Welcome to the X.

If you’ve been following my posts, you’ll know that after a 50-year hiatus (more like a 50-year escape) from playing the trumpet, I've recently picked the instrument back up.   During my years of study, I was trained by classical musicians who drilled into me the…

We are often told to pursue our passions in our professional lives. From childhood and onward, we hear the familiar tune of advice like, “Do what you love,” when it comes to our career. Yet it’s rare to find people who’ve turned their passions into…

Everyone has a story. Everyone’s story is unique to their experience. Everyone has a lesson to share. I have learned so much over the last two years of presenting the Chapter X podcasts, and I hope you have enjoyed listening. If you would like to…

My definition of fun has evolved over the years.  As a child, fun was playing ball with friends and exploring the nearby woods. In college, fun was associated with social activities with friends and my then-girlfriend (now wife of 45 years).  As an adult, fun…

Recently, I listened to a friend of mine talk about his current life situation. His work pace is killing him. While he is passionate about it, he is being “forced” by circumstances (an impossible labor market) to do things he shouldn’t have to at this…

Ever noticed how different you feel depending on your surroundings? On the surface, it might sound woo woo, but there are decades of scientific research that suggests our bodies respond to cues in our environment. Studies have found that our mood, health, happiness, and behavior…

Have you ever had a lifelong dream? As you grow older, you might wonder if it’s time to let that old dream go, but the truth is, age doesn’t matter for most goals. If you still feel that spark within yourself, it might be time…

I’m trying to focus on the practice of “being” instead of “doing.” Admittedly, I’m not very good at it, but with intention, it becomes a bit easier. For example, I went for a walk this morning, intending to get some exercise and a mindful experience…