Relationships & Growth Archives

Relationships & Growth

Most Adults Stop Trying New Things Too Early

We're never too old to pick up a new hobby. I've actually done quite a few new things in middle-age which has made middle-age a surprisingly fresh time for being alive! My picking up new hobbies have been mostly unexpected and part of a growing sense of giving things a try and not putting up as much of a fight when my wife tells me I should go do it! One of my newest and most enjoyable hobbies has been a curiosity of mine for a very long time. If you would have asked me if I'd be learning how to play piano in middle-age, I would have told you "You're crazy! That ship sailed decades ago." But in reality, my ship never left dream harbor. I had just been too chicken, too contemplative, too busy, too fearful, too focused on money, too...too...to do anything about it. Until I just went and did it. It's time to sail away from dream harbor and wash away the fear of trying.

November 15, 2024

How to Build Friendships That Actually Last

Understand how to build friendships that actually last and the keys to a lifelong friendship from my personal experience. Despite the ever growing connectedness of our world, loneliness continues to spread like wildfire. Ask anyone how many real friends they have, and the number can typically be counted on one hand. Double-down even further to ask how many long-term friendships they have and the number is typically one or none. Cultivating friendships are a distinct human need yet it does not come naturally to many of us. Why is that? Why do so few friendships stand the test of time? Here are seven keys to a friendship that lasts and the immediate steps you can take to begin cultivating deep, meaningful relationships.

May 26, 2023

The Hidden Risk of Using AI for Life Advice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has experienced an exponential surge in capability and popularity. Now, everyone can easily access powerful AI tools and agents. Naturally, our human tendency to fear that which we don't understand took hold immediately and everyone wants to know what jobs, or more importantly if their job, will be replaced by our smarter, more efficient, and less whiny robotic counterparts. Like every major technological leap, many jobs will be impacted. But the deeper question is whether AI's influence stops at work-or extends into the spiritual realm and matters of the heart.

December 5, 2022

Why ‘Goblin Mode’ Is a Trap (and What to Do Instead)

The term 'goblin mode' has landed, as if 2022 couldn't get any crazier. You may be one of the hundreds of millions that have no clue why goblin mode is popping up all over the news and social media. Or, you may be one who's already gone full goblin mode and chosen a life of unapologetic laziness and greed to feel better in these desperate times. In either case, we should all be aware just how dangerous goblin mode is to ourselves and the society we find community in.

November 23, 2022

Breaking Down the Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer has been used throughout the ages among a wide variety of help-based groups with good reason. It's powerful! The Serenity Prayer is more than just a script and holds actionable steps for healing and growth beyond just being a plea to God for spiritual help. We'll dig into each phrase of the Serenity Prayer here and see how we can mold our perspectives and actions to walk in a real sense of peace and calm.

November 16, 2022

Why Most People Struggle to Be Authentic

Have you ever asked someone what they like to do outside of work, school, or church? Do you notice that split-second hesitation in their trembling voice and the way their pupils dilate? They, like us, are thinking a common thought. A thought passed down from generation to generation. A thought that spares no one: "Should I let them know the real me?"

November 9, 2022

5 Common Roadblocks in Marriage and How to Keep them from Becoming Major Setbacks

Ever hear the saying, elephants don't bite? The point is it's the mosquito that buzzes and bothers us. If we're not careful, seemingly small roadblocks in marriage can easily become major setbacks and it is always easier to push through a roadblock than return from a setback. It's a lot more affordable tackling issues early too! So, what are some common marital roadblocks and how can we keep them from becoming major setbacks? I'm glad you asked!