HeartBeat

My neighbor has a rooster. I know this because I wake him up every morning. I get up every day at the same time. My dog's morning routine partly dictates my schedule, but I also value the first light of the day. The quality sleep I get energizes me to embrace the morning. When I manage my energy, I manage my productivity. I also get my energy from high-quality supplements as well as a personalized nutritional plan. What we eat at certain times of the day is also essential for energy optimization. Similar to meal prepping, a productive day is all about the organization and routine.  The first three hours of the workday are when I am most focused, so it makes sense to eliminate distractions and achieve the goal of the day. The brain becomes more creative when it is a little fatigued, so often those creative ideas will intuitively flow at the end of the workday. I do my best writing at night. So here's the thing, beginning my day by checking the phone, email, and social med...

When we think of peak performance, we may think of elite athletes, musicians, or even high-level executives. Performing our best is truly for everyone. I give my body what it needs to perform at a high level. I eat very healthily, and I exercise daily. The absolute most important thing I can do to elevate my productivity is getting quality sleep. I set very clear boundaries around that.   So here's the thing, operating a vehicle while sleep-deprived is similar to driving under the influence. Like alcohol, sleep exhaustion slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Lack of sleep has also been associated with accidents, poor memory, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, mood swings, and even a low sex drive. Conversely, a night of good sleep will increase concentration, decrease stress, improve decision-making, and elevate mood.  Quality Sleep: Set a firm bedtime and practice backward planning. Avoid spicy foods in the evening as i...

For a very long time, I have been in awe of the innovation of technology and I can foresee tremendous upcoming growth in areas such as Augmented Reality, Data mining, Machine Learning, and Automation. Probably the most fascinating is the power of social media and the phenomena it creates. Although intended to bring people together, its platform has been used to rouse a false reality through rumors and unsubstantiated gossip which is more commonly culturally accepted. Technology is changing our values. Whether you are on social media or not, there is a cascade of trickling information we absorb through others in conversation. It has become easier to pass along the information in a seemingly harmless manner because everyone accepts it. Gossip is a venomous bite. We know this to be true when we personally experience negative consequences. Sharing hearsay, distorting the truth, and breaking confidentiality destroy relationships and cuts to the core. So here’s the thing, crows swirl aro...

This week heaven gained my family’s earth angel. As difficult as it is to sit with sadness, I am grateful for every visit, particularly my last visit with Aunt Bern last Saturday on her 91st birthday. I did not have to say a thing, she just knew and wrapped her words around my heart. We watched a Catholic mass on the small television in her hospital room. She gazed out the window several times beyond the cemetery at the church steeple piercing the sky. Then she reached across and held my hand. And as she spoke, hot tears streamed down my face. Her words burned in my mind and when I got to my car I wrote them all down in my journal. Time is passing so quickly. Do not be afraid. You will be loved. It never happened for me, but you will be loved again. You won’t be alone for long. You were betrayed and you have nothing to be ashamed of. God has not abandoned you, sweetheart. Be sure of your intentions. You need to have confidence. God is clearing the way for you. He is removing all...