Welcome to the X.

X as in the unique mix of decisions and experiences that will bring you meaning and joy in your next chapter. Think practical tools, a little inspiration and more than a few stories of those who’ve jumped the hurdle.
Meaning
August 26, 2025

Breaking Away

One of my favorite movies is Breaking Away. It was released in 1979 and features a very young Dennis Quaid, Dennis Christopher, Daniel Stern, and Jackie Earle Haley. The story follows a group of high school kids from Bloomington, Illinois, trying to figure out their…
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Meaning
August 23, 2025

Deep Tissue

I love getting massages and typically choose deep tissue to alleviate the knots in my upper back and shoulders. My wife and I recently marked our 48th anniversary with a day at the spa, and of course, I booked a deep-tissue massage. As the therapist…
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Meaning
July 31, 2025

What Else Might Be Possible

What would it take to trust something you can’t explain? Aaron French didn’t plan to become a spiritual mentor. He began as a biologist, then built a successful corporate career. On the surface, everything seemed great. But underneath, he felt pulled in a different direction.…
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Meaning
July 30, 2025

Where I’ve Been

Most of the time, I’m sharing episodes with you from my Chapter X podcast. But recently, I’ve had the chance to be on the other side of the mic, and I thought you might enjoy a few of those conversations. If you're curious, here is…
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Meaning
July 29, 2025

Discovering Your Creative Self

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say they're not creative. I try my best not to make a face that gives away how I feel about that statement. But everyone has a creative side. It’s innate. The problem is, for many…
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Meaning
July 26, 2025

Being in the “No”

In the process of creating your life after your career, you have an unprecedented opportunity to decide what’s included and what’s not. You get to make choices that align with your values and let go of what doesn’t. For example, the “shoulds” can be tossed…
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Meaning
July 22, 2025

Ice Bucket Challenge

Have you seen the social media trend where people are challenging each other with the Ice Bucket Challenge again?  It’s all to raise money for ALS research, a very worthy cause. But let’s be honest: getting a bucket of ice water dumped on your head…
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Meaning
July 19, 2025

Weeds

My vegetable garden is growing pretty well this summer. I’ve planted some sweet corn for my granddaughter, who is a raging corn fanatic. It’s interesting to watch the stalks grow and the tiny ears emerge. Meanwhile, as I scan around the garden, I see some…
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