Guns, Gangs, and Guacamole: When Avocados Aren't Safe, Neither Are We

Alright folks, gather 'round and let me tell you a tale of intrigue, danger, and the unexpected – a story that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about your favorite dip. Yes, we're talking about guacamole, that beloved concoction that brings joy to barbecues, parties, and those lazy Sunday afternoons.

But hold onto your sombreros, because even the Alegre Avocado, the heart and soul of any guac worth its salt, isn't immune to the perils of the modern world.

You might be thinking, "What could possibly go wrong with avocados? They're just innocent fruits, right?" (and they actually are fruits)

Wrong!

Turns out, avocados are big business – so big, in fact, that they've caught the eye of some unsavory characters south of the border. We're not talking about picky eaters here, folks. We're talking about actual gangs who've decided that avocados are the new gold.

In recent months, violence against avocado farmers and inspectors in Mexico has skyrocketed. These gangs, looking to diversify their portfolio beyond drugs, have realized that controlling the avocado trade is a lucrative endeavor.

They're not messing around either, resorting to threats, intimidation, and even kidnapping to get their way. It's gotten so bad that the US had to temporarily suspend avocado imports from a key Mexican state, putting a $2 billion industry at risk. (news link here: Avocado Article)

Now, you might be wondering, "What does this have to do with me?" Well, my friends, it's a slippery slope. If avocados aren't safe…nothing is safe.

Think about it…if gangs are willing to risk it all for avocados, what's stopping them from targeting other sources of joy in our lives? Your morning coffee, your favorite craft beer, even your beloved pet hamster could be next on their list.

Okay, okay, I might be getting a little carried away here, but the point is that we need to be vigilant. We can't just sit back and assume that our happy avocados will always be there for us.

And that’s the point (or at least the point I’m trying to make).

If we let our source of happiness reside outside of ourselves: in our jobs, our bank account, our friends or family, our favorite Mexican fruit…we run the risk of “externalizing happiness.”

When we do this, we place our happiness at the mercy of external forces, forces as unpredictable and dangerous as avocado-hungry, gun-slinging gangs

I fully understand that life feels a whole heck of a lot better and happier when everything is wonderful — when our bank accounts are overflowing, when everyone loves and appreciates us, when we are closing deals left and right, getting promoted, and our guacamole never turns brown!

True happiness lies within, not in the fickle world of avocados and drug cartels.

If the avocado isn't safe, nothing is safe.

Stay vigilant, my friends, and keep a watchful eye on the sources of your happiness. 🙂

---

---

Happiness: The Ultimate Contact Sport

Think happiness is all sunshine and dancing unicorns? Think again. Turns out, achieving true, long-lasting happiness is less of a leisurely stroll and more like a full-fledged, all-body tackle.

Let's be real – those fleeting moments of "everything is awesome!" are great, but they don't make a champion. Just like an athlete trains every muscle for peak performance, we need to train way more than our smile muscles for true joy.

Let’s open up the “The Happiness Playbook.”

So, how do we become world-class Olympic athletes of happiness?

Here's the game plan:

Intention is Your Secret Weapon: You can't fumble your way to “fantastic! Each morning, rise with a thankful heart, ready to play the game. Ditch the "whatever" vibes and laser-focus in on what you want your day, and your life, to feel like. It's your pre-game pep talk!

Mindfulness is Your Warm-Up: You gotta stretch before you sprint, and happiness is the same. Get present. Pay attention to your breath, your body, and the world swirling around you. A mindful mind is a powerful and happy mind.

Hustle is How You Score: Happiness isn't found on the couch. Engage with life – your work, your passions, and your people. Channel your energy. Pour your heart into every play. Don't just go through the motions, live those motions.

Whole-Self = Whole Win: Remember, it's not just about happy thoughts. Nurture your body with good food and movement, your intellect with learning, and your spirit with whatever fuels your soul. Happiness is a holistic pursuit.

This kind of engagement, this level of intentionality…it's not easy. But the rewards are out of this world. You unlock an unshakeable sense of purpose, a deep well of resilience, and – here's the kicker – an infectious, overwhelming joy. That, my friend, is the happiness trophy you earn.

So, lace up your mindset, strap on your grateful heart, and get in the game. True happiness isn't for spectators – it's for those ready to sweat, to fight, and to savor the sweet, sweet victory of a well-played life. 🙂

---

My Head Has Been In The Books: It’s Nice To See You Again

So I’ve been intentionally procrastinating on writing and blogging for the last couple weeks. This is a tactic that I call “Purposeful Procrastination.” I’ll write about this soon…but not today.

I’ve been purposefully procrastinating on writing here on my blog because I’ve been super focused on finishing up semester finals for the Doctoral Program that I’m in.

First year done! Yea!!!

I had two large projects to finalize by last Saturday and I needed to put all of my extra time into those projects.

The great news is that the projects turned out very well…although one of the projects feels incomplete as there is so much more that I can (and will) add to it.

When the final project essay for Theories of Liberation reached something like 36 pages I decided to wrap it up the best I could for the purposes of the class.

The project that I was working on for that class will formulate a large foundation of new material that I am developing for my teaching on Whole-Person Well-Being, Happiness, and Flourishing.

I’m very excited about all that I was able to study, learn, and apply during this year in the Doctoral Program. A lot of work for sure (more than I expected in all honesty), but it’s good and important work.

The plan is to get back to my normal writing and blogging this weekend.

Stay tuned and stay happy! 🙂

---

---

Life: It's Not Just About the Grind

Ever heard that phrase “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? Well, I'm here to tell you it's true. Jack is feeling blue…he’s got too much work that he thinks he needs to do. 🥶

We get so swept up in the hustle, the ambition, the to-do lists longer than a CVS receipt, that we forget a crucial ingredient: a healthy dose of plain ol' fun.

See, when we're clawing our way towards a goal, progress is addictive, right? But constantly chasing improvement can be a grind. We risk burnout, or worse, forgetting why we started in the first place.

This is where 'play' comes in. Not play like a kid on a playground (though that's cool too), but the kind where you let go of expectations. For a musician, that's jamming a song they've perfected. For me, maybe it's experimenting with new abstract painting techniques. For you... well, it could be anything!

The goal is stepping outside your usual achievement-oriented mindset. Find an activity where you focus solely on enjoyment – the process, not the result. It reminds you that the journey itself can be a reward. It's like hitting the mental refresh button.

Think about it - even when pros are stuck doing gigs, shows, or events they're not crazy about, they remind themselves "at least I'm doing what I love!" They focus on the positive core of what they do. Maybe it's not glamorous, but it's a joyful release compared to a day without.

So, today's mission: ditch some of that goal-crushing mentality for a while. Pick up that hobby you've neglected. Do a little doodling, dancing, drumming, strumming, painting, cooking, singing…whatever brings you joy.

Consider this as essential maintenance for your happiness tank.

Life's a long road, my friend. Let's make sure we're smiling along the way. 🙂

---

---

Mind Games: Why Your Happiness is Up to You

Ever feel like the universe is out to get you? Bad boss, junk car breaking down, the whole nine plus yards of misery? Yeah, I've been there, too. 

Then there are those days where the sun's out, coffee's perfect, and suddenly the whole world seems a little kinder. What gives?

Well, here's the secret: it's all in your head. 

Okay, not all, but your attitude colors your world way more than you'd think. It's like those optical illusions – two people stare at the same picture but see totally different things. That's your brain playing tricks on you.

Think of your mind like a crazy good search engine. Want proof that your life sucks? Boom! Your brain helpfully spits out every crappy thing that ever happened. But ask it to find reasons things are actually good, and you bet it'll deliver.

This is called confirmation bias. Basically, you get what you look for. Obsessed with finding negativity? Welcome to your personal pity party. Prefer to see the silver lining? You're training your brain to be a happiness magnet.

Now, I'm not saying you can wish problems away — life does throw a stinky diaper your way occasionally. But whining about them only makes them feel heavier. 

Instead, try switching up your inner monologue. Problem becomes a challenge, a setback becomes a lesson. It might sound lame to do this, but trust me, it works.

The choice is always yours – focus on the thorns or appreciate the roses. 

Your level of happiness isn't set in stone, it's a workout for your mind. 🙂

---

---

Ever Had a "Lost In Space" Moment While Talking?

You know how we can just get lost in our train of thought…words coming out of our mouths but not sure if what we are saying is making any sense? Yeah, we've ALL been there. I call them my "brain on autopilot" moments.

Do these conversational mishaps happen to you too?

Ever found yourself halfway through a story and realize you've lost the thread?

You start telling a “great joke” and completely lose the punchline.

It's like your brain is running the show, and your mouth is its hastily hired puppet.

Sure, concentrating on stringing words together is hard work. But here's the thing: if you're not even listening to yourself, how can you expect anyone else to?

Listen Up, Buttercup. Time for intent.

Okay, that sounded a bit harsh. But I swear, speaking with intention is a game-changer.

Let me break it down:

• The Energy Factor: Are you droning on like a dial-up modem from 1998? Or are you bright, engaged, and (dare I say it) mildly enthusiastic?

• Owning Your Space: Think posture, eye contact, all that good stuff. People pick up on your presence before you even open your mouth.

• Audience Awareness: Talking to your bestie is NOT the same as giving a work presentation. Tailor your communication, folks!

See what I mean? A little intention takes your rambling and elevates it to honest-to-goodness communication.

Next time you're chatting, catch those "Lost In Space” moments, slow down, and choose your words with purpose. It's a small change with a surprisingly big impact. 🙂

---

---

How Can I Make You Smile Today?

Sometimes customer service experiences are about as pleasant as a colonoscopy. But today, I hit the customer service jackpot. Here's the wild thing– all it took was one simple question to transform my whole day.

I needed a refund on a recent purchase, so I reluctantly dialed up customer service (since “chat” was not available for what I needed), bracing for the usual onslaught of endless hold music and robotic apologies (“We appreciate your patience. Your call is extremely important to us. But we’ll keep you on hold so long that you’ll determine that the $48 return just isn’t worth it. You’re caller 97 in the queue. Expected wait time is…4 days.”) However, the guy who answered flipped the script."Mr. Brenton," he said, "how can I make you smile today?"

I literally couldn't help but smile. Think about it – that's not your typical customer service line. I stammered, a bit surprised, "You could make me smile by processing this refund."

And guess what? He did just that. Quick, painless, efficient. BOOM! Smile achieved.

This little interaction got me thinking. How often do we stop and ask others, "How can I make you smile today?" Seriously! It's a question guaranteed to spread good vibes like free street tacos from Taqueria La Unica. Imagine if every store clerk, every waiter, heck, every person you passed on the street asked with genuine curiosity. It would be a game-changer.

Maybe the smile comes from a well-timed joke or a random act of kindness. Perhaps it's offering a listening ear or just a simple compliment. The thing is, a smile is contagious. It triggers all those happy little chemicals in our brains, and who doesn't need more of that?

So, here's your challenge: Become a “smile evangelist." Spread smiles into the world with intention. It could be as easy as the question my customer service friend asked me.

You never know, you might just turn someone's whole day around, and, as a bonus, you'll probably get a few smiles in return. 🙂

---

---

True Happiness Waits

Let's face it, we've been tricked!

All those shiny ads promising instant gratification, the perfect body, endless likes, and that elusive "must-have" item? They're selling us a quick fix for a problem that doesn't exist.

You see, somewhere along the line, we confused fleeting pleasure with true, soul-deep happiness.

We think, "If I just had that [insert object of desire], THEN I'd finally be happy." Newsflash, my friend: It doesn't work that way.

Look, I get it. We crave the good stuff – a fatter bank account, the latest gadget, a beach vacation that makes your Instagram followers drool. It feels like that's where happiness hangs out, just waiting for us to get a little closer.

But here's the deal: True happiness, the real-deal, deep-down soul-warming kind is a bit of a diva.

It won't show up on your doorstep like an Amazon package. True happiness doesn't care how many likes your last post got (mine got 1 😉). See, happiness isn't that weather app on your phone, shifting with the winds.

True happiness is that which makes your days hum with a quiet joy.

It often likes to play a wicked game of hide-and-seek. The more we grab and chase after fleeting moments of pleasure, the more it slips through our fingers like sand. It teases us from afar, and we often mistake it for something more superficial or attainable.

You know the feeling I'm talking about, right?

That quiet contentment, the peace that washes over you even when things aren't picture-perfect? That's true happiness. It's a long game, not that instant hit of dopamine you get from another sale notification at Kohls (in case you’ve never noticed, Kohls is ALWAYS having a sale!).

So, how do we get this elusive happiness to chill with us?

It's not about chasing, it's about cultivating. Think about it like tending to a little internal garden. We gotta get to know our soul, what makes it tick. Some of us find that through quiet moments, some in the roar of creativity, others in acts of kindness. That happiness is in there, it just needs time and intention to bloom.

The truth is a bit of a paradox: True happiness waits.

It waits for you to get quiet. To ditch the endless scrolling and listen instead to the faint whispers of your own soul. It waits for you to see beyond what the world shouts as "important." It waits for your priorities to rearrange, and for you to make space for moments that make your spirit soar.

True happiness is a feeling you cultivate, a state of being you tune into. And when you do, you'll find it's been waiting for you the whole time. 🙂

---

Happiness: Right or Responsibility?

Ever heard someone say, "I deserve to be happy!"? And think to yourself, “Geez, that’s selfish!”?

But here's the thing: happiness might actually be more than just a right you're owed, it could be a superpower you have a responsibility to use.

Imagine happiness as a glowing ember inside you. You can hoard it, trying to keep yourself warm, but that ember gets kinda lonely.

The real magic happens when you share its warmth. A smile to a stranger, helping a neighbor, or even just being a ray of sunshine for your family – those sparks light up the world around you.

Now, don't get me wrong. Life slings mud at you sometimes.

But even in the dimmest moments, you have the power to fan the flames of happiness within. Maybe it's a goofy dance party in your kitchen, a phone call to a friend who makes you laugh, or simply taking a deep breath and appreciating the good stuff, no matter how small.

Here's the coolest part: by choosing happiness, you're not just helping yourself. You're inspiring others to do the same. It's a happiness domino effect, tipping the scales towards a brighter world.

So, ditch the idea of happiness as a right you wait for or as something only reserved for the uber-selfish. Grab that ember of joy and light the way for yourself and everyone around you.

Happiness isn't something you get – it's something you do. 🙂

---

---

Effortlessly Excellent: How Nature Can School You in Success

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels faster than a hamster jacked up on espresso?

Yeah, we've all been there.

But fret no more, my fellow strivers!

There's an ancient secret hiding in plain sight, and it comes straight from the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching: “An integral being knows without going, sees without looking, and accomplishes without doing.”

Ya see…grass doesn't try to grow, it just does. Fish don't strain to swim, they glide. The sun and the stars shine because that’s what they do. Babies smile and coo for no reason as it’s in their nature to do so.

The universe gets things done with minimal fuss. With pure, effortless bliss.

That's the energy we're aiming for.

This, my friend, is the magic of the Economy of Effort.

It's all about doing less and achieving more.

I recently realized I was spreading myself way too thin. So, I took a page from nature's book and started scheduling more “white space” in my calendar.

Those empty slots might look counterproductive, but here's the thing: slowing down lets me be more mindful during the actual work time. No more rushing from meeting to meeting like the overly caffeinated hamster!

So, where can you inject some effortless excellence into your life?

Maybe it's automating repetitive tasks at work, or batching similar errands together?

Perhaps it's simply saying "no" to commitments that drain your energy or aren’t in alignment with your goals?

Remember, true power lies in efficiency, not exhaustion.

So, take a deep breath, channel your inner zen master, and seek to let go of the struggle.

Embrace the power of doing less and watch your productivity soar.

After all, wouldn't you rather be effortlessly excellent than just plain effortful? 🙂

---

---

Let's Get This Negativity Party Started (with a heavy dose of sarcasm, of course)

Ever feel like the world is one giant dumpster fire and you're just waiting for the flames to reach you?

Well, guess what, science has your back!

Turns out, even a few minutes of doom-scrolling or soaking up negative news in the morning can turn your whole day into one big fat bummer.

There was a study done a few years ago, where folks watched a measly three minutes of bad news and their risk of having a "lousy day" shot up by 30%.

Sounds crazy, right? But it’s all too true.

Negativity is contagious, infecting your mood and your outlook.

Now, I'm not saying we all need to go live in a cave and pretend the world is sunshine, unicorns, and lollipops.

But here's the thing: while we can't control every negative thing that happens around us, we CAN control what we let into our heads.

Think of it like your mental diet.

You wouldn't eat food from a garbage can all day and expect to feel amazing now would you?

Same goes for your brain – too much negativity, and it's gonna get sluggish and very grumpy.

It's time to ditch the mental junk food and choose something healthier!

So, my challenge to you my friend is to choose to start the day with a good dose of positive news. Give it a try! 🙂

---

---

Remember When? The Simple Joys of Enduring Legacies

Do you ever stumble across something online that makes you go, "Whoa, blast from the past!"

This happened to me a few days ago with a social media post about a new pizza place that is opening up near my hometown.

Suddenly I was back in the mountains of Northern California, remembering how it felt to work at my parents' pizza restaurant.

See, back then, theirs was THE pizza place. If you wanted a slice, that's where you went.

I remember when another place, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, opened up a few miles down the road — they did their best, I’m sure, but let's just say their pies were, um, less than stellar.

My parents taught me a lot about being an entrepreneur, mostly that it takes grit, a whole lot of sweat, and a genuine passion for what you do.

They kept their pizza place running for almost 15 years, and it made a real mark on the community.

The thing is, you never really know how much you've impacted others until the passing of time does its thing.

Years after my parents had sold their restaurant to pursue other endeavors, someone who used to work at the restaurant told my dad that his pizza was the best pizza they'd ever had. And that they had fond memories of working there, too.

So, here's to you, Mom and Dad! Your pizza place may be history, but the memories — and the secret recipes — live on!

This little memory trip got me thinking: all the stuff we work on, the small moments we create — that becomes our legacy.

Whether it's the best pizza ever, a handmade rocking chair, a beautifully tended garden, or just being a decent, trustworthy person, these are the things that stick with people.

So, my friend, what are you building today that'll be talked about tomorrow? 🙂

---

---

Sometimes You Need a Sick Day (or a whole week!)

Hey friend – last week I hit the pause button way harder than I meant to. What was supposed to be a mini-break to clear my head turned into a full-on writing hibernation thanks to the world's nastiest head cold. 🤧

Turns out, a stuffy nose and pounding head don't exactly spark my most creative thoughts. I tried to force it, I really did. But staring at a blank screen? It was about as motivating as watching paint dry.

The funny thing is, as annoying as it was to feel so awful, a forced pause taught me a thing or two. Who knew a head cold could offer such clear lessons?

Lesson 1: Sometimes your body knows best. As a work-from-home freelancer I often struggle to fully unplug. That little voice shouting, "You should be writing!" can be darn persistent. This time, my body won the argument, and it forced me to truly rest.

Lesson 2: Pushing through is not always the answer. I am not ashamed to admit it, but I'm my own worst critic. I can be tough on myself when I don't think I'm producing enough. But guess what? Sick-me couldn't give a darn about word counts, and it turns out, the world didn't come crashing down with a week’s less content.

Lesson 3: Sometimes absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Cheesy, I know! But being forced away from writing made me remember how much I love it (again). I'm back with a sense of joy that had frankly started to fade a bit.

So, yeah, my "mini-break" turned out to be a bit bigger than planned. But hey, at least it was a productive cold, right? And with all this newfound clarity, I think I'll grab a steaming mug of tea and get back to that keyboard.

And hey let me know – have you ever experienced a pause that brought unexpected benefits? I bet those stories could be just as inspiring as they are amusing!

Hang in there and hang on! Life’s a fun journey full of surprising lessons. 🙂

---

---

The Power of the Pause

Sometimes, the best way to get clear on how you feel about something is to step away from it for a bit.

That could be a project, a goal, or even a relationship.

I recently did this with my writing and blogging and it's been incredibly clarifying.

While I love sharing thoughts and ideas, there are times when the pressure I put on myself to produce content overshadows the pure joy of it.

That's when it's time for a reset.

Taking a short break allowed me to see how much I truly enjoy writing. It confirmed the reasons I started doing this in the first place. That "pause" made returning to the keyboard yesterday all the sweeter.

So, if you're feeling a little muddled about something in your life, try a deliberate mini-break.

You might be amazed at the clarity it brings you! 🙂

---

---

The Art of Deception: How a Fake Tank Battalion Helped Win WWII (and Why Your Friend Might Be Wrong)

You’ve heard the saying "seeing is believing,” right?

During World War II, the US military perfected the art of making the Germans believe things that weren't even there.

Enter the "Ghost Army," a ragtag group of artists, designers, and other creative minds who fooled the Nazis with nothing more than smoke, mirrors, and a whole lot of imagination.

These guys weren't exactly wielding bazookas. Their weapons were inflatable tanks, cleverly placed speakers pumping out the sounds of a rumbling army, and the sheer audacity to believe that they could pull it off.

And guess what? They did. They'd roll into a town under the cover of night, inflate their rubber arsenal, and have the Germans convinced a whole armored division was rolling through. Talk about psychological warfare!

One US soldier even recalled villagers swearing they saw tanks the night before. Such is the power of suggestion!

It's a reminder that sometimes, our brains play tricks on us. We see what we expect to see, hear what we fear to hear.

This whole Ghost Army thing got me thinking about how easily we can be fooled in our everyday lives.

Like that friend who tries to scare you away from your dreams with tales of their uncle's neighbor’s girlfriend’s failed business venture.

“Yeah, I heard from my uncle several years ago that he had a neighbor who had a girlfriend and she tried to start her own hair salon business and it failed. And they broke up, I think. So you’ll probably fail, too. And ruin your love life. And I’m telling you this to protect you!” (seriously, who even knows anything about their uncle's neighbor’s girlfriend anyway?).

Don't let someone else's limited experience dictate your expansive future.

The Ghost Army bamboozled the Germans with a little creativity. We, on the other hand, need a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to the voices in our ears.

Not every whisper is a wise one. Please, for the love of all things decent, don’t take financial advice from your broke-ass friend or entrepreneurial advice from your corporate-loving sister.

So, the next time someone tries to rain on your parade with worst-case scenarios, remember the inflatable tank battalion.

If they could help win a war with smoke and mirrors, you can definitely conquer your goals with a little imagination and a lot of determination.

Just keep your eyes peeled, not for fake tanks, but for the real opportunities out there. 🙂

(Here’s an article from NPR about the Ghost Army: ARTICLE)

---

---

Are You (Still) Choosing To Be Miserable?

Remember when we chatted about misery being a choice? No? (go here: Are You Choosing To Be Miserable?)

Turns out, some people are very loyal customers of “Misery-Mart.”

Are you always checking their website? Looking for “miserable deals?” Telling friends, family, and co-workers about all of the “miserable crap” you picked up recently?

Putting up with the same old, same old? The job (and boss) from hell? The soul-sucking relationship? The pile of "to-do" notes that whisper sweet nothings of guilt in your sleep?

Yep. That stuff.

Look, I get it. Change is scary. Misery is, at least, predictable.

But hey, isn't it time for an upgrade?

Maybe try switching stores? Could you give “Opportunity-Mart” a try? There are fantastic items available there if you’d just take a look.

You never know what you might find when you start looking for opportunities and being open to new, exciting, and less miserable, stuff for your life. 🙂

---

---

Happiness: More Than Just a Good Laugh

We're often told the secret to happiness is a good laugh, a dose of silliness, or just more playtime. And while all of those bring their spark to life, sometimes what we crave is something a bit quieter, something deeper.

Think of a calm ocean at sunrise, the colors spreading across the sky, reflected beautifully in the still water. That quiet, breathtaking beauty can mirror the feeling of joy and happiness as an internal peace.

Now, let's be clear – laughter and joy aren't enemies! They absolutely coexist. However, it's easy to feel disheartened when the world feels heavy, or your own burdens seem overwhelming, and that belly laugh seems out of reach.

So, what cultivates that deeper joy, that sense of peace?

• Gratitude: Taking moments to appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on what's missing, rewires our perspective towards contentment.

• Mindfulness: Noticing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This brings acceptance, grounding us in the present rather than battles of the past or worries about the future.

• Purpose: Having something that gives our lives meaning, whether it's work, family, or a passion project. Purpose brings a sense of direction that can anchor us in joy.

• Connection: Building fulfilling relationships with others. This connection could be as simple as truly listening to a loved one, or engaging in our communities.

Internal peace doesn't mean your life is suddenly free of problems. What it does offer is a sense of calm within the storm. It's knowing that even amidst chaos or sadness, there's a space within you untouched by that turbulence.

Think back to the ocean sunrise. There may be waves, maybe even distant storm clouds, but the vast beauty of the scene doesn't depend on them vanishing. Our internal joy can be the same – quiet, steady, and unshakeable, even as the waves of life come and go.

Happiness, it’s more than just a good laugh. 🙂

---

---

Life's a Costume Party: Designing the "You" You Want to Be

Ever feel like you're the star of your own personal sitcom, and the writers just love throwing awkward plot twists your way? What if you could turn those cringeworthy moments into your own stand-up comedy costume party special? Part “The Masked Singer” part “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

Picture this:

You're invited to the most epic costume party ever, and the theme is to improvise and become "Who You Want to Be." No limits – you could be a world-saving superhero, a calming Zen Buddhist Master or a majestic, glitter-covered unicorn.

It's the same with real life – every moment gives you the chance to craft who you are and who you want to become.

We've all met those people stuck forever in “The Grumpy Old Troll” costume, blaming the world for their woes. They whine and complain about bad food, horrible bosses, and anything else that gets in their way. This costume is a lousy choice. It is ill-fitting and no one is going to give you their vote for “Best Costume.”

The good news is that you have the power to change your outfit. Think of it like this: life is your costume party, and you get to be the head designer.

Ditch “The Grumpy Old Troll” suit and imagine yourself as the master of your emotions. Would you waste energy freaking out about spilled coffee or that annoying coworker with the passive-aggressive emails? Nope! You'd be rocking your "Zen Buddhist Master" outfit, sipping tea and radiating serenity.

Don't waste time wearing the beige sweatpants of boredom. Embrace the glittery jumpsuit of “The Sparkly Unicorn.” And don’t be the one who ruins days, be “The Day-Saving Superhero” who wears a vibrant cape of laughter!

Choose reactions that make you light up – giggle at your own clumsy moments, offer a genuine compliment, or find ridiculous absurdity in awkward encounters. Life's too short (and too important) to be “The Grumpy Old Troll” forever. Be the dazzling headliner of this crazy costume party, and show the world the brilliant, vibrant version of you.

So shine bright, embrace the absurd, and design a "you" that sparks joy every single day in your own special way. 🙂

---

---

Focus

---

Focus

Mind adrift, a hazy maze,

Direction lost within the daze.

Sharpen now, let thoughts take flight,

Unlock the clarity, find your guiding light.

Simple steps, a mindful grace,

Transform the chaos, find your space.

Secrets wait, let wisdom flow,

Conviction grows, where will you go?

---

Big Decisions? Breathe Easy with Mindful Choices

We've all been there, haven’t we? That moment when a fork in the road transforms into a 12-lane super highway, and you're just standing there with cars whizzing past. Buying a house, changing careers, getting married (or unmarried) – these are the "whoa" moments that can feel overwhelming.

While there's no magical shortcut to the perfect choice, being mindful can make the ride way smoother.

Here a few steps to guide your decision-making process:

1. Slow Your Soul

Hitting the pause button is essential! When we're stressed, our decision-making skills can go off the rails. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk, whatever works to help you take a step back from the immediate panic.

2. Know Your Why

Why does this decision matter to you? Get real with your values. Is it security, freedom, growth? Once you identify your "why," your heart can help guide your head.

3. Get All the Info

Knowledge is your friend! Do your research, compare options, and don't be afraid to ask the experts. Think of this as fueling your adventure – a full tank of information makes the journey a lot less bumpy

4. Talk it Out

Trusted friends or family can act like superpowers, offering a different perspective or just a listening ear. Sometimes saying your thoughts out loud makes them way clearer than when they are just rattling around in your own head.

5. Trust Your Gut

All that data is awesome, but don't discount your intuition. If something feels "off," even if you can't explain it perfectly, dig a little deeper. Your inner compass is often surprisingly savvy.

Big decisions don't have to be scary. By slowing down, getting clear on your values, and tapping into your smarts and your intuition, you can make more mindful choices. 🙂

---

---