If you’re like most of us, you have a naysayer in your head. You know the one—he’s always making you say things like “I just don’t have time,” and “I’m not very good at that,” and “That would never work,” and “I just don’t know how.” You’ve heard about himContinue Reading
I hear people all the time say the words, “I can’t.” I can’t leave my job right now, because I have too many bills. I can’t change my relationship, because he/she just won’t change anyway, and I can’t leave, because, well, we’ve been together too long and there are theContinue Reading
I just finished a performance tonight at an awards concert. I accompanied my French horn student, who was the winner of a scholarship competition. I was a little nervous, as it’s been a long time since I’ve played on stage. I’ve been a musician for decades, soloing in high schoolContinue Reading
When I was growing up, I loved to listen to Barry Manilow. Call me square. I probably was. One of my favorites was one of Barry’s greatest hits, “Copacabana.” It was the beat that first attracted me, but as I grew older, the story came to life in my imagination,Continue Reading
Steven Pressfield wrote in his book The War of Art that resistance with a capital “R” raises its ugly head anytime we try to pursue something that calls to us from our higher nature. Such activities, he says, may include any calling in any creative art, any diet or healthContinue Reading
There’s a lot of talk in today’s culture about how if you follow your inner voice—or think positive thoughts—the money will follow. This has led a lot of people to believe that all you need to succeed is a positive attitude and faith in yourself, but that can be aContinue Reading
I finally got a chance to see the movie 127 Hours a couple weeks ago. After all the accolades I was looking forward to finally getting a chance to share in what everyone was talking about—the amazing story of this young man who cut off his own arm to surviveContinue Reading
A friend commented today on a recent trip she took with her son. Typically, on long drives, she and her husband take the vehicle with the DVD player in it so the boy can watch movies or play video games. Recently, however, the player malfunctioned, and so far they haven’tContinue Reading
Sometimes, especially when we’re trying to make a decision, we’re not sure which of the voices inside us is the true inner voice. Often it can seem like our heads are bombarded by many voices. There’s the rational one, the one that sounds like mom or dad, the complainer, theContinue Reading
Actor Kiefer Sutherland has a new, innovative series showing on Hulu called “The Confession.” Airing in five-minute episodes, it tells the story of an assassin who corners a priest in the confession booth for an in-depth conversation about the nature of good and evil. The assassin wants to understand faith,Continue Reading
I’m reading a new book this month: Living Your Unlived Life by Robert A. Johnson and Jerry M. Ruhl, Ph.D. It’s been out a couple years, but it’s brand new to me. The authors talk about how we spend the first half of our lives pursuing a certain path andContinue Reading
I watched Bradley Cooper’s new movie, Limitless, this week. The main character Eddy gets ahold of a new drug that helps him “access” more of his brain, which makes him smarter. A lot smarter. This gives him many advantages, including the edge at his job and a second chance withContinue Reading