Relationships & Growth Archives

Relationships & Growth

Most People Don’t Think About Their Legacy Until It’s Too Late

Most people think about legacy near the end of life. I think that's a mistake. Legacy isn't something created during our final years. It's being built every day through our actions, relationships, habits, and decisions. Long before people remember us after we're gone, they experience the impact we're having while we're still here. The way we treat our spouse. The way we raise our children. The way we encourage friends. The way we show up at work. The way we respond when life becomes difficult. Whether we realize it or not, we're all building a legacy. The real question is whether we're building one intentionally.

August 31, 2022

Why We Reject Ourselves Before Anyone Else Does

Many opportunities disappear long before someone tells us "no." We assume the answer will be no. We assume people won't help. We assume exceptions won't be made. We assume asking would be awkward, selfish, or uncomfortable. As a result, we quietly reject ourselves before anyone else gets the chance. One conversation during a trip to Catalina Island reminded me how often we lose opportunities not because we asked and failed, but because we never asked at all.

November 18, 2021

Best Gifts for Men Who Are Hard to Shop For (Including a Unique Beef Jerky Bouquet)

Shopping for men can be surprisingly difficult. Many already buy the gadgets, tools, clothing, or hobby gear they want throughout the year, leaving friends and family searching for unique gift ideas that feel memorable rather than predictable. Whether you're shopping for a husband, dad, boyfriend, son, brother, or friend, food-based gifts remain popular because they combine novelty with something people can actually enjoy. One of the more unusual gift ideas I've encountered is the Beef Jerky Bouquet from Manly Man Co. Instead of flowers, this gift arranges beef jerky into a bouquet-style presentation designed specifically for meat lovers. After trying it myself, here's what stood out.

October 28, 2021

How to Build Influence Without Sacrificing Your Values

Influence has always existed. Parents influence children. Teachers influence students. Friends influence one another. Authors influence readers. Leaders influence organizations. Social media simply made influence more visible. Today, anyone can build an audience online, but not all influence is created equally. Some people pursue attention at any cost. Others focus on building trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. In this article, I share lessons learned from growing my own online audience, working with brands, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with becoming a value-driven influencer.

May 4, 2021

How Grief Shapes Growth, Grace, and Emotional Resilience

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet many people feel completely unprepared when loss arrives. In this interview, grief counselor, author, and podcast host Mandy Capehart shares practical insights on emotional resilience, healthy grieving, communication, personal growth, and creating space for healing. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone through a difficult season, these lessons offer a thoughtful framework for approaching grief with greater grace and understanding.

December 13, 2020

Dragon Masters Books in Order (Complete Series Guide)

After our oldest blew thru Magic Tree House Books, another great book series had to be found. And found fast! His reading appetite was voracious and as parents, we knew the time to find his next favorite book series might pass by quickly. Thanks to prolific author Tracey West, we were delighted to discover the Dragon Masters book series! If you're looking for a book series to captivate your young reader, this should be at the top of your list. Learn more about the books, author Tracey West, and see the books in order here before you buy.

October 3, 2020

How to Stand Out by Becoming a Highlighter Person

Most people spend their lives trying to stand out by talking louder, promoting themselves more aggressively, or drawing attention to their own accomplishments. Yet the people who make the biggest impact are often doing the opposite. They listen before speaking. They elevate other people. They amplify good ideas. They create clarity in noisy environments. Years ago, my wife shared a simple phrase that completely changed how I think about influence: "Be a highlighter in a room full of crayons." The idea is simple but powerful. While crayons constantly draw attention to themselves, highlighters draw attention to what matters. This article explores why highlighter people are so rare, why they stand out, and how becoming one can transform your relationships, leadership, and influence.

September 19, 2020

The Bear and the Piano: Reading Activities, Themes, and Theme Song Resource

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield has become one of the most beloved modern picture books for children. The story combines music, friendship, ambition, and belonging in a way that resonates with both young readers and adults. While exploring resources related to the book, I had the opportunity to learn more about a unique project created by children's songwriter Annie Lynn—a theme song inspired by The Bear and the Piano. Along the way, I also discovered how music can strengthen reading engagement, comprehension, and memory for young children. If you're a parent, teacher, librarian, homeschool educator, or simply a fan of The Bear and the Piano, this guide explores the book, the music, and why combining stories with songs can create a richer reading experience.