Matthew's Blog
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...
The Problem With Creativity? Bias
We normally see personal creativity as a positive, and often it is. Consider one definition of create: Of a divine being or natural agency. To bring into being, cause to exist; esp. to produce where nothing was before.Oxford English Dictionary Who doesn’t want that...
Writing Conference + A Long Drive: Immersion via Podcast
I am driving two-three hours to a small Writers Conference in Centralia Washington this weekend (Southwest Washington Writers Conference) over back-to-back days. Is it worth it? You bet. Apart from being a smaller conference—which has the advantage of a low...
The Pivoting of an Ikigai Pivot
The verb pivot—first used in the mid 1800s‚is defined as follows: intransitive. To turn on, or as if on, a pivot; (Military) to swing round a central point during a manoeuvre. Also figurative: to depend on, to hinge on.Oxford English Dictionary It was based on the...
The Perfect Book Design
Say what you will. In terms of size, quality of paper, layout, portability, smell. weight, joy of being held I believe the books of the Loeb Classic Library are the vey best. The content's pretty good too!