Miserable or Strong?

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” This is one of my favorite quotes by Carlos Castaneda. I’ve had it sitting on my desk for a while — not sure how I was going to use it. A member of my family was recently diagnosed…

Ordeal or Adventure?

On a recent plane trip I discovered the Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine for cruising sailors. The “enjoy the journey” mindset fits nicely with my own and the articles about sailing the Caribbean and other exotic places were a nice antidote for the nasty Midwestern weather. I especially delighted in the motto: Attitude: The Difference between…

Your Own Worst Enemy

Picture this: After 15 hours of air travel and a five hour time change, you arrive home. Your children are elated to see you and quickly remind you of the Halloween costumes you haven’t finished. You smile and hold yourself together for a while, but then need sleep. After a nap, pumpkins are carved, dinner…