Incorporating Traits
I have American and British citizenship; I have lived in both places. If I better incorporate the positive traits of these peoples—for example, the American optimism and the British stoicism—and discard the negative traits of these peoples—examples of which I won't...
Death and Duty
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there's been quite a lot of talk over the past week. (Note: Here I am using the word “talk” liberally, including the superficial talk of TV presenters and the more superficial talk on Twitter.) Some of the talk has been about the...
Tearing Things Down
Some people like to tear things down, and then start from scratch. For writers and other artists, that can sometimes be a good idea. It also can be a good idea for home renovators, as we often see on HGTV. But for these creative “tear-downs”, one person usually has...
On Goals That Scare You
Goals should scare you a little, but inspire you a lot. Going to medical school scared me a little, but it changed my life. Running a marathon for the first time—especially because it was my first road race ever—scared me a little, but the feeling of running those...
Thoughts About Identity
Here's one definition of identity: The quality or condition of being the same in substance, composition, nature, properties, or in particular qualities under consideration; absolute or essential sameness; oneness.Oxford English Dictionary However the way we more...
Why “Following Your Passion” is Overstated
Here are several definitions of the word "passion." As a count noun: any strong, controlling, or overpowering emotion, as desire, hate, fear, etc.; an intense feeling or impulse.As a mass noun: strong or overpowering feeling or emotion.A fit, outburst, or state marked...
How My iPhone Can Change A Boring Lobby
Some people see will look at the photograph above and see a boring, bland lobby. Not me. While waiting for my father at his doctor's appointment, I see an opportunity to quietly write three or four blog posts! Having a proofed-out writing system in place for my iPhone...
On Angry Bitter People
Some people are gifted in how they engage angry, bitter folks. These gifted people aren't just empathetic, they are curious, and this helps them nudge these bitter folks to a more joyful state. Sadly, I am not one of these people. Now, granted, some of these skills of...
On Duty
Several definitions of duty: The action and conduct due to a superior; homage, submission; due respect, reverence; an expression of submission, deference, or respect.An action due to a feudal superior or lord of a manor.That which is owing to any one; (one's) due; a...
Twitter: A Character Filter?
One benefit of Twitter is that it disinhibits many people, allowing careful observers to gain insight not just into a these folks intellect, but into their character. Given time, a mean-spirited, small-souled person will show their true colors on Twitter—and when they...