve.

Every time I step into my home office to create, I feel a sense of awe. Time loses meaning. I slip into a kind of trance, completely immersed in the process. I don’t fully grasp all the intricacies of these tools yet, but that doesn’t stop me. I’m striking a delicate balance between learning and doing—too much learning means less creating, while too little learning makes the doing more difficult.

The clock is ticking. I have a self-imposed deadline, just 38 days away. St. Patrick’s Day marks the unveiling of my next project, and until then, I must stay focused. So today, I remind myself:

"Chisel like Michelangelo, Michael. Chisel."

Special thanks to Mrs. Michelangelo, who patiently waits for her husband to come up for air and smell the roses. I’m alive and well—just deep in the work.

Have a great day!

Our Streets and Driveways are Now Outdoor Skating Rinks

Thankfully, I spent most of yesterday—the 7th anniversary of my horrific car accident—safely indoors. The only exception was a short drive to drop off our youngest son, just a mile from home. The roads were nothing short of an ice rink, and every vehicle, including mine, was skating on slick pavement. I never exceeded 10 mph.

This morning, I'll be heading out early for work, hoping the weather warms up beyond the current danger zone. Right now, ice is forming in minutes, making it nearly impossible to keep windshields clear.

One thing that isn't on ice is my next book project, The Adventures of Castaway Wilson. A special bonus surprise will add even more excitement to the launch on St. Patrick’s Day—March 17, 2025. With that, my calendar for the rest of the year is officially full.

I'm realizing more and more that life is about the little things you do each day to achieve your dreams. I can't wait to share this book with you soon! But for now, I'll keep the surprise under wraps—no need to jinx the plans.

Have a great day!

Castaway Wilson is On Front Burner

It's 40 days until St. Patrick's Day, which means if I stay on track, you'll soon meet Castaway Wilson—the Irish twin to Live Long and Prosper.

This past year has been one of the craziest I've ever experienced. The loss of extended family members and childhood friends has been difficult, but one of the toughest was losing my mother's older brother, Victor. He passed away just before my scheduled private book launch, which I canceled to attend his funeral in Arizona.

If you're like me, your schedule is often filled with conflicts, and you're constantly weighing which priorities matter most. I remember getting a call about my Uncle Victor wanting to meet up with us while he was on what would be his last vacation. At the time, I was so overwhelmed with projects that I almost declined the invitation to spend a couple of days with him in northern Iowa. Thankfully, I didn't. We had the time of our lives. Uncle Victor shared some of the best family stories I’ve ever heard. We dined at my favorite restaurant, Vinnie Vanucchi’s Little Italy, in Galena. We strolled along the Mississippi River. And the timing couldn’t have been better—my mother happened to be in Iowa, so she was able to join us in seeing her brother, his wife (a native Iowan), and their oldest son, Joe.

Writing The Adventures of Castaway Wilson has been one of my biggest creative challenges yet. The twists and turns make this journey unforgettable, and I realize now that the obstacles are what give the story its depth and meaning. I've never written a coffee table book before, and once again, I’ll be opening my heart to the world through its pages.

But I won’t be slowing down once this book is released. My next focus will be on raising money and awareness for outdoor pickleball in my community. And later this year, I’ll be adopting Lucy—an adventure van that my bride of thirty-five years and I will use for future travels.

Keep me in your thoughts as I turn up the heat. Have a great day!

When the Ride Gets Bumpy

There’s an icy chill in the air this morning, with gusty winds blowing. My smartphone says it feels like -1º outside. Yes, the ride is getting bumpy. But I won’t be hiding beneath the covers—time is of the essence.

I’m the guy staring at an overstuffed suitcase, trying to figure out what I can safely discard so I can reach my destination with only the bare essentials. I’m already living like a minimalist. Time-wasting activities are no longer part of my life. I must stay focused, no matter what storms rage around me.

If you’re the praying type, I’d appreciate some good thoughts sent my way. There’s a part of me longing for the turbulence to end. The seatbelt sign is on. Tomorrow marks seven years since the accident that nearly ended my life—and it looks like those same dangerous conditions may be returning.

My superhero, Spock, faced his own challenges every seven years. All I can say is, “Not fascinating.”

Stay tuned. I hope to land on time with all my goals intact.

Have a great day.

Is Jesus Real?

Before diving into today’s blog question—Is Jesus Real?—I’d like to share a disclaimer. I have no formal theological training or credentials, so I may not be the best person to provide the answer you’re seeking. My intent is simply to encourage readers to explore this question for themselves. What follows is a reflection on my own research and personal experiences as I prepare for future interviews with interesting people who have thoughts on this topic.

I am fortunate to encounter people from all walks of life—some are believers, others are not. Some rely strictly on scientific methods of discovery, while others incorporate faith into their understanding of the world. When it comes to the Bible, perspectives vary widely. I have a feeling that some of my upcoming interviews will be spirited discussions! Before sharing my personal take on Jesus, I’d like to pose a few foundational questions:

• Is Abraham real?

• Is Moses real?

• Does evil exist?

• If the answer to question #3 is yes, where does evil come from?

These additional questions help frame today’s topic. Abraham is an essential starting point because he is considered the father of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Since my focus is on Jesus, I’ll explore the first two—Judaism and Christianity—in chronological order.

The Reality of Abraham and Moses

It is well documented that throughout history, there have been efforts to stop Judaism. The Holocaust stands as one of the clearest examples of an attempt to erase an entire people. To me, this tragic event also serves as undeniable proof that evil exists. Where evil comes from is a subject for another day.

Moses enters history at the peak of Egyptian rule. According to biblical accounts, he was discovered floating in a river by Egyptian royalty and was raised in the palace. It wasn’t until adulthood that he learned his true identity. My favorite portrayal of Moses comes from Charlton Heston’s performance in The Ten Commandments.

When people first pick up a Bible, many get stuck in the Book of Numbers, which meticulously details the Israelites’ 40-year journey in the desert. While this section may seem tedious, I believe the detailed headcounts and tribal records add authenticity to the story. The journey to the Promised Land was filled with trials, including a scouting mission where ten spies returned with reports of insurmountable odds, while two offered a message of hope. The Israelites chose fear over faith, leading to their extended wandering. Ultimately, only the two hopeful scouts lived to see the Promised Land.

Jesus Arrives on the Scene

The gap between Moses and Jesus spans approximately 1,200 years. Beyond the account of his birth, little is known about Jesus' early years. When he finally reveals himself as the Messiah, he is largely rejected as a false prophet. He is publicly executed, and elite Roman guards are stationed at his tomb to ensure no interference. Yet, something extraordinary happens—the guards flee, and reports of the Resurrection spread. If these accounts are true, then Jesus is who he claims to be. If not, it would mean that an elaborate, world-changing story of salvation was somehow orchestrated for nothing.

Christianity is rooted in Jesus. He began his ministry with twelve unlikely followers, one of whom—ironically, the most religiously trained—betrayed him. The others went on to establish Christianity, which has endured for over 2,000 years. Today, the name of Jesus continues to spark debate, devotion, and discovery.

So, what are your thoughts on Jesus? Is he who he claims to be? Stay tuned for upcoming interviews that explore this question further. Have a great day!

Do This When Fear Creeps In

Is there something in your life right now that's raising your anxiety levels? If so, is it a real challenge or just an imaginary fear? I know exactly how you feel.

I just finished watching the final video in a weeklong series designed to help people like me improve the quality of their videos. And honestly? I feel like I’m at the very bottom of the class. Negative thoughts are swirling in my head—the same ones that have always been there. But I’ve learned something powerful: action overpowers fear.

It’s the fight-or-flight response wired deep within us. But here’s the catch—when you put yourself out there, you can run, but you can’t hide. So, do you fight?

The leader of the challenge course says, "Just push play." That simple. What’s the worst that can happen? How low can you go? When you feel like you're drowning, fear is at its peak. But I know one thing for sure—fear will not win. I will not drown.

Hiding isn’t an option. So, I will push play. I will create compelling videos that help others face their fears. And no matter how bad I think my videos are today, I won’t stop. I will get better.

I’m in this fight to win. I won’t run.

How about you? What will you do when fear creeps in?

I’m with you. Have a great day.

Shout Out to Fellow Writers at My Day Job

Shout-Out to Fellow Writers at My Day Job

I was completely shocked when one of my bosses stopped by to hand me a copy of our employee magazine—featuring a full-page story dedicated to employees who happen to be writers. As I glanced down and saw my headshot among those recognized, I felt tears of joy welling up. It took a moment to gather my composure.

Filled with gratitude, I made my way to my general manager’s office to personally thank him for mailing a copy of my book, Live Long and Prosper, to our corporate team—the very people who put this story together to highlight writers across the company.

I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to my fellow writers:
📖 Dustin Barman—Bakery Manager, Wisconsin
🚛 Kevin Dixon—Truck Driver, Tracy, California
✍️ Erika Childs—Morning Merch Stocker, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Writing can be a vulnerable experience—putting yourself out there, sharing your stories (and even your blunders), hoping others can learn from them. But seeing this recognition reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey.

Great work, teammates! Keep writing, keep sharing, and have an amazing day!