Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
Thought hours in front of the TV were just rotting our brains? Think again. Here is how Saturday morning cartoons, holiday specials, and classic films accidentally gave us a secret masterclass in literature, music, and fine art.
(A version of this appeared on The Heart of The Matter on June 14, 2023.) I like to go back and read the 25-page report. The report is dated from the early 2000s and gives a medical history on my son and lists the tests the doctors administered. I’m barely a page into the report... 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.
I check my phone for the millionth time. I'm two hours early for my flight, but that’s nothing new. How a single missed school bus shaped a lifetime of chronic punctuality—and why I'll always be the guy waiting at the gate.
I had been saving up my last two pieces of candy. I was going to enjoy them. When recess came, though, I gave one to a kid in my class. He was supposed to be my friend, and sharing seemed like the nice thing to do. Later that afternoon, I stuttered while reading aloud. I... Continue Reading →
A casual summer trip to a craft shop took an unexpected turn when a simple quote stopped me in my tracks—and delivered a timeless reminder about the enduring power of truth.
(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 →
We talk a lot about billionaires and the 1%, but a memory from an old college classroom makes me wonder: Are the world's greatest luxuries already within our grasp?
(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.