The First-Timer versus The Regular and Learning the Unspoken Rules

Every bar or restaurant has its rhythm, cast of characters, and unwritten rules. You won’t find the rules posted on the wall or printed on the menu, but break one, and you’ll feel it in the sudden silence or the cold glance from a regular who is perched at their sacred spot. Walk into aContinue reading “The First-Timer versus The Regular and Learning the Unspoken Rules”

How to Forgive Yourself and Let Go of Guilt

Forgiving yourself can feel like one of the hardest things to do, especially when you’re burdened by guilt or shame. Before we go further, it should be noted that regret, which we discussed a few weeks ago, and forgiveness are two different things. If you are like me, you may have moments when you dwellContinue reading “How to Forgive Yourself and Let Go of Guilt”

A Writer’s Guide to Taking Feedback Without Falling Apart

Professional writers are a sensitive and protective lot, and there’s nothing quite like the gut-punch of an email that says, “We made a few edits.” Even after decades of writing and editing, I still feel it sometimes—that little flutter of anxiety, the subtle sting to the ego. For most of us who take pride inContinue reading “A Writer’s Guide to Taking Feedback Without Falling Apart”

The Loudmouth at the Bar

For fun, a change of pace, and other reasons known only to me, I am writing a series of blog entries about life at the local watering hole. It could be yours or my watering hole because they share many of the same traits no matter where they are or the theme of the place.Continue reading “The Loudmouth at the Bar”

The Unwritten Rule of the Barstool and Why We All Sit in the Same Spots

Walk into any bar with a U-shaped counter—like the one I often sit at while working—and you’ll likely notice something strange: Most of the barstools are empty. But at one end, a tight pack of regulars is gathered like old friends around a campfire. They greet each other by name, laugh at inside jokes, andContinue reading “The Unwritten Rule of the Barstool and Why We All Sit in the Same Spots”

How to Heal When You Feel Unlovable

Sometimes, life feels like it’s conspiring against you, and the weight of rejection, disappointment, or even self-doubt convinces you that you are unlovable. The world may seem distant, and it’s easy to believe that no one could possibly love you or care about you the way you need. But even in the darkest moments, it’sContinue reading “How to Heal When You Feel Unlovable”

Why Motivation Won’t Save You (And What Actually Works)

Motivation is often viewed as the key to success. We’re told that if we can find that spark of inspiration, everything will fall into place. Yet, how many times have we felt motivated to start something—only to lose that drive just a few days or weeks later? The truth is, relying solely on motivation isContinue reading “Why Motivation Won’t Save You (And What Actually Works)”

The Timeless Appeal of The Masters Golf Tournament

A change of pace today, with this blog entry being about The Masters golf tournament. Every April, golf enthusiasts from around the world turn their attention to Augusta, Georgia, where The Masters, one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf, takes place. Established in 1934 by legendary golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts,Continue reading “The Timeless Appeal of The Masters Golf Tournament”

Letting Go of Regret and Moving Forward

Regret is one of the most painful emotions we can experience and I’ve been there a few times. Whether it’s something we said, a decision we made, or an opportunity we missed, the feeling of wishing we could go back and do things differently can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get stuck in the past,Continue reading “Letting Go of Regret and Moving Forward”

How to Keep Going When You’re Tired of Everything

I have touched on the human condition again in recent posts, haven’t I? It’s a subject that fascinates me, and there is no shortage of things to talk about—even on similar topics. So here we go. There are moments in life when everything feels like too much, when you’re exhausted, physically and emotionally, and itContinue reading “How to Keep Going When You’re Tired of Everything”