What are Your Lessons Learned in 2020?

 This is the final day of a year we will all long remember.  For most, tomorrow will be filled with high expectations because it marks day one of a new chapter.  I believe these new chapters have little meaning if we don't carry over all the lessons learned in previous years.

Think for a moment about the most important lessons you learned in 2020.  Are you a better person because of those lessons learned?  Will you be able to apply those lessons in 2021?  How will the new year be different?  Today is a great day to reflect.  Have a great day.

We're Digging Ourselves Out of the Snow This Morning

 By the time you read this, we will be out of our predicament.  Mother Nature did it again yesterday.  She dumped 9 inches of snow on us in a matter of hours.  Her cacophony ended dramatically with thunder, lightning, and a layer of sleet.  Her sheet music, as long as she follows it properly, is now displaying a series of rest notes signaling our opportunity to undo what she did to our driveway.  

"Fifteen minutes," my wife cautioned when I walked outside and stepped into the fresh snow piled onto our driveway.  My boots disappeared.  I realized that jeans are not the appropriate attire when my lower nerve cells sent out an SOS message to my brain.  Our youngest son teamed up with me to remove the layer of ice on all the windows and we cleared a narrow path to the end of the driveway where our biggest challenge awaited – three feet of snow about two feet high left by the snowplow driver when he cleared our street.  An hour and fifteen minutes later we called it a night.  I have just enough time to finish the job this morning so my wife and I can head to our day jobs.  I have a cacophony of my own to complete my day – Tennis with my teammates.  Maybe we can generate our own thunder indoors.  Have a great day.

Something Borrowed

Please forgive me for my philosophical tendencies today.  Perhaps it's thoughts of this year and everything that happened that are persuading me to share.  Reality and imagination are separated by a razor-thin line. There are times when my perceptions of the world are challenging to interpret, like those days here in my home state when we are in a blizzard and I'm doing my best to find my way home in near white-out conditions.  According to today's forecast, we have a major storm front arriving by midday and we will soon be blanketed by up to a foot of snow.  Although I hate to admit it, on days like this, there is an unwanted occupant in my SUV.  No words are necessary when we're together.  I can read his mind and he can do the same, especially when the road conditions are hazardous.  His name is Fear.  

I'm sharing my most recent conversation with Snow Devil, the nickname I'm giving my hitchhiker companion because that's usually when he shows up in my life just like Frosty the Snowman, SD's much kinder and gentler cousin.  Snow Devil taught me that my last vehicle, as much as I cherished it, was something borrowed.  Even though there was no lien on the title and I supposedly owned it free in clear, I lost the vehicle in an unfortunate accident on an icy road in poor driving weather.  It was borrowed.  The truth is, everything in our lives is merely borrowed.  Snow Devil is right.  Even our own lives and our children's lives are all borrowed.  All we can do is live for the day and enjoy all the "borrowed" things in our lives.  Deep down, I really do wish Snow Devil would find a new ride-share buddy and that he could somehow be returned to wherever he comes from just like a library book that is borrowed for a finite time.  

I'm learning not to hold on too tightly to borrowed things.  Letting go is often the best option.  My focus is centered on appreciating everything in my life and utilizing borrowed things to the best of my ability.  I have a stack of borrowed books to read and two books to finish writing before my borrowed time on this planet comes to a conclusion.  Snow Devil is trying to stop me but I won't let him no matter what is going on in the world or in my imagination.  Today is a great day to celebrate we made it through one of the most challenging years we have ever seen in modern times.  Have a great day.

Anticipation Plays a Role in Your Happiness Journey

 When it comes to family gatherings, vacations, and other fun events, there's not much we can do right now other than plan for them.  Even though we are in deferral mode, there is something we can do – plan and anticipate.  There is great joy in anticipating.  The focus right now need not be on the finish line.  Planning each mile can be almost as fun as the actual miles driven on that road trip to visit relatives.  

Think back to when you were a kid getting ready for summer vacation or Christmas day.  Wasn't that a great feeling?  I recall a story of a prisoner who planned his dream home while in captivity during the war.  He built his home, brick by brick, in his mind.  When he was set free, he actually built his home just as he planned.  Many of the other prisoners died in captivity because they had nothing to look forward to.

In a way, we are all in some kind of captivity right now.  Don't let the current situation take away your happiness.  Plan something fun for down the road.  Pay attention to all the details, just as a bride does when she's planning her wedding.  Have a great day.

What are You Fishing For?

 You may not be aware of it, but you are fishing.  It's the same as traditional fishing.  You go somewhere, put some bait on your line, and cast away.  Your bait attracts what you're searching for.  If you're patient enough, you might catch what you're looking for.  If you're not having any luck, you may need to improve your skills, just like real fishermen.  

You are uniquely equipped to catch something.  Your haul won't resemble anything like what others are catching unless you're trying to copy them.  This is highly frustrating because you're not focusing on your own talents.  I recommend fishing alone so you can search find your own sense of purpose.  When you discover what you're fishing for, your life will dramatically improve.  Be yourself.  This is what the world needs.  Have a great day.

The First Step on Your Happiness Journey

The best way I can share how I feel about this last year is to mention how much meaning these twelve months have given me.  The calendar is getting ready to flip again soon.  If you feel your life is lacking in happiness, perhaps we can journey together in a new year filled with endless possibilities.

Fear may be our most common enemy.  It has a way of sucking all the happiness out of our lives.  There is this fear of dying the media loves to capitalize on.  They can't reach me because I tuned them out long ago and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  What about the fear of living?  COVID-19 has a way of trapping us into thinking we can't live right now so we must put our lives on hold.  I disagree.  I simply refuse to let fear to occupy any space inside my head.  If you made it this far in today's story, perhaps you're ready to take that first step.  You can wait until the new year begins or you can take that first step today and get a head start in what could be your happiest year ever.  Ready?  Here goes:

LET GO!

Here's a partial list.  You get to add to it between today and the remainder of the year and we will work on this together for the next 12 months.  Deal?

List of things to let go of

• Gossip
• Judging
• Prejudice
• Anger
• Pride
• Jealousy
• Sense of Entitlement
• Control
• Past Hurts
• Unforgiveness
• Inferiority Complex
• Anxiety

I realize that I have a long way to go in my own personal happiness journey.  The next year will not be a repeat of last year – it will be an enhancement to every lesson I learned last year and all the years that came before all the way until my childhood.  Let's work on this together.  Have a great day.

Merry Christmas!

 When the weather outside heated up a couple of notches to 3º here in the frozen tundra of Iowa this morning, my wife looked at me and said, "At least we're not in the negative."  Before the clouds whisked away in the ferocious winds, they blessed us with a stunning picture I captured yesterday morning.  The "sundog" phenomenon occurs when the sun is near the horizon and a halo resembling a rainbow forms around it.  In Native American culture, this halo is a sign from the Creator which marks a time of great change.  

While sundogs can resemble a full rainbow around the sun, the one I saw along the interstate looked more like three separate suns than a rainbow.  It reminded me of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  I believe that the three are one, just like the three suns I saw yesterday were also from one star.  By the way, did you happen to see Saturn and Jupiter in alignment the other day?  That only happens about once every eight hundred years.  Some think maybe that's what the three wise men saw foretelling where Jesus was born.  I find these appearances and their timing rather remarkable.  

May you and your family have a Merry Christmas.  Stay in the positive, even on those days when Mother Nature may be teetering on the negative.  We are thankful for the warm fireplace we will be using as we celebrate the most important birthday in our history today.  Happy birthday, Jesus.  And my dad, too. Have a great day.

Consider Speed Bumps for Your Serenity Zone

Congratulations! You found a way to visit this blog during one of the busiest days of the year.  I'm happy you're here today and all days.  For me, this place is my own "serenity zone."  I call it this because I don't allow any negative thoughts to enter and negative people naturally avoid this place because the positive energy makes them somewhat uncomfortable so they depart quickly.  Many others only visit for a short while because they need to get back to their own reality.  That's why I'm suggesting some speed bumps for those quiet diversions you give yourself when you feel like the world is in an uproar and you need an injection of positive energy.

Wherever you find peace, stay a little longer.  It's so good for the soul.  Besides writing, I "galaxy surf."  It's rather simple.  I put on an eye mask, add a set of headphones, and float away for at least thirty minutes a day while on a guided meditation.  No speed bumps are necessary because I naturally take my time now that this is a permanent habit.  Thank you for the opportunity to share my stories with you and thanks for your support of this blog.  Have a great day.

Are Your Perceptions Half Empty or Half Full?

 I've heard it said that perception is everything.  The one thing I do know for sure is my perceptions do influence my opinions about what is going on around me.  I must be cautious about the filters I use.  For example, something in my gut tells me that the same people who have been complaining about how awful this last year has been will find a way to tell us that 2021 is just as bad or even worse.  

Was 2020 that horrible in your eyes?  Did anything good happen?  What will your new year be like?  I'm going will the glass half full approach.  Sure, there were times in this last year when I felt the emptiness.  Saying good-bye to our son's beloved pet was not easy.  There were other times when I experienced an overflowing abundance.  My family found a way to come visit me while I was on assignment in Michigan this Fall.  

If you are having trouble thinking about something to work on in the new year, consider cleaning up your view of the world around you.  It's like cleaning the windshield on your vehicle or applying lens cleaner to your eyeglasses.  Once you begin observing the glass half full, you will discover other areas of your life that are also half full.  Have a great day.

Time to Increase

Did you notice the sun rose a bit earlier this morning?  It may not seem like much of a change at first.  It's similar to the new habits you introduce in your life.  I'm following Mother Nature's actions.  It's now time to increase.  Imagine what you can do with your life if you use the next six months to focus on daily gains.  That's a lot more sunshine on your goals, attitude, physical fitness, etc.  

There's one more advantage should you begin your pursuit of new habits today.  You will have a ten-day head start on the rest of the world.  Why wait?  Pick something in your life that could use an increase, give it some attention every day and see what happens.  Have a great day.

Can You Change the Hands of Time?

 An obituary showed up on my FaceBook page today.  It's the third one this year from my high school class.  All three suffered from long-term illnesses.  Aging is inevitable.  The question for today is, "Can you change the hands of time?"  

We have evidence all around us that shows how easy it is to accelerate the aging process through improper diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.  What about slowing the clock down or even turning back the hands of time?  Does that sound like science fiction?

Some things are out of our control.  I choose not to focus on that because those things cannot be changed.  What about the things we can control?  Our diet?  Our choice to exercise?  Our daily habits that promote optimum health?

My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones.  Maybe these losses will serve as some sort of wake-up call for the rest of us.  Have a great day.

Family Day Rated a 10

My wife and I got our Christmas present early yesterday from our youngest son.  He drove us to Fireside Winery for appetizers and an opportunity to sample special Holiday wines on display for the season.  The owner, William, gave us a private tour of the expanded facilities and shared a bit of his family history.  We sat in our own room with a fireplace and a Christmas tree.  The service was fabulous.  The main course was served at our next stop in the nearby Amana Colonies.  Families walked the streets as sunset approached.  The Ox Yolk restaurant seemed to be specifically designed for the pandemic with its many rooms inside a maizelike structure.  

I got the opportunity to team up with my tennis captain in our biggest match of the season against our rivals from the Quad Cities.  The battle took place at high noon at the O.K. Corral, otherwise known as North Dodge Athletic Club, in Iowa City.  Both teams were undefeated going into league play.  Although the match ended in a 2-2 draw, based on tie-breaker rules, the other side went home with the win.  Our captain sent out a text assuring us we could win the league by beating these guys in our final match of the year at the end of January on their home turf.  I was fortunate that my captain kept me cool during our match at number 3 doubles and we pulled out a victory after winning the final six games in a row.  Knowing our opponents, they will be back even stronger for the rematch.  It's time to step up and raise our game.  I told our son this will be a day we will never forget.  Have a great day.

'Twas the Family Day Before Christmas

 'Twas the family day before Christmas

and all through the house,

all the creatures were stirring,

including the mouse.

For those of you who aren't aware, we have a mouse in the house named Hans.  He's not real but he has his own gingerbread house.  We bring him out every year when we display our Christmas decorations.  I'm super excited today.  Our youngest son is treating mom and dad to a night out at our local winery in our hometown.  I'm thankful for my boss at my day job who gave me the day off on the Saturday before Christmas.  My teammates will carry the load on one of the busiest days of the year while I'm enjoying our family day.  I will be on the courts at noon today with my tennis teammates for my first league match of the year.  COVID-19 disrupted the best-laid plans of mice of men.  I'm busy getting back in shape after many months of lockdown early in the year.

Wheels in motion tend to stay in motion.  Note to self:  When old wheels stop, the effort to hit the reset button is most challenging.  I will find out today if the molecules I'm taking may offer some advantage to my strength and endurance on the tennis courts.  Longevity researchers who have been studying yeast and mice observe that when they are fed NMN and resveratrol they live longer.  The mice do well on the treadmill and consistently beat Hans without fail.  Maybe I can cut out Hans's cookies and introduce him to intermittent fasting, another idea circulating in the community of scientists who are seeking to give us some extra Christmas seasons to enjoy.  Have a great day. 

Send in the Endorphins

 If you're not happy, this could be due to a lack of endorphins.  Have you heard of the "runner's high?"  It comes from these chemicals that are emitted during exercise.  Increase your exercise and see what happens to your sense of well-being.  You may also find enhanced sleeping from these endorphins.  Another benefit is stress reduction.

Besides exercise, you can get more endorphins by eating dark chocolate.  Laughing works too.  Seek out happy people who can share a few jokes.  Put your endorphins to work today so you can enjoy increased pleasure in your life.  Have a great day.

Is it Time to Adjust Your Trajectory?

Periodic course adjustments are good for the soul.  You can take a look at your trajectory and get a feel for your odds of hitting your target.  The longer you wait to change your trajectory, the more challenging it becomes to cross the finish line. 

Review where you are today and decide how often you will fine-tune your goals in the next 12 months.  If you're already on target, you won't need to do this often.  Shoot for the moon.  Make adjustments when necessary.  Have a great day.

How Much Exercise is Enough?

 This is the time of year when many people start thinking about the improvements they want to make in their lives.  Exercise is a perennial favorite.  Those in my age group who play competitive sports have to be more cautious in order to avoid injury.  I believe I'm fairly safe because my exercise time is limited to between two and four hours a week.  I do my best to let my body recuperate after a challenging workout.

Today's question has to do with the appropriate amount of exercise necessary to be considered "enough."  I really don't know the answer.  I do find my happiness index dropping when I dip below two hours a week of working out.  Ponder this question today and decide how many hours of consistent exercise you are willing to commit to when the new year begins.  Be willing to experiment until you find the optimum levels for your age.  Have a great day.

Your Body Through the Eyes of a Mechanic

 Your body, with trillions of cells under the hood and all other parts that come with it, is perhaps the most complicated make and model in the universe.  Although very little has changed since our hunter-gatherer days, caring for your body for extended miles on the road gets tricky without an owner's manual or a wise mechanic to help you.

I'm one of the lucky ones who have a great mechanic in my hometown to care for our family vehicles.  I'm a big believer in keeping our vehicles on the road as long as possible to maximize our resources.  I use that same philosophy to keep my body going strong.  

Since my understanding of vehicle mechanics and body functions may be limited, I'm going to keep today's story rather simple.  I'm pretending my mechanic is explaining what I need to stay on the road.

• Get frequent checkups.  Only a fool would miss an oil change.
• Buy the right gas.  My body prefers mostly plants.
• Rev up your engine.  That means run until you take your breath away.
• Use the rest stops.  Take a 15-minute break every two hours and sleep 8 hours a night.
• Check your fluids.  For me, it's water and wine and not much else.
• Listen to the engine.  The older you get, the more in tune you need to be with your body.

Good luck with staying on the road.  I'm approaching 100k miles with my SUV and the odometer on my body will flip to 61 years on the 4th of July.  I'm going to keep experimenting to see how far I can go.  Have a great day.

Why I'm Thankful for 2020

It's almost over.  Many will celebrate the conclusion.  I'm still in the moment.  Yes, it's one day at a time.  Some days are better than others.  So are some years.  For me, each day matters.  Each year matters.  They are like building blocks.  The one thing that stands out most is my attitude.  It is one of gratitude.  If I were to erase this year just because it was filled with so much heartbreak I would lose the lessons, the triumphs, and building blocks necessary for the years to come.  If anything, my sense of gratitude is only greater after facing a year like 2020.

I can hear the naysayers complaining about this year.  They don't represent the people I encountered who faced enough trouble to make a grown man cry.  I'm referring to those who lost everything in the derecho, a land hurricane that wiped out crops, buildings, and dreams.  In spite of these losses, these people told me how thankful they are for what they have and for their loved ones.  Others told me about losing loved ones to COVID-19.  That's about as difficult as it gets.  These people talked about love, not a loss.  They talked about gratitude for all the great years.  These people inspire me.  I will do my best to live my life to the fullest, one day at a time.  How about you?  Have a great day.

My DNA Test Kit Arrived Yesterday

 DNA testing may be the best way to discover where you come from.  I've always been curious.  When I visited my wife's family, her dad took me to nearby cemeteries in search of relatives from Ireland.  The gravestones showed towns in Ireland where her relatives were born before migrating to the United States.  It's challenging to go back more than several generations without the aid of DNA testing.

I can't wait to get my results.  The DNA test kit was really easy to administer.  It involved a couple of swabs inside my cheeks, one swab for each side.  I inserted my swabs into a couple of tubes and placed them inside a prepaid return package.  Results will be available on a home page I set up online.  The company guarantees results will be available in eight weeks or your money is returned.  This is a great time of year to discover where you came from because most companies are offering discounts.  I will share more about my results when they are available.  Have a great day.

The Infinite Space Inside You

 How do you fill an infinite void?  Take a good look around at the people in your life.  Watch their actions. Those who are suffering from anxiety, depression, anger, hurt, etc, etc, are doing their best to fill that empty space.  They have their remedies.  The professionals have a label for these remedies.  They call them addictions.  The problem is that no matter how hard the addict tries to fill the space, there is still room left over.  

Infinite spaces require infinite solutions.  I'm only aware of one infinite solution and I discovered it at a time in my life when I was trying to fill my own personal void.  The solution I found contains three parts.  Good luck trying to figure out how they fit together.  Imagine three match sticks on fire.  There is no way to figure out what part of the flame belongs to each match stick when they are on fire and burning as one flame.  They call themselves the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  They are the real deal.  They are an infinite solution to everything you need.  These three parts can fill that infinite space inside you.  They complete you.  Some day we will see the infinite solution with our own eyes.  This is a time of year when believers prepare for that day.  It all started with a simple birth about 2,000 years ago.  The solution is for anyone who asks.  No one is ever excluded.  Today is a good day to seek the solution for that infinite space inside you.  Have a great day.

Is it Better to Work on a Strength or a Weakness?

 Your time is limited.  There is only so much you can accomplish in a day.  That's why your priorities are so important.  This is the time of year when many people start thinking about how they can improve their lives when the new year begins.  Some will work on their weaknesses.  Others may refine their strengths.  I'm in the category of strengths.

Think about the effort you will need to improve a weakness.  The possibility exists that no matter how hard you work on a weakness, you may not see any improvement at all.  You could devote an entire year to one weakness and end up where you started.  The other option is to pick something you're really good at and make it even better.  Think about that for a moment.  Where could you be one year from today if you forget about all your weaknesses and instead enhance what could be the reason why you're on this planet?  In my opinion, that is energy well invested.  2021 could be your breakout year.  Bet on your strengths.  You will increase your odds for a successful outcome.  Decide today to work on your top strength.  Start now.  You can have a three-week head start.  Have a great day.

Synergy is Unfolding

 Synergy means the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.  In my life, the individual steps I'm taking to maximize my life by themselves may not seem like much. That is until you look at what happens when everything is added up and you have a total that doesn't make sense mathematically.  

I really can't explain what is happening to my mind, body, and spirit.  All I know is something is happening.  I know what all the individual factors are.  There are experiments.  There is daily meditation.  There are new molecules I'm taking to ramp up missing substances in my brain related to aging.  There are new daily routines.  Some may argue this synergy idea may only be a placebo and I am one of those people who is suspicious about what is happening.  Am I a step faster on the tennis courts because of a placebo effect?  Does my brain seem to be processing incoming data more efficiently because I simply believe it is?  I don't know.  The math doesn't add up.  I will need to verify this synergy idea by visiting my doctor and getting a physical along with a comprehensive blood test.  Have a great day.

The Excitement Builds

My DNA test kit shipped yesterday.  I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve into my past.  The staff has already reached out to me twice by email to let me know what to expect.  It's rare these days to see great customer service and I'm hopeful this is a positive sign I will get my results in a timely manner.  The company website touts a comprehensive report that covers one thousand years.  I kicked in some extra bucks to dig even deeper by analyzing my father's side and mother's side of the family in individual reports.

Every family has their own unique family history.  While it's fairly easy these days to search the last few generations, it's almost impossible to understand where we came from without the aid of companies who specialize in DNA analytics.  All I can say right now is I'm super excited to submit my DNA and see what it reveals.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

My Past is Getting Ready to Talk

 I did it.  I ordered my first DNA test yesterday, an early Christmas present.  I went with a smaller company that hooked me with a 50% discount for first-time users.  If they deliver as promised and send me the results in a timely manner, I will share the name of the company in an upcoming story.  

My past is getting ready to talk and I'm all ears.  Soon I will be able to tell you the origin of my ears and all other body parts.  I have my suspicions.  Now it's time to submit my DNA and let my past blab away.  I do find it very interesting how we are all connected.  I'm eagerly awaiting the next step of my DNA discoveries.  Have a great day.

The Safest Way to Travel During a Pandemic

 There are many risks associated with travel during a pandemic.  Out of concern for my family, friends, and co-workers, I'm only traveling when absolutely necessary for my day job.  There is one travel alternative I'm using daily and my frequent flyer miles are wracking up big time.  I call it "galaxy surfing."  It's a thirty-plus minute guided meditation that involves sitting or laying down with a mask over my eyes while my mind wanders off to faraway places.  I use headphones to avoid disturbing my wife who is often next to me.

Galaxy surfing is soothing for the mind, body, and spirit.  Researchers who study the brain argue that regular meditators show longer telomeres than those who choose not to galaxy surf.  Telomeres are like the end caps on your chromosomes and they serve as protectors.  The longer they are, the better.  You can lengthen them by exercising regularly, eating well, avoiding obesity, and keeping your stress to a minimum.  This is what galaxy surfing daily does for me.  It calms my nerves, especially when coping with the stress associated with a pandemic.  I may not be able to see my family in person but I can ride the big kahuna with them in my mind and this brings me great joy.  Try it.  Have a great day.

Do This When You Want to Improve

Let's say you looked back at all you achieved in this last year and you discovered some areas of your life where you want to improve.  If this hasn't happened already, please don't wait until the new year begins to do this.  The problem with waiting is that you lose the opportunity to properly plan for the next twelve months.  A five-minute review is sufficient.  Once your review is done, the important next step is a commitment to measuring, measuring, and more measuring.  Decide now that you are going to measure every worthwhile goal you are pursuing and don't stop measuring, even when you're blowing it and you're so far away from where you want to be that you consider giving up.  It's the measuring that keeps you in the game.

I believe in daily measuring.  I do this at my day job, at home, and in my free time when I'm doing leisurely activities.  Measuring helps you understand where you are in relation to where you want to go.  A funny thing happened to me when I started measuring my financial goal of total independence from debt.  I made it fun so I would keep trying even though I pretty much floundered on what I created as a golf course complete with monthly scorecards.  The game, "Par for the Course," is measured the same way golfers measure their performance.  The first year was full of mostly bogeys.  This second year is almost entirely pars.  Next year is the final year with the exception of about three or four extra months I need to erase the ugliness from the beginning of the game.  The bottom line is I'm going to be debt-free soon because I'm measuring and holding myself accountable.  This can be applied to multiple areas of your life.  

Make your own scorecards.  Use blank pages to keep track of your daily results.  Post results on a calendar. Pick up a goals journal.  The way you measure is not important.  What's important is that you keep track of your performance.  The steps you take in the next three weeks will go a long way.  Start your preparations now.  Have a great day.

Selecting the Ideal Food Program

 Like it or not, you have a food program you are following.  Others can see the success or failure of your food program simply by looking at you.  The same is true with your physical fitness program but that's another story for another day.  Today I'm focusing on your food program and the reality of the results or lack of results.  If you're satisfied with your food choices, congratulations.  You're one of the lucky ones.  I see too many people in my daily encounters that aren't so lucky.

The jury is still out on my new food choices because these choices are new and out of my comfort zone.  The only reason I'm experimenting (again) is because I have a gut feeling that someone else may have a better idea and the only way to know for sure is to experiment.

My wife reminded me this morning that my past food choices have been a good fit and I mostly agree.  What's new for me is the timing of my meals and the addition of molecules I wasn't even aware of until rather recently.  These are molecules normally produced in the body that serve as protection against disease.  Unfortunately, our bodies gradually curtail these molecules as we age.  The loss of these molecules leads to age-related challenges.  The only way I will know for sure if the addition of these molecules in my food program is good for me is to get my blood analyzed.  There is a way to measure the biological age of your body.  It's the inside measurement nobody else sees that inspires me to keep experimenting until I get it right.  For me, the ideal food program is the one that maximizes both the quantity and quality of my life.  I promise to share my blood results in future stories.  Thanks for visiting.  Have a great day.

The Year in the Rearview Mirror

 This is a great time of the year to peek in your rearview mirror and evaluate what's working and what needs improvement.  It's better to do it during the remaining four weeks in order to hit the ground running in the new year ahead.

I know many people who have already written off this year due to the pandemic but I don't see it that way. Yes, adjustments are necessary in times like these but I don't believe in erasing an entire year because the wheels happen to be falling off.  This is the time to fix things, improve performance, and prepare for another twelve months of steady daily work.

Take a few minutes today and write down your top five accomplishments.  Focus on your strengths.  Ask yourself how you can make subtle changes to raise the bar.  Can you do better?  Use the lessons learned from your past so you can avoid repeating the same mistakes next year.  Have a great day.

A Physical Fitness Update

 I found my second wind on the tennis courts last night with my teammates.  We played high-level doubles for two hours and I did not get fatigued.  This is one of my first physical fitness tests since making changes to my daily habits.  I'm working on two new habits at the same time, intermittent fasting (limiting my food intake to one or two meals a day) and adding a couple of molecules to my morning yogurt normally produced in young humans but decline with the aging process.  According to David A. Sinclair, a scientist who has been studying the aging process for the last twenty years, the lack of these molecules may accelerate the aging process.

I'm thrilled to be testing the limits of my 60-year-old body and look forward to bringing you more updates as I get settled into my new habits.  There is a possibility that all these results may only be a placebo.  I won't have any proof to offer until I do some blood work, specifically to measure my biological age.  These updates will be posted when the tests are complete and the results are in.  Remember to check in with your doctor before you make any changes to your routine.  Have a great day.

Seek Cruise Control

 There are times in your life when cruise control is not an option.  That's okay.  In fact, using cruise control in high traffic situations, construction zones, or in bad weather may get you in trouble.  Keep in mind these are temporary conditions.   What about those times when you're on the open road?  Are you missing out on the cruise control option? 

Your daily habits are your cruise control option.  When you develop the right daily routines, turn on cruise control.  My hope for the upcoming year ahead is to keep the cruise control on in seven areas of my life – daily blogging/writing, weekly physical fitness, sleeping eight hours a night, food intake of no more than two meals a day, daily meditation of at least thirty minutes, bi-monthly contributions to accelerated mortgage payoff, and daily reading to continue the learning process.  These are my non-negotiable habits. I know there will be detours in the upcoming year and there will be times I will navigate in suboptimal conditions but I also know that if I'm consistent, I can make a great deal of progress in the next twelve months.  Cruise control is my favorite place to be.  How about you?  Remember one thing about habits, it only takes 30 days to go from manual driving to cruise control.  Pick one area of your life and seek cruise control.  Repeat every month and soon you will be driving in comfort while automatically reaching your most important life goals.  Have a great day.

Seek Positive Outcomes

 Something special happens when you get all the ingredients for success right.  You already know what to expect when your Holiday meal is prepared properly.  Isn't it a joy to be seated at the table with loved ones enjoying a feast together?  If you can apply the same ideas you use to make the perfect meal for your family to all other areas of your life, you will find yourself in winning scenarios much more often.

I believe the first step in any worthwhile pursuit is to paint a picture of the positive outcome you're seeking.  Picture every detail in your mind.  Something else is also necessary – practice.  Refuse to give up if the outcome you're seeking doesn't turn out favorably.  Try again.  Put all your emphasis on the positive.  Expect it.  There will come a point in time when the positive outcomes you seek actually come true.  Have a great day.

Now I Know How the Tin Man Felt When He Met Dorothy

 Imagine you're the tin man in the Wizard of Oz.  Your body is missing its youthful ingredients and you're rusting away.  Dorothy prances your way and she offers you some oil for your aging body.  Voila!  You're young again.  All I can say is I know that feeling very well.  I may not be a tin man but I do know how it feels to live in a sixty-year-old body.  Despite all my efforts to do the right things – exercise, meditate, sleep eight hours a day, and eat right, I'm still aging.  Recently I found something similar to Dorothy's oil. I'm not a doctor so please don't do anything without consulting your own physician first.  I'm only sharing how I feel since adding a couple of new molecules to my daily routine.  

Your body naturally produces the molecules I'm referring to in today's story.  The challenge is that these substances diminish over time.  There is a theory that aging is simply a loss of information.  When the information is lost, bad things happen to the body and the mind.  That's why I'm experimenting with a combination of NMN and Transresveratrol.  By the way, I keep them refrigerated to avoid degradation.  It's still early to report on what's happening to my body.  I do plan on taking blood tests to measure my biological age.  I suspect that something is happening but I want to be able to show some kind of objective proof a little further down the yellow brick road.

I told my wife a few days ago that I feel like the chemicals in my brain are somehow influencing the way I feel.  This could be a placebo.  I don't really know.  All I can say is my happiness levels are somehow going up.  It does make sense to me that if you give a tin man a little oil and he can move again, he should feel much better.  Time will tell.  Stay tuned.  Remember to check in with your doctor before making changes should you decide to add these molecules to your daily regimen.  Have a great day.

Maximize Your Gratitude for a Fulfilled Life

 As long as I live I have no doubt in my mind I will never run out of blessings to be thankful for.  In my opinion, the more you maximize your gratitude, the more fulfillment you will find.  This begins the moment you wake up.  For me, a great night of rest is one of the best blessings you can receive and it sets you up for an entire day of abundance.

Focus all of your attention on each moment and seek out something to be thankful for.  Even in your darkest moments, there is always something.  In sickness, concentrate on how remarkable your defenses are.  Be thankful for your recovery as it's unfolding before your eyes.  In times of loss, appreciate all the good that you have in your life.  Be thankful for the people around you who love you and care about you.  Be thankful for the lessons you're learning.  Be thankful for your enemies – they will teach you everything you need to be a better person.  Be thankful for your critics – they will give you the feedback you need to improve.  There is something to be thankful for in every moment and in every situation.  Have a great day.

Do You Pursue Excellence?

 What's in your daily routine?  Is there room for improvement?  When it comes to excellence, do you find it?  Does it find you?  If you're struggling with excellence, perhaps you should consider changing your routine.  I keep mine rather simple but it works.  Without fail, I meditate daily, write a simple blog message, eat healthily, and fill my mind with positive thoughts.  Broken down even further, I learn something from the books I read, teach something, and make each day slightly better than the day before.  This is where excellence lives, in the simple tasks we perform regularly at the highest levels we're capable of.

Imagine where you can be a year from now if you pursue excellence.  The little things matter.  Have a great day.

The Trail of Bread Crumbs

 I've been following this trail of bread crumbs for many years.  I know exactly why they're here, to help me find my way.  There was this special time in my life when I didn't believe there was even one ounce of wisdom inside me.  So, I did something to help correct this.  I prayed for wisdom.  It didn't magically appear.  Instead, one day I woke up and there was this bread crumb.  Then another.  And another.  Maybe, you're asking, "Where is this trail of bread crumbs leading you?"

These bread crumbs are prompting me to ask more questions.  There is a long journey ahead.  All I can say right now is I'm thankful to be on the trail.  I appreciate all the times you take a moment to check up on me.  I will do my best to publish all I'm learning from this amazing trail of life.  Have a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving

 The sun is shining.  The grass is green.  My wife is in the kitchen working on Thanksgiving dinner for three, our youngest son, me, and my bride of 31 years.  Like many families across the country, we are answering the call to keep the gatherings to a minimum.  I'm recalling past celebrations when our families came together at this special time of year.  There is so much to be thankful for.  Far or near, I'm thinking of you and your family today and I'm thankful for all the times we've had together.  May you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Today is a Great Day to Count Your Blessings

Why not get a head start on your Thanksgiving celebration?  Take a few minutes out of your day today and ponder all your blessings.  You may be surprised to see how long your list really is if you take the time to write down all the blessings in your life.  

It's really easy to fall into the trap when there's so much uncertainty in the world and ignore the good in your life.  This is normally the time of year when people are traveling to see loved ones.  The celebrations are usually much larger.  This pandemic is causing us to make changes.  That doesn't mean we should lose focus on all that is good.

If you are looking to enhance your Thanksgiving tomorrow, share the top five items on your gratitude list with your loved ones and asked them to share also.  Have a great day.

My Debt Monster is on Life Support

My debt monster once kept me up at night.  His size was overwhelming.  He consumed everything in our household.  We were afraid he would never leave us.  We came up with a three-year plan to rid ourselves of the debt monster for good.   These last two years have been challenging.  The plan is working.  Our debt monster is starving to death.  He will no longer be with us in early 2022.

If you have a debt monster in your life and you want to be free, make a plan.  You can live in financial freedom.  It's impossible for your debt monster to survive if you cut off his food supply.  Stick with your plan.  It's worth it.  Have a great day.

Day 5 of My Longevity Experiment

 It's day 5 since I started taking NMN and Transresveritrol, 1 gram of each, based on "Lifespan, Why We Age – and Why We Don't Have To."  I'm volunteering to be a lab rat.  So far so good.  My body seems to be tolerating the intermittent fasting I started several weeks ago.  There aren't any adverse effects from the supplements.  

There are two questions for consideration about longevity.  Number one, is it possible to add more years to your life?  And number two, if so, can those years added be higher in quality?  One thing is certain, our biological time clocks are clicking.  I'm going to do some tinkering to see about adding both quantity and quality to my years on this planet.  Sinclair has discovered ways to increase the lifespan of mice and yeast.  If his ideas can be carried over to humans, we may get some bonus years.  I'm willing to experiment now to see if my body responds favorably to the molecules I'm adding to my food program.  Please make sure you consult your physician before you try any new experiments.  These stories are for entertainment purposes only.  Have a great day.

Hopes and Dreams Ahead

 It happened again at my day job.  We ran out of toilet paper.  The only time this happens is when panic sets in.  This is the opposite of what I'm referring to today – hopes and dreams.  Are your hopes and dreams of what's ahead keeping you going during these strange times?

I'm doing the hard stuff now to help usher in the next exciting chapters in the years to come.  These efforts are the difference between success and failure.  There's no place for panic when it comes to hopes and dreams.  Take a few minutes out of your day and let your imagination run wild.  Ponder the kind of life you would like to have.  Let those hopes and dreams lead you in a new direction.  Have a great day.

Make Sure You Never Run Out of Bullets

 Whatever role you play in this world, remember one thing – you must never run out of bullets.  Your bullets are the ammunition you need to reach others.  The more challenging your assignment, the more important it is to check your supplies and be fully loaded.

Imagine your life is over and you're having a conversation with your Maker.  You tell him, "Jesus I didn't shoot my bullets because I was afraid I might run out."  He shows you what you could have done if you had simply trusted that Jesus would always give you all the bullets you needed.  Scarcity of ammunition is never a problem as long as you trust Jesus to provide.

Ponder what the Creator did for all of us and you may never fear firing your own bullets again.  God fired one cannonball at us when he sent Jesus to die for us.  This was his only son.  Jesus died for us so that we could live.  That one cannonball changed everything.  Now it's our turn.  Fire away.  Trust that Jesus will reload your ammunition.  The world is waiting for you.  Have a great day.

I Asked Death to Reshuffle My Cards

 I'm no stranger to death.  My close calls have inspired me to live my remaining years to the fullest without any regrets.  I will never forget that day on February 5, 2018, when I slid into oncoming traffic and thought it was all over.  Or the time I was on my way to urgent care when my cousin intervened and set me up with a food experiment that extended my life.  Death has always been and will always be an interesting opponent.  The rules of the game are not fully understood by us humans.  I do know one thing, there are times when you can ask for a mulligan and death must reshuffle the cards.

Please don't let death cheat you out of the best years of your life.  Take charge of your health now.  Try a caveman food experiment and concentrate on fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and seeds for 45 days to reset your body.  Learn to meditate daily so your mind can be cleared of negative thoughts.  Sleep eight hours a day.  Give your body a break from food and skip a meal every now and then.  Keep your meat consumption to low amounts.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Do work that inspires you.  When all else fails, call for a reshuffle and start over.  Have a great day.

Day 1 of My Next Experiment

 Please don't consider any of my stories as medical advice.  Should you feel the urge to experiment, please consult your physician first.  These stories are for entertainment purposes.  I'm sharing because I do believe I'm finding better ways to live a healthier life even if it may go against most things we were raised to believe as the truth.  For example, I'm tossing out the idea that one needs three meals a day to be healthy.

My next experiment is based on "Lifespan," by David A. Sinclair.  He will be the first to tell you he is a PhD, not a medical doctor, so he is not allowed to prescribe, only share what he and his family are doing to possibly live longer and healthier.  My package arrived today...NMN and Transresveritrol.  I will be taking approximately one gram of each in the powder form daily.  If you're wondering why let me tell you about Sinclair's lab.  Apparently,  his old mice are running so far that the measuring equipment needed some new programming.  It turns out that old mice don't usually run 3k.  Sinclair's mice are defying their age and living like no other.  That's just the beginning of my story.  Stay tuned.  I'll keep you posted.  Have a great day.

Break Time is Over

Break time is over today.  I'm back to my regular assignment at my day job and then return to the tennis courts with my teammates tonight for the first time in over three weeks.  These last four days off went really fast, mainly because we needed to empty out our basement in order to be ready for our carpet installer.  

For those of you wondering about my book projects, here's a morsel for consideration.  I believe I discovered the golden nugget necessary to breathe life into my life's work.  The final outcomes are not what I expected when these projects commenced years ago.  Something is different.  I feel like I'm seeing the world with a whole new set of eyes.  Yes, break time is over.  It's time to get busy.  Have a great day.

Today is Home Improvement Day

My wife and I have been waiting for this day for a long time.  Our basement and downstairs bedroom are cleared out in anticipation of new carpet.  The installers will be here any minute.  Now that the prep work is done, I can relax and observe the transformation.  I head back to my day job tomorrow after everything is back in place.  Have a great day. 

Living in the Moment

It's really easy to fall into the complaint trap.  Take a look around at all the sad faces.  Most of the population is wishing for this year to come to a speedy conclusion.  Not me.  I'm savoring all this day has to offer.  Living in the moment has its rewards.  The greatest prize is peace. 

Put aside all your worries and take in a few deep breaths.  Block out the calendar.  Close your eyes.  Forget about everything going on in the world around you.  Concentrate on all the blessings.  Do you feel a sense of gratitude overtaking your body?  That's what living in the moment feels like.  It's impossible to be afraid when all your energy is in the here and now.  Enjoy.  Have a great day. 

Number One on my Gratitude List

I would like to give a shout out to my family today.  They have supported me 100% in all my adventures, including a three week assignment out of state in Michigan.  I'm back home celebrating four days with the family before I return to my regular routine in Iowa.  Our home is in upheaval as we prepare for new carpeting in the downstairs basement early next week.

There appears to be spikes in Covid-19 cases in our area and we're doing our best to stay out of harms way.  This a great time to catch my breath and enjoy family time.  Have a great day.

This is How I'm Pushing My Benjamin Buttons

 I'm home.  My voice is shot from overuse and my body is exhausted.  Today was my first weigh-in since I departed three weeks ago for my day job assignment.  I had a feeling the new experiments I'm trying based on the book, "Lifespan," by David A. Sinclair would make an impact on my weight.  Well, I released 4.5 pounds by making small changes, mainly by implementing intermittent fasting.  

If you're curious about extending the quality and quantity of your life, pick up a copy of "Lifespan."  The idea is to make your body think there is some kind of danger, like a famine or a drop in temperature.  The body responds and takes precautions to handle adversity.  This doesn't happen when all is well and you never experience missing a meal.  I'm pushing my Benjamin Buttons by skipping meals now and then, exercising more regularly and allowing my body to experience cold temps once in a while.  Have a great day.

Goodbye Michigan

 My time in Michigan is coming to a conclusion today.  What an experience this has been.  Our team at my day job came together to give our members an amazing experience at one of our best new store openings ever.  I discovered one of the top indoor tennis facilities in the United States.  Thanks to the local pro, Arnel, I made major improvements to my game.  Arnel introduced me to his pastor, a comedian who turned his life over to God.  We were invited to his church and Pastor Jonathan Herron autographed a copy of his book.  Now it's time to go home.  I will never forget the good people of Midland, Michigan.  Thank you for your hospitality.  Have a great day.

Grand Opening in Michigan

 I'm sorry for the late post today.  We have been all hands on deck these last few days.  My body is exhausted.  The grand opening for our new store was amazing.  I'm thankful to be a part of a caring group of teammates.  Now it's time to sleep and recover.  I'm heading home tomorrow.  Have a great day.

Our CEO is Visiting Today

 Things are getting exciting at my day job.  Tomorrow is our grand opening.  Today our CEO is visiting to thank all the employees for their efforts getting a new location up and running.  We made all the necessary adjustments to keep our members and staff safe during this pandemic.  I'm happy to report we have been healthy while dealing with the masses.  I'm especially thankful to work for a company that cares so much about the well-being of all the staff.  Have a great day.

How is Your Divine Alignment?

You can sense your alignment with God is out of whack when all four of your tires are so wobbly that you can't steer straight.  That's how much of my youth was.  Unaligned.  Out of control.  Dangerous.  I was always asking God for help with my own road map, completely unaware God had a perfect plan for my life.  Prayer is like asking for a Divine alignment.  

I'm on the final week of my out-of-state day job assignment.  Some interesting things happened here in Michigan that helped my to find peace in my heart.  It helped that my family came to visit over my final weekend here.  Yesterday morning God spilled his paint bucket over all the clouds and delivered one of the best sunrises I've ever seen.  I'm reading three books simultaneously, one of them a gift from the tennis pro that is helping me get my game back in alignment.  It's amazing how God is always ready extend a helping hand no matter how far from home we are.

Do you need a Divine alignment?  Get on your knees and ask.  Pray unceasingly.  Have a great day.

Sharing a Michigan Sunrise

Good morning from Michigan.  I'm on my final week of my day job assignment.  This morning I woke up to a glorious sunrise.  Everything was in alignment, the clouds, the fall leaves and the morning sun getting ready to show its brilliance as I stood in awe of God's brushstrokes.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here you go.  Have a great day.

Do We Have a Humor Gene?

 It's 7:00 AM as I write this message this morning.  Unlike most of the world, my TV has been off, even during this roller coaster week.  I tuned in the cold open of SNL on my cell phone after my morning meditation for a touch of humor to get me in the mood for my blog story.  Obviously, the humor gene, if there is one, is very active in people like Jim Carey and he will be much appreciated these next four years should we have a new president.

How does humor work?  Is it some kind of gene?  If so, is it possible to activate it if it happens to be turned off?  I've seen glimpses of this humor gene in my ancestors, especially my grandmother on my father's side of the family.  I also have this feeling inside my gut that the humor gene in my youngest son may be fully activated once we pay a visit today to Jonathan Herron, a comedian turned author/pastor.  My family was invited to attend by the local tennis pro, Arnel, who plays guitar in this morning's service.  Something tells me my son will be taking notes.  I find it interesting how our son portrays mom and dad when he's sharing stories, something we Mulligans are known for.

I may not understand how humor shows up in some people but not others.  We are each wired in our own unique way and we are designed to contribute whatever gifts we have to the world.  What I do know about humor is that it is contagious when executed properly.  I'm thankful my tennis pro in Michigan invited our family to attend.  Stay tuned for the final report.  Have a great day.

 

Hello Family

 The cherry on top of a near-perfect road trip is happening today.  First, I'm on the courts again at 8 AM for a private lesson with the pro and then another hour-and-a-half of advanced drills with the top players in the area.  I told the pro I wanted to get as much court time as possible before my family arrives for a weekend visit.  

Last night was one of my most memorable tennis moments ever.  I teamed up with Arnel, the tennis pro who is helping me re-invent my game.  We played another pro who partnered with Tom, a seventeen year old senior who made it to the quarter finals of the state tournament.  The "kid" was beyond shocked when my partner revealed I'm 60 years old.  The first set was rough and we lost 6-1 before raising our play.  My partner helped me with some advanced court positioning usually reserved for players much younger and the eye formation was especially intimidating.  The other pro had to stop play in order to give a lesson before the set ended.  We were very happy with the outcome even though we lost 5-3.  One my age might wonder if there is anything more exciting and there is.  It's family time.  Today is a blessing right out of Heaven.  Thank you, Jesus, for all the blessings in my life and for the opportunity to share my life here on this blog.  Have a great day.

Playing with the Pros Tonight

 If all goes well, I'm playing doubles with the pros tonight after my day job shift ends.  This may be one of the greatest blessings in my life. As each day passes while I'm on assignment, I see God actively moving mountains while sending me his people to lift me up for God's glory.

There is absolutely no better script I could write about what's happening around me other than to say everything is according to God's plan. I'm getting giddy now. There's another surprise tomorrow.  I will share more about the cherry on top.  Stay tuned. Have a great day.

Second Early Morning in a Row

Holy smokes.  I'm back on the courts this morning at 6:30 am for an hour of cardio tennis before I head to my day job.  That's two early morning wake-ups in a row.  I may be one of the only people in America who stayed away from TV during the election.  I squeezed in a 45 minute private lesson with the local pro last night after dinner.  My body is trying to rebel with the intermittent fasting but I'm not giving in.  Yes, these are crazy times.  Have a great day.

Early Morning Wakeup

 My alarm is sounding at 3:30 AM this morning.  By the time this story publishes, I will be well into my day job shift today.  If all goes well, I'll be back on the tennis courts late this afternoon.  I normally write the first thing in the morning but this story is being written just as the polls are closing.  My most important priority is sleep.  My body functions best with about eight hours of sleep.  I will have more updates for you once my schedule levels out.  Have a great day.

Jesus is Looking for Essential Workers

 Imagine if Jesus were running for public office today.  Would you be an essential worker on his campaign?  Before you answer, consider the cost.  Early followers gave up everything.  Persecution and death were probable options.  

The dark side knows exactly what Jesus is all about.  Distortion, confusion and fear mongering are the tools used to discredit everything Jesus stands for.  Would you vote for someone who asks you to love your enemies?  Well, that's the platform.  Forgiveness is at the heart of the ticket.  Are you buying what Jesus is selling?

I'm only certain about one thing.  At the end of the day, half the country will be very happy and the other half sad. Jesus is my candidate.  I vote for him no matter how high the price I must pay.  Have a great day.

Divine Teamwork

I got an opportunity to worship yesterday in the town I'm visiting for three weeks while on assignment.  It was one of the most moving experiences ever.  The pastor and his congregation were in some kind of Divine alignment.  Even the organist who was next to the altar playing a pipe organ.  It reminded me how important it is to serve even during those times when we don't feel adequate.  

The pastor started out with an opening prayer that seemed different, even though I've heard it thousands of times.  His speech impediment made it unique, just as each of us our uniquely created in His image.  The congregation paused in unison every time the pastor got stuck.  The organist played in perfect harmony, as if she knew when a pause was coming.  It was really special to see the congregation come together like that.  All I can say is it was Divine Teamwork.  I'm thankful for what I witnessed yesterday.  Have a great day. 

Outdoor Worship Today

 I did a stupid thing this morning as I was preparing for my morning worship in a new town.  I was moving fast when I pulled the laundry out of the hotel washing machine and moved it to what I thought was the dryer.  It turns out they have a top load washer next to a side load washer that looks like a dryer.  Well, it's not that way.  So, I'm now behind and the next service is supposed to be outside.  It happens to be cold out and I'm not sure how this service will go.  It's an interesting day.  I'm embracing it because it's also a day off and I'm hoping to get in some more tennis.  I'll check in with more updates tomorrow.  Time to fold some clothes and get this day going.  Have a great day.

Editor's note:  Outdoor worship was moved indoors due to freezing rain and cold temps.

Can You Cheat the Aging Process?

 Where are you on the football field of your life?  If you're in my mother's circle of friends, you've reached the 80 yard line and you can see the end zone.  I'm a little further out, about 20 yards behind my mother.  While there may only be a small percentage of people who reach the end zone before the clock expires, I'm searching for a new approach to the game of life.  Some may argue that's a sinister plan.  Others may say, "no way, Jose.  Who wants to live that long when our minds and bodies are falling apart?"

Suppose for a moment that you can make some changes that not only move you 10 yards back in time but your body does one of those Benjamin Button imitations and you appear rejuvenated.  

I may not be in my right mind but let's take this a step further.  Let's say it's the year 2050 and my driver's license says I'm 90.  I show up with my 89yr old partner for the national doubles championships and both of us look and act much younger than our biological age.  Is this even possible?  The more I delve into "Lifespan," by David A. Sinclair, the more I see myself adding 10 or 20 quality yards to my field of life. It may be an interesting experiment to try.  Have a great day.

Tennis is a Universal Language

 I may be away from home for a while but I'm certainly not alone.  I was on the tennis courts twice yesterday for a total of 2.5 hours.  The first hour was with the local pro.  He told me his last beloved pet was named Mulligan.  What are the odds?  I returned later to play singles with the gentleman who runs the men's leagues.  It turns out that this area has tennis players from eight countries who play weekly.  I think I found my sweet spot right here in Midland, Michigan.

Tennis is a universal language.  I'm 60yrs old and still loving this game.  There are times when I have to pinch myself and make sure I'm not dreaming.  My home away from home is only 1.2 miles away from my hotel.  Stay tuned.  I'm going to share pictures soon.  Have a great day.

Living in Day-tight Compartments

 When your life gets hectic, you may want to consider each day as a sort of day-tight compartment.  I first learned this in a Dale Carnegie class thirty-three years ago while living in Phoenix, the same year I met my future wife.  I was juggling two jobs and my boss asked me to sign up for a course about "How to Win Friends and Influence People."  The bonus subject was about "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living."  It's during crazy times like these that I'm applying these lessons taught by the course instructor and good friend, Jim Miller.

Living in a day-tight compartment means you block out the past, block out the future, and put all your energy into today.  You can break your day into an hour by hour approach and focus on the task at hand while putting everything else out of your mind.  I'm using to this technique to manage all the change I'm dealing with while away from my wife on a special assignment.  My plate is full.  I'm trying intermittent fasting for the first time in my life.  My brain is in a day-tight compartment and it's going to remain there until I get a handle on my new environment.  Give this idea a try.  Have a great day.

One Year of No Cable TV

 The last time I turned on cable TV was one year ago during game seven of the World Series and it was only during the late innings.  I don't miss it.  When I hear complaints about all those negative commercials from others, I wonder why they keep watching.  I would rather spend my time reading and writing.

Imagine what you could accomplish with your life if you cut the cable.  Ponder how you would spend the money you're giving your cable provider if you said goodbye.  Think about how much better you would feel without all that negativity in your life.  Have a great day.

Waking Up in a New Time Zone

Two major challenges are underway in a new time zone.  In my opinion, sometimes it's easier to implement change when you uproot yourself from the comforts of your home.  I skipped two meals yesterday and barely noticed I was hungry.  Maybe it's because I was immersed in all the brilliant colors in my new surroundings.

This is going to be a busy Fall.  My plate is full even if I'm only eating one or two meals a day during my 6 week spiritual boot camp. Stay tuned.  I will post updates.  The photo included in this story was shot in Saginaw, Michigan on my way to dinner yesterday.  Have a great day.

Ready for Take Off

 It's time.  By the time this blog publishes, I will be on my way to the next chapter of my life.  I'm one of the support people helping to open up a new location for my day job bosses.  I will be in Michigan for the next three weeks.  This is also day 1 of my six week challenge to work on my spiritual life.  There are people around me who can't wait for this year to be over.  Yes, it's been challenging.  I see the end of the this year as an opportunity to grow in times of uncertainty.  My hope is that when my six week challenge is complete I will have a new perspective.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

6 Week Journey Begins Tomorrow

 Another adventure begins tomorrow.  This one is for six weeks, three on the road and three at home.  My brother-in-law asked me to join his men's group.  The idea is to participate in something similar to boot camp except this mission is for the soul.  The timing is perfect because I was already planning a solo mission to experiment with my food regimen based on a new book I'm reading by David A. Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard.  That's how God's timing is – perfect.  Soldiers go away for boot camp and they come home transformed.  This is a perfect time for me to see how my body responds to new food trials.

If you're a guy and you're interested in what I'm doing, reach out to me and I'll share the details.  When the time is right, I will be sharing more about my food journey for anyone interested.  It's important to point out one disclaimer.  I have no training in medicine.  Consult your physician before making changes in your life.  I'm willing to share my journey for your entertainment and for your consideration if you feel my experiments might be worth a try.  I'm going to document my own journey with some blood tests to make my experiments as objective as possible.  Have a great day.

Surf's Up

 We all go through high and low tides in our lives.  I'm entering into a "surf's up" moment in my life right now.  In less than 48 hours I'm on a plane for a three week adventure.   I'm on the support team at my day job and we're in expansion mode.  Also, I decided to accept my brother-in-law's challenge to join his team on a boot-camp style  six week mission to come out of my comfort zone and be a better servant in our Lord's army of believers.  Yes, the surf is up, way up.  It's high tide.

For those of you who have been curious about my next books, I had an important revelation during my morning meditation.  I wasn't even thinking about my books but my mind drifted through a sea of thoughts and I perceived all the necessary corrections, additions and subtractions that need to be handled during my waking moments.  It's so funny how God works in my life.  Just as I was about to enter my morning session at 4:30AM this morning, my wife stirred.  She asked what I was doing.  "Universe surfing," I replied, indicating I was about to embark on my inner journey of exploration.  It's time to ride the Big Kahuna.  Stay tuned.  This is going to be one wild ride.  Have a great day.

Ask These Questions Now Before it's Too Late

 Changing directions in your life is easier when you know why you want to change.  In my opinion, change is difficult.  As the years pass, it becomes more difficult.  Here are some questions for consideration.  

• Am I happy with my daily choices?
• What will my life look like if I continue in this direction for the rest of my life?
• Will I have any regrets if I fail to make changes now?
• If I could get a do-over, what would I change?
• Is there anything I can do today that will make the world better?
• What's missing in my life?

Keep in mind that you will pay a price if you're going to change your daily routine.  There will be sacrifice.  I believe that price increases every day that you wait.  There will come a point in time when it's too late to change your direction.  I would rather make the sacrifices now so that I don't have any regrets later.  How about you?  Have a great day.

Reduce Your Anxiety in 3 Steps

 I believe we can all agree on one thing, we are living in stressful times.  This has been one of the craziest years on record.  Many are cracking under the pressure.  Anxiety is real.  Reducing it is more important than ever.  Try these three things and see if this helps.

1. Turn off the TV.  This is big.  It's almost impossible to avoid all that negativity unless you turn it off and leave it off.
2. Don't talk politics.  Your odds of changing someone else's mind are near zero.  The country is divided.  
3. Meditate daily.  If you can spend thirty minutes or more in quiet meditation, you can change the way you see the world around you.  You can identify all the areas of your life contributing to your anxiety and make positive changes to gain peace.

These next couple of weeks are going to be volatile.  Do your best to relax.  Practice gratitude.  You can get through these challenging times.  Have a great day.

Another Challenge Coming

 The next personal challenge begins on Monday.  It goes for six weeks.  The challenge involves reading a book, following the suggestions, participating in some online group sessions, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  This comes at a good time in my life because I'm already pursuing some new habits to help me raise the bar in personal growth.  I would like to thank my brother-in-law for thinking of me and for the opportunity to try something new.  I'm not sure what the rules are yet but I'm excited.  This book will be a great complement to "Lifespan," by Dr. David Sinclair.  That book will arrive in the next couple of days and I'm ready to make some improvements that may tilt my biological time clock in a favorable direction.  Have a great day.

Is it Time to Change Up Your Daily Food Habits?

The first time I heard about this I was quite surprised.  In fact, it probably goes completely against everything you've learned about your daily meals.  Sure, they call it different things depending on where you live in the United States, but one thing is pretty much ingrained in our rituals.  You get up, you eat breakfast.  Around the noon hour, you eat lunch.  Supper or Dinner is the final meal of the day.  You've been doing that for all your life, haven't you?  Take a look around at all those people with all those extra pounds around their waist.  Could it be that the three meal a day plan is harmful?

I would like to report a strange thing that happened to my sixty-year-old body last night.  Maybe it's related to something new I tried during the day, maybe not.  I don't know.  I slept for eight hours without waking up once.  I did one thing differently.  I skipped breakfast and lunch.  According to David Sinclair, a Harvard professor and researcher who studies the aging process, going hungry does some interesting things to the body.  In my opinion, there are some people in our country who may want to consider giving this a try.  All I can say about my food habits is that I'm learning what works and what doesn't work as a result of trial and error.  If you're thinking about trying this, make sure you consult your physician first.  If he or she is not aware of Sinclair's experiments, look him up for yourself and see if it's worth changing your food habits for a month or so to see what happens.  I will be sharing this with my physician the next time I get my physical.  Have a great day.

Invest Your Energy on Your Top Gifts

How are you doing with the gifts you have been blessed with?  Are you using them?  One of the best lessons I've learned during my sixty years on this planet is that when I work on the the things I'm really not very good at, I spin my wheels and my forward progress in hindered.  The reverse is true when I turn to my strengths.  While it's true that certain things need to get done than I simply have no talent for, it's not really necessary to do these things myself.  That's where teamwork is vital.  I focus my energy on my top gifts while enlisting others with superior strengths in my weak categories to handle those tasks.  

Something else happens when you find yourself concentrating on your top gifts.  Happiness increases.  There is something about successful outcomes that make you feel good inside.  It's a sense of accomplishment.  You won't feel this when you're consistently failing at tasks you're not cut out to perform.  If you're not sure what your top gifts are, ask your friends and family.  Chat with your coworkers.  Go all in once you discover your top gifts and allocate as much time as you can to refining them.  Do this daily and the world will be a better place.  Have a great day.

Stand Up, Please

 There are stories abound about the dangers of sitting for prolonged periods of time.  The focus for today is on stand-up solutions to help you get healthy.  Ask yourself how many hours a day you find yourself parked in front of the TV on a couch.  Tally the number of hours you sit while on your laptop.  Do you sit while reading?  Stand up, please.  Each of these activities can be done in the standing position.  Invest in a stand up desk.  Try sitting on a stability ball.  Stand while on your cell phone.  You deserve a long and healthy life.  Give your back a break.  Have a great day.

Book Updates

 The stories in my head continue to evolve.  "Live Long and Prosper" is coming together and "The Adventures of Wilson" is going through more changes.  Neither project is complete.  They are definitely not ready for prime time.  I'm walking a tightrope.  On one side, I want the stories to be entertaining while offering some fun lessons.  On the other side, I want to avoid any possible legal entanglements.  These roadblocks are going to be part of Wilson's journey.  I'm contemplating a name change in the title to reflect the struggle to cross the finish line.  Thank you for patience.  Have a great day.

There is No Greater Moment than the Present

 I know some people who are stuck living in the past.  They believe their best days are behind them.  Some live in the future.  They work so hard at creating their future that they ignore what's right in front of them right now.  I know I'm guilty of this sometimes because I like to plan things.  The real challenge is to savor the moment in front of us right now.  It's really easy to write off a tough year, like the one we're in now.  Or wish away the days of the week because we can't wait for those precious days off.  

No matter what you're going through right now, consider how precious the time is that you have in this moment.  Be present.  Savor every precious second.  Tell others how much they mean to you.  There is no greater moment than the present.  Have a great day.

Happy Birthday, Mom

 Please join me in wishing my mother a Happy Birthday.  She's an octogenarian who raised six children and lives life to the fullest, even in trying times like the pandemic we're in the midst of today.  I treasure the birthday celebration all of us siblings attended last year in Mexico before the pandemic hit.  It was the last time I traveled for pleasure and my, oh my, what a party that was.  My hope is that this pandemic will pass and it will be safe to be together again soon so I can see my mother in person.  For now, the celebrations will be virtual.  Happy birthday, Mom.  We love you!  Have a great day.

Take Your Breath Away

If you're like most Americans, you may find yourself sitting as many hours (or more) as you do sleeping.  This is no bueno if you want to be healthy.  This is especially true if you don't exercise.  I'm referring to the kind of exercise that takes your breath away.  I admit this was missing from my life ever since the pandemic started in March.  I returned to the courts about one month ago and rejoined my teammates last Wednesday night for the first time in seven months.  Wow!  They took my breath away big time.  I was huffing and puffing for two hours.  

I have a feeling that more changes are coming my way.  I'm finding some great inspiration from a Harvard professor who loves experiments as much as a couple of us Mulligans.  This is a great time to shout out to the wife and son of my Mulligan cousin who are both celebrating birthdays today.   Wherever you find yourself today, please find a way to take your breath away.  Set aside time at least once a week to push your body hard enough so that you can live a long and prosperous life.  Have a great day.

Lessons in Longevity

I'm a big fan of making quality choices that lead to living longer and living better.  The question of the day on this blog is, "How do we do that?"  I remember those charts on classroom walls from grade school about food pyramids.  They were sponsored by people who wanted us to buy more of their products.  As we learn more about how to maximize our longevity, ideas change about what to eat, how much to eat and when when to eat.  The longer I live the more I understand how deficient my knowledge is about how our bodies can be maximized in both quantity of years and quality of life.  That's one of the reasons why my own book, "Live Long and Prosper," is so difficult to bring to a conclusion.  All I can say is I'm learning a great deal about longevity through trial and error and delving into the experiments of modern day researchers who love their lab rats.

I had my annual eye exam yesterday.  My optometrist gave me a clean bill of health regarding my eyes and asked what I was doing to stay fit.  I told her about the next book I'm getting ready to read written by a Harvard professor who has been studying longevity for the last thirty years.  "Lifespan Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To," by David A. Sinclair, may offer some great lessons in longevity.  I promise to share what I learn from Sinclair's book in future posts.  Have a great day.

Chip, Chip Away

The chip shot is becoming my favorite option in pursuit of financial freedom.  I admire those who can sprint with gazelle-like speed.  Unfortunately, in a quest like the one I'm on now, there is no way I could have the endurance to go the distance and cross the finish line successfully if I'm going full speed ahead.  My strategy is to get out of debt using continuous chip shots at every mile of my ultra-distance marathon.   

New hazards keep showing up on the course.  The world is in the midst of a stubborn pandemic.  Mother Nature is shooting fireballs and launching a stream of ferocious hurricanes.  I'm doing my best to stay on course and avoid any distractions.  Every day is a chip shot.  It's a choice to pack a lunch and eat home-cooked meals.  My eyes are fixated on the daily scorecard.  It's working.  I'm fortunate to have a partner on the course with me who shares the same goals.  A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.  Five hundred miles to go win the race.  Chip, chip away.  Have a great day.

The Power of a Single Worthwhile Habit

 If you're wondering how to best transform your life into something that will make your heart sing, consider for a moment one worthwhile task you can do repeatedly for the rest of your life.  You may be reading this post with a bit of skepticism.  "How can one single habit transform my life?" You ask yourself.  This is something I've been working on for the majority of my adult years.  The truth is your life is already a set of habits your repeat daily.  You wake up.  You choose what to eat.  You go to work.  You come home.  You watch the same TV shows.  You go to bed.  These are habits.  Are they worthwhile?  Only you can answer that based on how satisfied you are with your life.

My number one worthwhile habit that I've incorporated into my daily life is daily meditation.  It doesn't matter how busy I am or how much I have on my plate.  I meditate a minimum of thirty minutes every day without fail.  The power of this single worthwhile habit is like talking about the power of the sun over our planet.  I have become so familiar with my own internal thoughts that I can now live in peace while pursuing other worthwhile goals.  The meditation helps me to review where I am, where I'm going and how I'm doing without outside influence from the world.  This inner world has become so intense that I now use headphones and an eye mask to make sure my morning meditation is completely free of distraction.  If you're serious about improving the quality of your life, consider one single worthwhile habit and stick with it as long as you live.  You will witness for yourself how much better your life can be.  Have a great day.

What's On the Other Side of the Pandemic?

 Many of my loved ones are quietly tucked away in their abodes until the all clear signal is given.  Only God knows how long that will be.  They aren't the only ones who put things on hold.  Life as we once knew it is becoming a distant memory.  Have you considered what's on the other side of the pandemic?

I'm one of those people who place a high value on traveling.  For me, when I can't get away, I dream about getting away.  I plan every detail of my vacations, like building a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  I have an idea of what the other side of the pandemic looks like when the freedom to travel without restrictions returns and then I build the puzzle.  There is great joy in the planning process.  How about you?  Are you making any plans post-pandemic?  Have a great day.

This is What Happens When You Find Your Purpose

 Sometimes your friends can see before you do.  Other times it hits you when you least expect it.  When you find it, everything changes.  Everything.  The light bulb turns on.  You see things you never saw before.  It's like a connection to the eternal.  If you haven't found it, be patient.  I promise you that there is a reason for your existence and it's profound.  

If you're reading this, there is a high probability that your purpose and my purpose are somehow connected.  For me, it's all about helping others find their "why".  I find great joy when I see the light bulb turn on in someone around me.  Sometimes it's only a flicker.  My gift is seeing that potential when it may be barely detectable and I'm hard-wired to keep up the encouragement until the light becomes so bright that it's impossible to ignore.  I'm thankful we're connected.  Let's see what we can do together to make this world a better place.  Yes, that is what happens when you find your purpose.  The world changes.  Have a great day.

Life is a Series of Experiments

 The older I get, the more I value experiments.  I also enjoy learning about what others have discovered during their own experimenting processes.  Yesterday I watched a YouTube video featuring an interview with a Harvard professor who is curious about the aging process.  Professor David Sinclair has been intrigued with aging since the young age of four years old.  Although he was debunked early on when one of his experiments appeared to go awry, he went back started over.  In my opinion, many would have debunked Edison for all his failures when searching for the light bulb.  Experiments don't always go the way you think they are going to go.  That's okay.  It's all about learning from your trials.

I ordered "Lifespan Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To," by Sinclair and look forward to learning more from his experiments.  How about you?  Is there anything in your life that could use some experiments?  Have a great day.

You Have the Power to Make Your Brain Happy

 Is your brain happy?  If not, why not?  Perhaps the chaos in the world is causing your brain to lose the happiness you deserve.  I made some changes in my life that helped create a better environment for my brain and the results are in – my brain is off the charts, basking in happiness.  I realized that external factors were playing a negative role in my life and I simply switched them off.  

You and only you have the power to make your brain happy.  Think of your brain as a plant that needs certain things to thrive.  As a plant needs sunlight, water and a good climate, your brain also needs proper nutrition, adequate rest and positive input from your spirit.  Feed your brain daily and watch your happiness soar.  This isn't a one-time thing, this is an everyday thing.  This is a way of life.  Have a great day.

Do You Know the Element You Thrive in?

 Today's story is inspired by our daughter who asked our family to check out Jay Shetty, a vlogger who inspires others with YouTube videos based on his life lessons as a business man and monk.  He's one of those people who asks penetrating questions designed to help you grow as a person.

I'm sharing something he said in a YouTube interview that may help you with your life.  Knowing the element you thrive in is the key to being the best you can be.  Jay Shetty references Michael Jordan.  He was in his element when he played basketball.  Not so much when he played baseball.  The difference was being in the right element.  The same is true for you and me.  I'm in my element when I'm sharing my life with others.  The wins help others improve.  The losses teach others what to avoid.  Maybe that's why it's so easy for me to get up every morning, day after day, month after month, and year after year to share my life with you.

If you're not winning in life, search for the element where you can thrive.  You are unique.  What works for others may not work for you.  Take time and don't settle on the wrong element.  Have a great day.

A Little Faith Goes a Long Way

Jesus teaches that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains.  "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith.  For truly, I say to you, if you faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20.  This is the verse that resonates in my heart because I've lived it over and over with not much more faith than the size of a mustard seed.

Do you have some mountains in your life that need moving today?  Trust that Jesus will send you what you need.  Have a great day.

Is it Time for a Brain and Heart Alignment?

 When your brain and heart are out of alignment, there are signs that show up just like when your tires are out of alignment.  Here are the symptoms:

• Lack of wholeness
• Lack of unity with yourself and the world
• Your inner peace is missing in action
• Stress is off the charts
• Your energy is amiss
• You lose your creative ability
• Your health declines
• Your quality of life decreases

Give your brain and heart the alignment it needs if you spot any of the symptoms.  Let go of the past and stop worrying about tomorrow or the next day.  The alignment you need is with today and today only.  The proper alignment will give you something you really need – coherence.  I dedicate thirty minutes of my morning to meditation.  I call it galaxy surfing because I'm completely disconnected from this world while I fine-tune my brain and heart without any distractions.  The more challenging your life is, the more you need a brain and heart alignment.  Don't wait too long to make the positive changes you need for a better quality of life.  Have a great day.

This is a Good Time to Get Healthy

 There is a danger for those in self-quarantine mode.  Lack of sunshine and exercise can raise your risk of getting sick.  When your immune response diminishes, you lose the ability to fight back.  Be cautious of a sedentary lifestyle.  This is a paradox.  You're probably cutting yourself off from others to be safe and everything you're doing may actually hurt you if you sick.

I'm doing my best these days to find the right balance of exercise and healthy eating while minimizing my exposure to large crowds.  Time in the sun helps me get adequate levels of Vitamin D.  Be careful not to become too lethargic and make sure you adhere to daily exercise.  Have a great day.

Why Your Food Regimen Works Better than a Diet

 How many times have you tried a diet and failed?  You're not alone.  Diets are like sitting in a timeout corner.  All you can think about is what's missing on your plate.  Your body gets mad and resists your short-term fads.  What little you lose quickly returns when you leave the timeout corner and return to your old habits.  You have to win the mental battle going on in your head.  Replace your diet with a long-term food regimen that restores your health to your younger days.

My food regimen is simple.  I avoid processed foods as much as possible.  Small portions of red meat, fish, and poultry are okay.  My primary focus is on fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and seeds.  Preferred liquids are water and wine.  This is a regimen that has become a way of life and my body is responding favorably.  Even cows have food regimens.  The first year is dairy (mom's milk) and then it's all grass from there.  We are the only mammals that drink milk for life.  See what happens to your body when you eliminate dairy or reduce consumption by 90% for 45 days.  If you like your results, you have a new regimen you can stay with for the rest of your life.  Have a great day.