Good morning! Starting this week, I'll be posting on Thursdays, instead of Sundays. The reason is that I want to get back to the swell old-timey concept of Sunday being a day of rest. (While I love to write, it's not the same as resting.) My next full post will be Thursday, September 18th. It's called "How To Find And Keep A ...
The Best Things In Life — Free, Or Not?
Are the best things in life free? Or do they cost us? What's the currency that buys those best things? I first published this post in 2011. Its popularity has led me to repost it, with a few updates and changes. Many of us were poor in our youth, at least cash-wise. I certainly lived on a shoestring ...
Ten Things To Happily Surrender To, Part II
Being rich in what matters means living counter to mainstream culture in key ways. One of those key ways is gracefully surrendering instead of frenetically fighting. I've tried both approaches, believe me. This series is about my lessons learned (that I'm still learning :)) Last week in Part I we looked at surrendering to our impulse to dance, our aging, our appetite ...
Ten Things To Happily Surrender To, Part I
Mainstream culture whispers to us that we are always supposed to win. Or it shouts this to us, with images of material riches, youth and the high-powered careers that finance material riches and the appearance, at least, of youth. But when we're rich in what matters, we surrender more than we win. Health and vitality, connection to nature, ...
Desire Lines
“Those are desire lines,” Greg murmured, almost under his breath. We were gazing at the faint beginnings of a dirt foot-trail that went across a small field to a major intersection.. We were in Corvallis, Oregon, discussing the town’s bicycle-pedestrian situation (we work in transportation). “Desire lines?” I said, intrigued. “Yeah. They get created where a sidewalk would be desired." ...
Convenience, Or Congruence?
I like convenience. I don't know anyone who doesn't. Our time and energy are valuable to us. The question is whether our choices are congruent with what matters the most to us. I find it convenient to eat out a lot, typically things that aren't very healthy. When I'm congruent with what matters to me -- ...
The Nature of Summer
The nature of summer is that it makes us richer in what matters. One reason I know this is that I got to dance outdoors last night in the Columbia Gorge. The warm air held my body like a lover. I was swooning, I was so relaxed. Only in summer can this sensation happen, at least here in the ...
14 Ways To Add Value To Any Situation, Part II
Diamond-Cut Life is about how to be rich in the things that matter, like health, financial solvency, dynamic relationships, and peaceful coexistence. Last week I named my first seven ways to add value to any situation. This post completes the two-part series, and draws from my background in counseling psychology (I have an M.S. in that field). Set a boundary. A boundary clarifies ...
Fourteen Ways To Add Value To Any Situation, Part I
Whenever we add value to a situation, we become richer in what matters. And so do those around us. Adding value means adding little crystals of integrity, connectedness, productivity, vitality and sustainability. Do the hard thing you’ve been avoiding. The tough conversation about why your project isn't succeeding . . . responding to that troubling feedback . . ...
Best Wedding Practices, Or, I’ve Gained A Sister!
My sense of feeling rich in what matters hit a new height last night when I gained a new sister, the vivacious and loving Jen Zhou. My brother Jeff was wise enough to marry her. I've also gained a niece and nephew, Michelle and Allen. I'm elated! Jen Zhou, my beloved new sister, with my brother ...
