Mental Wellness Check

Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to return to the world as you remember it before COVID-19 entered.  The rules have changed.  In my personal life, my favorite things are on hold.  I miss the tennis courts.  I miss traveling.  The parks are closed.  People seem to be on edge.  I wonder how many are on the edge of snapping.  That's one of the reasons I volunteered to be on a team at my day job that encourages health and wellness.  My teammates have taken a great deal of heat from others who are having trouble coping with guidelines we are following to save lives.

When people ask me how I'm doing, my standard answer is, "amazing."  For those who don't know me, there is usually a blank stare that comes back.  Perhaps they are processing my answer.  It's not common in these times to hear the word amazing but in my situation it's true.  I get up extra early every morning to meditate.  Before I begin, I make sure to take our son's pet Chihuahua outside to do her business in order to avoid a possible interruption during my time of solitude.  What I'm finding through my meditation is that my mental energy is restored.

Ask yourself, "How am I doing?"  This is your mental wellness check.  If you feel like you're at a boiling point, do something about it before you explode.  If you can't do the things you like to do right now, find a new activity that will bring you joy.  Learn how to use one of the new social media apps to get in touch with a friend.  Your well being is important.  If you can't do this on your own, reach out to the professionals who can help.  Have a great day.

Nature Calls

The sun will come out tomorrow.  When that future event happens and this pandemic is in the rearview mirror, I'm going to answer the call and find a way to connect with Nature.  I have a solution in my mind.  It's called the Lucy Project.  Lucy is our reward for sticking to our game plan to win financial independence.  I hear nature calling but I can't answer yet.  I must do my chores first.  Have a great day.

Lessons I learned Playing the Debt Reduction Game

Truth:  I've been in debt since I was old enough to get a credit card.
Lie:  I will be in debt until I die (unless an unforeseen event takes place in the next 20 months).

There's a lot of fear going on in the world right now.  Many of the stories are hauntingly familiar to my dark days when the economy took a nosedive while I was residing in Southern California.  Moving to Iowa was an opportunity to take a mulligan and start from scratch.  My wife checked out a book from the library by Dave Ramsey about how to get out of debt using a step-by-step approach.  I modified it to make the steps more fun.  Instead of steps, we're playing virtual golf, keeping track of our monthly performance on a scorecard.

The most important lesson I learned playing the game is that if you put in a serious effort to improve, you can win.  This is true in any endeavor.  Measuring your performance is critical.  How can you know if you're winning or losing if you don't know the score?  Not giving up is crucial no matter how far away you are from the final hole.  Yes, I drifted in the first seven months, all of them bogeys.  You know what?  No one kicked me off the virtual golf course.  I gained a few readers because my story resonates with regular people who want financial independence.  They're watching.  A funny thing happened.  My wild swings turned into refined shots.  My hooks and sliced disappeared.  I started getting pars, meaning I was hitting my monthly accelerated payment goals for my mortgage.  Life is good.  Continuous improvement is my new mantra.  I believe I can do this.  If I can do this, anyone can do this.  Don't let outside distractions get in the way of your goals.  Don't allow excuses to creep in.  It's really easy to get sucked into the daily news cycles.  I refuse.  I'm too busy playing virtual golf and finding ways to get better with my finances every month.  The best present I can give my wife is financial independence.  How about you?  What area of your life would you like to improve today?  Put that goal on a scorecard, set a date for completion, and get started today.  Have a great day.

One Day at a Time

The fog rolled in.  That's okay.  It reminds me not to look too far ahead.  I'm doing my best not to worry about my past mistakes or my future challenges.  Today is enough for me to keep focused on.  I find myself the happiest when I search out all the blessings that come with today.  There are many.  You don't need to leave your home to find them.  Have a great day.

First Zoom Happy Hour

A couple of high school classmates who were in an RV checked in last night.  So did another now in Alaska.  Others had custom backgrounds.  It was our first virtual happy hour, led by Scott, a specialist in the Audio/Video field who instructs at a community college.  It felt like I was on Hollywood Squares.  I'm thankful for all this amazing technology that allows us to come together without violating social distancing restrictions.  Have a great day.

Apocolypse Room Day 2

Thank God for our Apocolypse room where all our supplies are stored in case of illness.  We have remained COVID-19 symptom-free but the stomach flu is keeping my wife in bed.  I'm tapping into our supplies to get her healthy.  Have a great day.

The Apocolypse Room

I entered the Apocolypse room this morning for a can of chicken soup.  Well, it's not really an Apocolypse right now but the stomach bug infected my wife and she's staying home today to recover.  This special room we have is designated for supplies in case one or both of us contract the COVID-19 virus and we need to undergo quarantine.  We have everything we need to stay indoors for a few weeks.  I'm praying for a speedy recovery for my wife.  Have a great day and please make sure you're prepared in case you need to stay home for an extended period of time.

The Distant Eye

A close eye on our elderly loved ones carries with it an infection risk due to this COVID-19 virus now in our world.  The distant eye is ideal for these circumstances.  For me, this blog is my distant eye.  Not only can I share updates with my mother, but I can also keep in touch with people I care about who are separated geographically.

My daily routine has been altered slightly to accommodate the needs of the business at my day job.  We are now opening a couple of hours earlier three days a week.  On those days, I'm now up at 4am doing my morning meditation and blog writing in order to get to work before sunrise.  I was so exhausted last night that I went to bed at 7pm.  It's now 5:15AM and this message is about done.  I will spend about five to ten minutes checking the news and my social media before breakfast and a shower.  The smell of fresh coffee from upstairs tells me my sense of smell is working great but I'll also do a morning temperature check to make sure I'm not showing any symptoms for the doctor who is watching me with a distant eye.  So far, social distancing has been working great.  Thanks to all who are watching over me from afar.  I'm happy to hear from family members that all is well.  Have a great day.

Find Your Happy Place

Are you finding yourself glued to the TV during this pandemic?  How does it make you feel?  If your anxiety levels are going off the charts, maybe you might want to rethink how the news is taking away your happiness.  I realize I'm not immune to the virus that seems to be moving like a freight train, dumping its cargo in even the most remote of communities but I can protect myself from the sensationalism that prevails on the airwaves.  My happy place isn't on any of the news channels.

Your happy place may look different from mine.  No matter what it looks like or where it is, the important thing is that you visit your happy place daily.  Think of it as being on an airplane and suddenly the air pressure drops.  What do the flight attendants ask?  Isn't the first step to make sure you have your mask on before helping your children?  You aren't any good for others if you can't breathe.  Go to your happy place and breathe deeply.  Cleanse yourself of anxiety.  You have everything you need to get to your happy place.  It starts with turning off the TV.  Have a great day.

Minor Changes Yield April Bogey in Par for the Course Game

This month marks my 16th-month playing "Par for the Course," a virtual debt reduction game I came up with to help me have fun while pursuing financial independence.  The first seven months weren't so good.  In fact, I had seven bogeys out of seven months meaning I consistently came up short.  That didn't bother me because even though I was failing miserably, I was still paying off my debt, albeit at a slower rate than what I wanted.  The way the game works, I earn an eagle every time I exceed my monthly target of debt reduction, a par if I meet my goals, and a bogey if my debt reduction goal comes up short for the month.  The idea is to have zero balances on everything including my mortgage at the end of thirty-six months.

Like anything in life, you don't get better unless you learn from your mistakes.  Adapting to changing conditions is also helpful.  For example, the COVID-19 virus crept into the game creating a new hazard.  There were some unexpected medical bills from my auto accident that showed up on the first hole even though I thought everything was paid in full.  I didn't complain,  I simply kept swinging away.  Some might say I was flailing.  I was out of sync as much as Happy Gilmore but I stayed focused on getting better.  What I'm discovering is that the little things matter.  It's the everyday choices that add up.  I'm gaining confidence.  I may earn my first eagle soon.  The only thing certain in this game is that I won't give up no matter how many obstacles come my way.  I'm thankful to have my wife as my partner on the virtual course.  She gave me a free haircut yesterday after our picnic at Lake Iowa and I'm giving her an eagle for her performance.  Thanks to her act of kindness, I no longer look like a crazed caveman.  Stay tuned for updates on the Par for the Course Game.  Have a great day.

A Hike is Good for the Soul

My wife and I are both away from our day jobs today and we're planning on a hiking/picnic adventure to a nearby lake.  The camping area is closed due to the pandemic but the hiking trails are open and rarely used.  Yes, a hike is good for the soul, especially when our world is filled with so much sad news.  If you're feeling anxiety creeping in, take a hike.  It's the perfect remedy when the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  Have a great day.

What Seeds are You Planting During Your Isolation?

Deprivation from the outside world can hurt your mental health if you're not careful.  We are social creatures.  In times of deprivation, I believe you can plant seeds that yield amazing crops when harvest time arrives.  Today I'm thinking about a prisoner-of-war from Vietnam, Lt. Cmdr. Shumaker, who spent three years in solitary confinement when his captors discovered he was one of the ringleaders teaching others to communicate by tapping on the walls.  It was in "Alcatraz" that Shumaker planted his seed, a vision for a home he would later build based on the plans he conceived in solitary confinement.

You have a choice today.  You can plant seeds or crawl under your blankets and complain about what you're missing.  Perhaps those who are fighting on the front lines are actually dreaming about trading places with you so they don't have to witness all the tragedy they are seeing while you are safe in your quarantine.  Just remember, you can plant seeds no matter where you are today.  Like Lt. Cmdr. Shumaker, I'm spending my time dreaming about "Lucy," my new ride for exploring the world once I'm free to travel.  What seeds are you planting today?  Have a great day.

Life is Easier to Handle When You Expect Uncertainty

Franklin D. Roosevelt told the world the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.  Perhaps fear is based on creating these images in our minds of the worst-case scenarios.  If all we can imagine is worst-case, we don't leave room for all other options.  In my opinion, I believe it's best to expect uncertainty.  That way, every morning when I wake up and something is out of the ordinary, I can say, "Sure, that's part of the uncertainty that's bound to occur and I can move on with my life, free of being frozen in fear."

Life is so much easier to handle when you expect uncertainty.  Waking up early every day gives me a cushion to welcome the uncertainty.  Give this idea a try and see if you can befriend uncertainty.  Have conversations with your family about uncertainty and come up with creative ideas to welcome uncertainty to every area of your life.  Uncertainty doesn't need to be your opponent.  Uncertainty can help you learn to adapt to the changes that are bound to happen in these strange times.  Have a great day.

The Best of Humanity

If you're having trouble seeing the good in the world right now because you're confined to your home, I would like to share some examples for you to help you deal with the world-wide shutdown.  They are separated geographically but share the same heart for helping others.  In my opinion, they represent the best of humanity.  Here goes:

1. Dr. John Mulligan.  Not only is he willing to put up with me on the tennis courts where we'll playing doubles together when we become age-eligible in a few decades for the men's 90+ National Tennis Championships, but he's also willing to put serving others ahead of his own needs.  He reached out to tell me he helped deliver a St. Patrick's Day baby at the hospital, the same day he was thinking about his sister and my daughter who are also St. Patrick's Day babies.  He mentioned that it's likely he will eventually contract the virus because he happens to work in an environment where the risk is high.  He and all the health care professionals working in difficult times get my vote for the best of humanity.
2. Mark Mulligan.  There's no stopping this south-of-the-border cousin who thrives on sharing his musical talents with others.  Mark and John are brothers and I'm proud to call them my cousins.  Mark is unstoppable.  If you want to be inspired, read his book, "The Three Miracles."  If you want great music, watch him on YouTube.  Even better, order one of his CD's.  Mark is the founder of CASTAWAY kids, a non-profit organization that helps needy kids get a hand up to college.  Way to go, Mark.  You get my vote for the best of humanity.
3. Erin Cronican.  She recently took Wilson into her home in New York City, the epicenter of our nation's pandemic.  While most would prefer to lock themselves up and hibernate until the crisis is over, Erin is doing her best to share her talent with others who seek to find their way in the world of acting.  The organization she founded, The Seeing Place Theater, is where she acts, directs and produces.  Nothing will stop her from serving others, not even a second diagnosis of Stage IV cancer.  Erin, you get my vote for the best of humanity.

Who inspires you?  Do you have anyone in your circle of friends who get your vote for the best of humanity?  Reach out and tell them how you are touched by their acts of kindness.  Thank you, John, Mark, and Erin, for all you do.  Have a great day.

Words of Wisdom from Albert Einstein

Are you ready to seize the day?  I admit it may be challenging to find opportunities in the midst of today's crisis but if you look in the right places with the right attitude you can find them.  Stocks are on sale.  Gas prices are at all-time lows.  The air we breathe, with the exception of the COVID-19 virus, has never been cleaner in modern times.  The key is to look beyond the crisis.  There is so much to be thankful for.  Show the world what you can do.  Have a great day.

The Money Shot

Mother Nature came through big time this morning.  She delivered a fresh blanket of snow to savor while we look out the windows on our day off today.  My wife and I are adapting to the uncertainties that randomly appear in our lives.  I captured this photo while peering out at our backyard to survey the kingdom.

Our friend, Erin, from New York City, checked in to notify me Wilson arrived safely.  Due to the travel restrictions, I was not able to accompany Wilson on his first solo mission.  The photos Erin captured with Wilson are adorable.  I have a feeling Wilson will be treated with great care during his final adventure before his book is published.  I'm thankful Erin is entertaining Wilson during these crazy times.  Have a great day.

How I Found My Meditation Sweet Spot

I was hooked the first time I experimented with meditation which means to become aware of.  I haven't missed a day since September.  The process has been evolving as I try different techniques.  One of the biggest lessons I learned has to do with timing.  For me, the best time to meditate is when my mind is halfway between the waking and sleeping stages.  It's like a sort of sweet spot.  The ideal time range to maximize my meditations is between 4am and 5:30am.  When I get it right, I feel like I'm dreaming but I'm aware of what I'm thinking about.  It's like taking a nature hike inside your own body.  There are hidden treasures all over the place.

For those curious about the benefits of daily meditation, I can tell you that it helps me to cope with all the strange events going on in the world around us.  It's the same feeling I get when my bed is made, the chores are done and everything around me is organized and neat.  It's like giving your home a fresh coat of paint.  If you're interested in finding your meditation sweet spot, start out by carving out time to do this daily.  Make it a priority and don't skip a day no matter how busy your life is.  There are numerous YouTube videos you can check out to help you find something that works best for you. Have a great day.

The Case for Christ

My wife and I watched a Netflix movie last night, The Case for Christ, about an atheist journalist, Lee Strobel, who sought to disprove the existence of Jesus when his wife became a Christian.  It's a true story.  He pursued the story just like any other story.  He methodically followed the facts and interviewed witnesses like a detective attempting to solve a murder case.  It was the perfect way for my wife and me to conclude our Easter Sunday.  If anyone reading my stories has any doubts about who Jesus is, maybe this movie can answer some questions.

I always enjoy getting to know the people behind the stories and this morning I found a YouTube video of Lee Strobel sharing his faith journey with a church group.  Check it out below.  Have a great day.

The Tomb is Empty

Can you imagine if the story of the empty tomb happened today in modern times?  You venture outside your home.  The streets are empty.  The malls are closed.  You and a friend are the only ones out for a morning stroll.  You're practicing social distancing maintaining six feet of separation while you make your way to the tomb of your loved one.  You find it empty.  Even the guard overseeing the property is missing.  Nothing makes sense.  Where's the body?  Who hid it?  All you can do is run back to your friends and tell them the tomb is empty.  At first, only a couple of friends are willing to leave the safety of their homes to see what's going on.  Everyone is afraid to leave their homes due to recent events.

My friends, the tomb is empty.  Jesus is alive.  He may be away from us but he promises he's coming back.  The emptiness we feel is only temporary.  My wife and I are staying in our home today.  Like many others around the world, our Easter celebration will be a virtual one.  This will be an Easter Sunday I will never forget.  Of all the things empty in the world right now, I'm thankful that the tomb is empty and the door to Heaven is now wide open.  Isn't it a good feeling to know we no longer have to be afraid to die?  Let's celebrate the Resurrection.  Let's be thankful for all those who are caring for the sick, especially the ones suffering from this COVID-19 virus.  Let's be thankful we can connect through social media.  Let's be thankful Jesus loves us so much that he died for us.  Happy Easter.  Have a great day.

It is Finished

Jesus muttered his final words in Greek, "Tetelestai," meaning, "it is finished."  He said it perfectly using the perfect tense.  This perfect tense is meant to show us that what Jesus did on the cross is not simply a past event.  This is something Jesus did and it's still in effect today.  Tetelestai is the kind of word you speak when you accomplish something of great significance, like a mother giving birth or a writer completing the final manuscript.  Yes, it is finished.  Death no longer is final for us.  Our sins no longer carry a penalty.  We are free.  Jesus makes all things new.  How are you going to celebrate on Easter Sunday?  Have a great day.

Remember This Day

Not many knew the real Jesus.  Angels.  Prophets.  Mary.  Joseph.  John the Baptist.  A naked caveman possessed by multiple demons who Jesus healed shortly before Good Friday on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee.  I'm not really sure why Jesus told the man he couldn't follow when the man asked once the demons were cast out of him and he was given new life.  Perhaps it had something to do with the special knowledge the demons gave the man about who Jesus really is.  Maybe Jesus was concerned the man, now healed, would blab to others about Jesus, the Son of the most high God, and interfere with God's plan for what needed to happen on this Good Friday.

It wasn't until Jesus died on the cross that others began to recognize him as the Savior of the world.  His last words spoken, "Father forgive them for they know not what they're doing," summarizes how much Jesus loves us.  In his darkest moment, Jesus prayed for our salvation.  Greater love has no man than to give his life for another.  Remember this day.  This is the day Jesus opened the door to Heaven.  This is the day all our sins were forgiven.  This is Good Friday.  Have a great day.

Wilson Goes to New York City on a Solo Mission

Wilson is not afraid to visit the epicenter of our nation's pandemic, New York.  He's pumped up and ready to go today by snail mail to visit Erin.  I'm thankful she agreed to be a part of Wilson's adventures.  I wish I could go with Wilson but Iowans are not allowed to leave the state unless they undergo a 14-day quarantine upon return.  This will be a solo mission.  Isn't it funny how Jesus always finds a way to help us when we think we're trapped and there's no way out?

Please don't worry about Wilson.  He's able to hold his breath the whole time he's visiting in New York and his body is immune to COVID-19.  The only real danger is that he gets so pumped up from his time with Erin that his head explodes.  I have a pretty good feeling that Wilson's presence will lift the spirits of those who are struggling with this novel virus.  Safe travels, Wilson.  Give Erin a big hug from all her fans in Iowa and beyond.  I can't wait to see your pictures.  Have a great day.

Dear Erin

Dear Erin,

Time is of the essence.  Of all the people in my circle of friends and acquaintances,  I believe in my heart you may understand this best.  In order to accelerate action as much as I can humanly do, I'm sending you this letter via my blog.  For those who read my stories, I'm including a link to your blog with your story about gratitude so they may come to know you and love you so here goes...click here if you want to know who Erin is.  I will also post this on my Facebook page to maximize reach.

I woke up at 3:57 AM, three minutes ahead of the alarm.  A voice inside my head told me this was going to be an important meditation.  I've been doing this routine since September and haven't missed a day so far.  My mother introduced me to this guy who writes books, lectures and does seminars.  His name is Dr. Joe Dispenza.  His methods are designed to help others get beyond themselves and he's had some good luck inspiring others to beat illness such as the stage IV cancer you are now battling for the second time.

The purpose of this letter is to thank you for being such a special inspiration in my life.  I was caught off guard last night when you asked me how I'm doing when I posted your amazing video on my page and looking back, I feel like my response was a bit superficial.  Sure, I shared what my family is doing but I didn't share my heart.  So, here goes.  Here's what came to me during my meditation...the truth is, Erin, there are days when I wake up and I want to avoid doing what I'm called to do.  This has been my most challenging Lenten season ever.  I wanted to go "all in" like Jesus when he went into the desert for 40 days in preparation for his mission.  I gave up two of my favorite things, wine, and chocolate.  Then, that "thing" hit us all so hard that our world as we know it suddenly stopped.  I can't fathom what you and your friends are going through right now in New York City, especially since you are fighting a terminal illness at the same time.  My hope is that this letter gives you some kind of a lift in your spirit because I want you to know how special you are.

I'm working on one of my most cherished projects ever, "The Adventures of Wilson."  It all started when he dribbled out of someone's van at my day job and got turned in to lost and found.  Wilson, from CASTAWAY, sat perched on the top shelf in my department by the exit door quietly waiting for his owner to claim him.  Two weeks later, my boss asked that we toss Wilson in the trash.  He was headed for the trash compactor when I asked to adopt him.  We have been traveling together for about two years and this year I'm going to publish a book about our travels.  I decided this morning that you, Erin, are going to be the person I'm dedicating this book to.  You are my inspiration.  I'm living in Iowa now and I can't leave the state without putting others in danger so I would like to do the next best thing.  This idea came to me in my morning meditation.  I would like to mail my Wilson to you and I'm asking you to snap a photo of the two of you together.  If you have the energy, please share something about yourself and send it back to me with Wilson.  Your story will be included in one of the last remaining chapters.  My goal is to reunite Wilson with Tom Hanks on the Ellen show.  Ellen doesn't know this yet and neither does Tom.  I'll work on that when the time is right.  If you're up for this, please let me know and I'll put Wilson in the mail to New York.

God bless you, Erin.  Thanks for sharing from your heart.

Michael

There's Always Something to be Thankful for

We're living in some challenging times right now.  This is the perfect time to find something to be thankful for.  I'm using this time to pause and see the good all around me.  If you're having trouble finding something, fix your eyes on those who are on the front lines, like our health care professionals who are working overtime to keep the sick alive.  Be thankful for the comedians who inspire us to laugh during challenging times.  I'm especially thankful for my wife who finds a way to brighten up even the darkest of days.  Have a great day.

The Week that Changed Everything

It started with a Donkey ride into town.  Crowds lined up on both sides of the road and extended palm branches to welcome the visitor.  It was a happy time.  News of the healings spread quickly.  Behind the scenes, some fear was swelling among the elite leaders who sensed a threat to their hold on power.  They conspired to put the visitor to death before things got out of hand.  It was Monday and they moved quickly to put a plan in place that would unfold later in the week.

2,000 years later, the world is once again in chaos.  Crowds are banned, even in churches.  An unwelcome visitor is taking lives without regard to race, religion, age or political views.  The only protection we have is social distancing.  I believe my best hope is to recall the week that changed everything.  This is a great week to reflect on what that week did for all of us.  Jesus died on a cross for all our sins.  He made all things new.  He conquered death.  That's a big deal.  Although we may not be able to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday in our houses of worship, we can remember the week that changed everything while we are in seclusion in our homes.  Have a great day.

Coral Snake Rhyme Remake for Saving Coronavirus Lives

Do you remember the coral snake rhyme we learned in grade school?

Red touch black, safe for Jack
Red touches yellow, kills a fellow.

Here's a remake to help you stay alive...


With mask and gloves that fit, you can acquit
Naked fingers touch your face, 6 ft under's your new place.

Okay, I know.  I'm not going to win any awards for my prose.  My only concern today is to give you something that may help you keep your hands off of your face.  Corona beer may not kill you but this Coronavirus packs a lethal punch and it does a lot more than sting like a bee.  Please.  Do your best to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.  I would like to thank my sister for thinking of us and offering to send matching homemade masks for my wife and me.  Have a great day.

What the World Needs Now

I got the call I was hoping and praying for last night.  A loved one was notified of a Covid-19 exposure and was asked to go in for a test since there were symptoms similar to what patients experience.  The test came back negative.  We breathed a sigh of relief.  It's only a matter of time before our loved ones or someone we know becomes infected.  I believe what the world needs now is love.  This love can best be demonstrated by our willingness to change our ways and make the necessary sacrifices to protect others.  Social distancing.  Frequent hand washing.  Canceled vacations.  Self-quarantine.  Stay at home.  These are all acts of love because we are putting others ahead of our own desires.

Mankind has a really good track record of coming together in times of danger.  Novel viruses encourage novel ways of finding solutions.  Hope is on the horizon.  Let's all come together and buy some time so we can save lives.  Have a great day.

Find Some Joy Today

The sun came up today.  Isn't that a blessing?  It may be hard to believe with all the gloom and doom being reported.  Finding good news may be a bit more challenging but it's there if you look in the right places.  I believe one of the best places to find joy is in nature, even if you may find yourself confined to your home.  Look out your windows and pay attention to the buds in the trees.  Yep, Mother Nature is about to unleash her brilliant colors.  Put on your headphones and listen to your favorite tunes while you observe the early signs of Spring.

Another great place to find some joy today is in the kitchen.  How much joy is there in fast food?  I savor the preparation of a delicious feast for my bride of thirty plus years.  There is something special about a candlelight dinner in our basement as the sun is quietly going to sleep at the end of the day.  A little bit of joy goes a long way.  Enjoy every morsel you find today.  Have a great day.

Here's My Road Map for Navigating in Troubled Times

I've got some strong winds in my sails and I'm navigating well in troubled times.  Looking back at all the times in my life when I kept getting smacked in the face over and over, I believe I learned some important lessons about how to get through challenges.  Here are some things I'm doing to sail against the wind.

• Load up on the fruits and vegetables.  If you feed your body properly, you can be in the best position to handle any attacks from those nasty viruses circulating the globe.
• Pray.  This is two-way communication with God.  Make sure you listen when you pray.
• Be on the lookout for those around you who may need your help.  Your words and your actions go a long way in challenging times.
• Don't give up.  Not ever.  Breathe.  Concentrate on one breath at a time.
• Meditate.  Quiet time is one of the best things you can do to help you cope with the outside world.
• Turn off the TV.  You don't need all that negativity.
• Set some worthwhile goals and pursue them.
• Have fun.

I'm headed off to my day job.  We are serving our seniors and I get the opportunity to work an early shift.  These are the folks who inspire me with their sincere gratitude.  They appreciate life.  I'm going to follow their example.  Have a great day.

A Book Recommendation for Your Self-Quarantine

As each day passes, the odds of some kind of self-quarantine increase for all of us.  It doesn't matter what continent we live, what island or what hemisphere.  This novel virus is changing our behavior patterns.  I choose to look at this as one more lesson in the series of events I've witnessed.  It's one more opportunity to improve my outlook on life.  One of my teammates who became age-eligible for the men's 55+ team I play on recommended the perfect book and it arrived ahead of this pandemic.  "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying," by Bronnie Ware, is the perfect read to help us make important changes while there's still time.

This may seem strange to some of you, but I have absolutely zero fear of dying.  I've been working on my to-do list ever since I discovered my life's purpose, which is to use my God-given gifts for the good of the world.  Top on the list was making sure I went through every single name of people who hurt me, bullied me, cheated me, or deprived me of the opportunity to have peace of mind and forgive them.  This has taken me a life-time.  There were some people on this list that I had trouble forgiving and without the intervention of the Holy Spirit my attempts would have come up short.  I now realize that this act of forgiveness was not really for the people who hurt me, but for me.  The quality of my life is so much better.

Another area of my life that has taken a life-time to get a handle on is financial independence.  All my life I've been working on this and it's been painful, embarrassing, annoying and highly uncomfortable.  It wasn't until I changed my attitude that I finally figured it out.  I created a game called Par for the Course that helped me have fun while I'm paying off my creditors.  It's like playing golf.  If you hit your debt reduction target for the month, you give yourself a par.  Exceed your goal and you earn an eagle.  Fall below and you put a bogey on your scorecard.  The month of April will be my first eagle of the game.  It will take another two years but I'm going to keep hacking away until my mortgage is gone.  This brings me great joy.

If you want to make sure your life is well-lived, read Bronnie's book about her experiences helping her patients in the end game and see if you can glean some tips to help you maximize your own life.  Have a great day.