Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
In Henry David Thoreau's masterpiece of American Literature, Walden; or, Life in the Woods, he famously wrote that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation,” settling for conformity, materialism, and unfulfilled routines. I’m not sure why, but the line has been echoing throughout my thoughts like a song you can’t get out of... Continue Reading →
When life builds up and you find yourself caught in an emotional loop, sometimes the best fix is a simple alignment. Here is the 9-step emotional cheat sheet my boss handed me years ago that still helps me beat burnout, anxiety, and frustration today.
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter on December 15, 2023.) My wife and I rolled over at the same time. Our baby daughter was crying from her room. We were both tired, but I offered to go get her. You would have thought I told my wife that she... Continue Reading →
What started as a quiet need to get back to writing for myself has grown into 11 years of stories about family, growth, and the shifting seasons of life. A look back at how this blog began.
From sweaty pickleball evangelists in parking lots to friends who think they invented the concept of retirement, people love giving unsolicited advice. Here is why I'm not buying into the latest trends just yet.
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter in November 2023.) The thing I noticed first was his calmness. He wasn’t like the other teachers, coaches, or family friends in my life. He had a soft voice that you sometimes had to strain to hear and he rarely seemed to yell... Continue Reading →
(A version of this story appeared on September 6, 2023 on The Heart Of The Matter. ) When I was a young kid, I was small for my age. We'd line up at the start of the year, smallest to the tallest, and I would always be one of the shortest boys in my class.... Continue Reading →
What if coming in second isn't failure, but preparation? A reflection on pee-wee football, Vince Lombardi's actual advice, and why effort is what truly moves us.
(A version of this story appeared on September 7, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter. ) When I was very young, I would crawl into my mother's lap wearing my onesie pajamas and beg for a glass of milk and for her to read to me. I had a series of favorite books, everything... Continue Reading →
You must be logged in to post a comment.