It's Worth Your Wage - A Guide to a Fresh Start!

  #49 - 01/9/2026 From Discipline to Meaning: The Next Chapter For years, I’ve challenged myself with a simple but unsettling question: What should I be doing with my life? On paper, things look solid. Over the last six years, I’ve lived with more discipline than at any point since my military days. Financially, physically, professionally—I’ve stayed focused. I’ve set goals, executed plans, and built systems that work. Retirement is no longer a vague idea; it’s a clear north star. And yet, beneath all of that progress, there’s been a quiet, persistent feeling that something is missing. Not failure. Not regret. Just… absence. The Strange Feeling of “Enough” Not Being Enough This is a strange place to be. Discipline teaches you to measure progress—numbers, milestones, checklists. When you hit those targets, you expect satisfaction to follow. But for many of us in our late 50s and beyond, it doesn’t arrive the way we thought it would. I’ve noticed something else, too. When I was young...

#42 1/22/2025 I've Seen Wonders: Reflections on Life's Moments Introduction: Life is a tapestry woven with experiences, each moment a thread that adds depth and color. Recently, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary and everyday sights that have shaped my journey. Inspired by a rare snowfall in Louisiana, I wrote a poem titled "I've Seen," capturing snapshots of my life. In this blog, I break down each part of the poem, sharing the stories and emotions behind these moments. I've Seen I've seen volcanoes at rest, Their mighty peaks in calmest jest, From the Philippines to Italy, Their silent strength humbling me. I've seen dolphins on a Guam sunset, swim in sync, A fleeting dance at twilight's brink. I've seen the wintry days of Delaware accumulate ice and snow, A frozen world where whispers grow. I've seen the Statue of Liberty with her torch held high, A beacon of hope against the sky. I've seen the Vietnam Wall, so solemn and...

  image created by Google Gemini #38 12/4/2024 The Importance of Ancestry and Family Trees in Shaping Personal Identity Understanding your ancestry and building a family tree can be a powerful journey of self-discovery. Exploring your genealogy helps you connect with your cultural heritage, strengthen your personal identity, and gain valuable insights into your family’s history. In this blog, we’ll explore why ancestry matters and how it influences your sense of self, health, and legacy. 1. How Ancestry Connects You to Your Cultural Heritage Your ancestry plays a significant role in connecting you to your cultural roots. Learning about your family’s origins, traditions, and customs can deepen your understanding of where you come from and why those traditions matter. Whether your ancestors come from a particular country, region, or cultural background, knowing your heritage can help you celebrate and preserve these practices for future generations. 2. The Impact of Family Trees on P...

  Creator: PixelsEffect | Credit: Getty Images #36 11/17/2024 A Wednesday Reflection: A Minor Incident, A Major Lesson Introduction Wednesdays, for me, are typically reserved for routine errands. A simple trip to the pharmacy took an unexpected turn, reminding me of life's unpredictable nature. While the incident was minor, it sparked a deep introspection. The Unexpected Incident As I was leaving the pharmacy, a minor car accident occurred. A young driver, startled and perhaps inexperienced, accidentally hit my car. Though the damage was minimal, the impact was felt, both physically and emotionally. A Lesson in Resilience Despite the initial shock, I found myself calmly navigating the situation. As an older individual, I've faced numerous challenges and learned the importance of a positive mindset. I extended empathy to the young driver, assuring her that everything would be alright. The Universe's Message This incident made me ponder the deeper meaning behind it. Was it a ...

#24 09/11/2024 **The Power of Positivity: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Life** I once heard a pastor say that two objects cannot occupy the same space. This simple yet profound observation got me thinking about the deeper implications of this concept in our lives. Just as two physical objects can't coexist in the same spot, our mental and emotional states follow a similar rule. As the parable suggests, a good tree doesn't bear bad fruit, and a bad tree doesn't bear good fruit. This analogy extends to our thoughts and actions: you can't have negative thoughts and expect to live a positive life, just as you can't maintain positive thoughts while living a negative existence. The Role of Thoughts in Shaping Our Reality Our thoughts are incredibly powerful and significantly influence our lives. When we consistently focus on negativity, self-doubt, and pessimism, we create a mental environment that attracts and reinforces those very outcomes. On the other hand, cultivating...

  #20 08/28/2024 Social Media vs. Sociable: Understanding the Key Differences for Better Engagement **Bridging the Communication Gap** In our tech-driven world, the distinction between social media and being sociable is more important than ever. Have you noticed how many people prefer texting and online networking over face-to-face interactions? I remind myself often that sometimes, less is more when it comes to technology. It's crucial to set personal limits in this digital age. While technology offers remarkable benefits—enhancing marketing strategies and connecting distant family members—it also creates a "sociable gap." This gap is evident in various aspects of life, from excessive video gaming and TV watching to the early introduction of cell phones. Even some restaurants now feature electronic devices at tables and use cell phone paging for seating. The downside? We're missing out on genuine, in-person interactions. Whether it's communicating with family, en...