Burnout is a strange thing. When you’re in the middle of it, you often don’t realize just how deep you’ve fallen into the hole. Everything feels heavy. Work that once came naturally suddenly feels like pushing a boulder uphill. Small tasks become exhausting while motivation disappears. And the strangest part of all is this quietContinue reading “The Quiet Signs That Burnout Is Finally Lifting”
Category Archives: Perspectives
The Relationship Between Idleness and Overthinking
When The Beatles stopped touring in the mid-1960s, John Lennon reportedly said something that has always stuck with me. After years of constant travel, concerts, interviews, recording sessions, and screaming crowds, the band suddenly found themselves with something they hadn’t experienced in years: free time. Lots of free time. And Lennon allegedly remarked, half jokingContinue reading “The Relationship Between Idleness and Overthinking”
The Madness of March Weather
If you live in Canada, the northern half of the United States, or large parts of Europe and northern Asia, you know exactly what I’m talking about. March, like May, is the month that simply refuses to make up its mind. One day the sun comes out, half the snowbanks melt, and you start thinking,Continue reading “The Madness of March Weather”
When the Identity (Almost) Breaks
About a year after I was downsized – still deep in the heart of COVID, with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders unless necessary – I took a job delivering refurbished goods to surplus stores. Sales and delivery. Boxes in the back of a truck. Routes. Invoices. Inventory. On paper, it was practical. Income is income. PrideContinue reading “When the Identity (Almost) Breaks”
Why Your Own Best Work Never Feels Good Enough
It’s a familiar feeling for many creative professionals: the work you’ve poured your heart and soul into – the piece that has garnered praise from clients, readers, and colleagues – is the one you can’t stand to look at. You get compliments, accolades, and even a paycheck, but a nagging voice in your head tellsContinue reading “Why Your Own Best Work Never Feels Good Enough”
When Work Feels Like a Vacation
There’s something odd about working remotely and running your own show, especially when it’s something you love doing. I wrapped up my client(s) work early – not because I was rushing or watching the clock, but because I’d hit that sweet spot where the to-do list was done and my brain decided it had hadContinue reading “When Work Feels Like a Vacation”
Rant No. 1: The Screeching, Hellish Kid in the Restaurant
I’m happy, easygoing, and optimistic, but like most people, certain things get under my skin—not always, just sometimes. With that in mind, a multi-part Rant Series begins, designed to get a few things off my chest every Tuesday, with maybe some attempt at humor thrown in. Without further delay … You’re out for dinner withContinue reading “Rant No. 1: The Screeching, Hellish Kid in the Restaurant “
Why the Bar Regulars Get Away With Almost Everything (and Shouldn’t Always)
If you’ve spent any time at a local bar or restaurant, you’ve probably noticed something curious: there’s a small group of customers who seem to play by a different set of rules. They order off-menu, say things that would get anyone else kicked out, and somehow still get a warm hello, their drink poured beforeContinue reading “Why the Bar Regulars Get Away With Almost Everything (and Shouldn’t Always) “
The Unchained Columnist and Why I Visit Every Horizon
A good friend and I were chatting about everything a couple of weeks ago and, naturally, my blog came up in the conversation. He asked me why one day I’ll write about Pickleball, the next about the loudmouth at the bar, the next about the Great Lakes weather effect, and another about adult siblings driftingContinue reading “The Unchained Columnist and Why I Visit Every Horizon”
The Bartender’s Sixth Sense of Reading the Room Without Saying a Word
There’s something uncanny and intriguing about a seasoned bartender. They’re not just slinging drinks and wiping down counters like in a film noir. They’re watching, listening, and reading the room without ever letting on. To the untrained eye, they’re just moving fast and pouring accurately. But to anyone who’s worked in the business or satContinue reading “The Bartender’s Sixth Sense of Reading the Room Without Saying a Word”
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