Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
This week’s post was inspired by a conversation with Tucker McHugh, a high school classmate who I have known for over 50 years. It was originally posted in December of 2017. I was raised on Wheaties, “The Breakfast of Champions.” Winning defined the purpose of my every endeavor: winning at school, winning at sports, winning with friends. Winning was symbolized by blue ribbons, gold stars, and A-pluses. … Continue reading Failure is a Gift
I’ve heard there are unexpected opportunities to be enriched by our inadvertent moments… — when we’re not busy missing them. Think about it. How many magical moments were totally unplanned? That’s not to say planning isn’t necessary — it’s just to note that often the best planning occurs AFTER the fickle finger of fate has first worked its magic. Think about it. How many great discoveries … Continue reading The Extraordinarily Inadvertent Life
During a desperate moment in the Civil War Abraham Lincoln observed: Doing battle in the name of God is a very tricky business, for each side can quote the same verse to justify the slaughter of the other. So it goes with “an eye for an eye.” “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for … Continue reading Beyond “An Eye For An Eye”
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These questions posed by Rabbi Hillel have tripped me up more than a time to two in my life. In fact, I can think of few questions that are as vexing. My sense of self, who I think I am, is … Continue reading The Rabbi’s Question
[NOTE: Our email problems are finally resolved. You may now reply to these posts directly if you wish and we will receive your comments.] You are not bad. You are just bent. You don’t need to be judged or punished. You need to be healed, to be set free. Because you are bent, you will miss the mark. What feels straight to you will be … Continue reading My Friend Betty