One of our most basic human needs is to love and be loved. I have never had a problem with that first part. I have always given love freely. But I still struggle being on the receiving end of love. There is something about being loved that just doesn’t seem right. In my recovery journey, … Continued
You never have to ask a 5-year old boy how his day was. Just look down at his feet. Yesterday, I spent all evening with my grandson. Our time was all the more precious because tomorrow he’s moving. He’ll be 12 hours away from us. For four years, my wife and I have had almost … Continued
I have come to find the use of rituals to be powerful in my life. I didn’t set out to form rituals and it wasn’t until a friend used the word to describe some activities I do that I even recognized them as such. In hindsight, it makes sense. My life journey has exposed me … Continued
When we want to change, grow, and develop, there are a couple of ways that we can get at it. I try so many different things, sticking with none, that I am all over the place and not finding any traction. It helps to have a simple (but not easy) model. In just three steps: … Continued
In Disney’s, The Lion King, the filmmaker vividly captures the emotion of The Hero’s Journey. Simba’s carefree, happy childhood is abruptly interrupted with a crisis. For him, it was the tragic death of his father, Mufasa. His uncle, Scar, who orchestrated his brother’s death, convinces Simba that he is to blame for his father’s death. … Continued
This summer, I finally made time to hike the coastal Redwoods. For me, it was a bucket list item. They were majestic and awe-inspiring, completely exceeding my expectations. And while the lesson “stand with other Redwoods” was certainly reinforced, as I walked and listened, the Redwoods taught or reminded me of several other lessons. I … Continued
In a recent meeting, I heard a man admit that he had failed to do something to which he had committed and added, “I’m selfish.” Inside, I said to myself, “I don’t buy it. I don’t think men are selfish.” This is similar—I hear men report that they are lazy and I doubt it. I … Continued
In Chicago, Australia and other Crucible communities across the world, we are honoring Chris Cleghorn’s services to this growing tribe of 4,500-plus men … and now women. On a recent sunny day, Chris, the former Executive Director of The Crucible Project, and I enjoyed a cool breeze and coffee outside of a Starbucks in the … Continued
When it comes to life, what half are you living in? Noted Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung popularized the notion of the two halves of life by saying “the first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego,” and “the second half is going inward and letting go of it.” Here’s how I’m thinking … Continued
I recently saw the movie “A Star Is Born” (Warning: Spoilers ahead) and it made a big impact on me. The film focuses on the relationship between two musicians: A rock star named Jackson Maine and his wife Alli, whom he discovers and encourages to pursue her talents and dreams. Tortured Soul Jackson is a … Continued
