LATEST POSTS
Waiting for perfect conditions
There once was a boy who wanted to go surfing. So he got up super early one day and checked the surf report… The surf report looked decent, but he was worried about being cold. So he logged into the weather forecast… The weather looked great, but then he was concerned about high winds. So Read more about Waiting for perfect conditions[…]
[re]forging your path
One day, a wandering cow needed to cross a forest in order to return to its pasture. Being an irrational animal, it forged out a tortuous path full of bends, up and down hills. The next day, a dog came by and used the same path to cross the forest. Next it was a sheepβs Read more about [re]forging your path[…]
Mental sunshine π
“No mental growth can take place without mental sunshine. Accordingly, we should resolve to be happy no matter what may transpire. We cannot afford to be otherwise. Sunshine will melt the most massive iceberg if the rays are direct and the clouds are kept away; and it is the same in daily life. No matter Read more about Mental sunshine π[…]
I am an idiot #18 π€¦ββοΈ
Big dinner last nightβ¦ turkey, gravy, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, gravyβ¦ all topped with a generous portion of GRAVY. I ate so fast and sloppy I had to wipe my face several times with a napkin. And then came the speeches. Everyone went round the dinner table and said what they were thankful for… But Read more about I am an idiot #18 π€¦ββοΈ[…]
Happy Thanksgiving my dudes
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! This is my 15th year living in the US, celebrating with friends and family. I’m grateful for YOU. Connecting with other kind humans, sharing stories and love, even if we don’t know each other well. π€² I’m grateful for my wife. Love her just as much now as the day Read more about Happy Thanksgiving my dudes[…]
Scheduling your cardio
My friend Anthony sent me this a few days ago… “I have a Peloton βdateβ every Tuesday and Thursday morning with a buddy back east that keeps me accountable. If I commit to doing something with someone else and it’s on my calendar, I rarely skip or miss it. Have you tried scheduling your cardio? Read more about Scheduling your cardio[…]
Keep grinding π¨βπ»
Just a quick reminder: Where you are today is not where you’ll be tomorrow. hard work pays off you’re better than you think you’re further than you think! people love you no matter what just keep going Wishing you productive morning and awesome Tuesday!! Love, Joel πββοΈ “Sunset over Atlanta last night” — from Jason Read more about Keep grinding π¨βπ»[…]
The worst kind of Monday
The worst Monday —> is the one that gets wasted for nothing. We’ve got a perfectly good 960 minutes ahead of us… Begin it with optimism and expecting today to be great. Focus on the end goal and inching your way towards it. Curb your future worries, you’ll have time to solve that stuff later. Read more about The worst kind of Monday[…]
What is Sunday Funday?
Sunday Funday is different for everyone. But for me: it happens on Sundays (obvi) it begins mid-morning ish it takes place outdoors It includes physical activity but also lots of rest and relaxing anyone is invited to join you just need to bring smiles, laughs, good intentions and a grateful attitude Not sure what you’re Read more about What is Sunday Funday?[…]
Question your influencers.
“We would agree that If one does the right things, he will become successful… Yet there in lies a flaw insomuch that the more successful one becomes, there is a tendency to believe that because he is successful, whatever he does is the right thing” My grandpa wrote me this π in an email a Read more about Question your influencers.[…]
Friday celebrations π
Mornin’ mornin’!!! Sorry I haven’t been sending emails the past week. I have no good excuse — I just needed a break. Life is nuts right now and I’m being pushed to my limit. But rather than bore you with all the negative stuff that’s happening, I’ll bore you with some of the positive things Read more about Friday celebrations π[…]
Conversational generosity
My Uncle once took me to a community center. He walked up to the clerk behind the counter and said, “Hi there, my nephew and I would like to… OMG!!!!… Are those your dogs in that photo right there!?!? What absolute cuties!! What are their names???” The person behind the counter lit up with joy! Read more about Conversational generosity[…]
Water in the morning = happy day ahead!
Did you know… that drinking water makes your day seem less daunting? π§ Studies show that dehydration leads people to view tasks as more difficult vs those who are fully hydrated. This then ripples into the patients happiness and overall wellbeing. So there you have it! Drink more water each morning, and all your problems Read more about Water in the morning = happy day ahead![…]
Charles Shultz Philosophy
Try this… Can you name the last 3 people who won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize? What about the 3 fastest marathon runners in the world? Do you know their names? How about the last 3 winners of the Miss America Pageant? (me neither π€·ββοΈ) OK, now try this…. Name 3 school teachers who taught Read more about Charles Shultz Philosophy[…]
Talent + motivation + attitude
Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much youβre willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it. βLou Holtz Wishing you a killer Tuesday, mixing your talent and motivation with an unwavering positive attitude. Make it a good one, – Joel “We had a free muni pass in Read more about Talent + motivation + attitude[…]
Feel the love
“how do you spell ‘love’?” – piglet “you don’t spell it — you feel it” – pooh ***** Happy Sunday! Wishing you a joy filled day, feeling the love π – Joel π I’m down in San Diego this weekend. That’s my little bro on the left, my big brother in the middle, and I’m Read more about Feel the love[…]
Up days and down days. Just keep going.
Yesterday I got up at 5am and sat in front of my laptop… I was there for ~90 minutes, and couldn’t write a single word. Writers block + a long week of unfortunate events + busy holidays approaching + fears of letting people down + momentarily forgetting my direction in life… There was an overload Read more about Up days and down days. Just keep going.[…]
Struggle now π Strength later π
One day, a man found a butterfly that was starting to hatch from its cocoon. He sat down and watched the butterfly for hours as it struggled to force itself through a tiny hole. Then, it suddenly stopped making progress and looked like it was stuck. So the man decided to help the butterfly out. Read more about Struggle now π Strength later π[…]
No cost. Huge impact.
It costs $0.00 to have a positive attitude It costs $0.00 to be nice It costs $0.00 to send an encouraging text or email It costs $0.00 to do push-ups or sit ups It costs $0.00 to ask “are you OK?” It costs $0.00 to listen It costs $0.00 to show up a few minutes Read more about No cost. Huge impact.[…]
Disasters produce fond memories (sometimes)
Last night we hosted a neighborhood halloween party. But when I got to the pizza place to pick up our 11 x large pizza to-go orderβ¦ they advised they were “a few hours behind”. They were so swamped they couldn’t even tell me when they would start making our order… They said it would be Read more about Disasters produce fond memories (sometimes)[…]
When the magic happens…
Magic happens when you donβt give up, even though youβre unmotivated. Magic happens when you remain unbreakably positive, while everyone else is complaining. Magic happens when you have clear goals for the day, and youβll do anything and everything to achieve them. It’s time for a magical Monday π Make it happen, – Joel Sunset Read more about When the magic happens…[…]
Happiness equation βοΈ + πββοΈ = π€©
+ = πππ€© Happy Saturday, y’all!! Not sure what your happiness equation is… But wishing you a weekend packed full of it, doing cool stuff with people you love. Make it a good one, Joel
Friday Celebrations! (Wife edition)
On Tuesday, my wife found a new roll of doggy poop bags on the sidewalk. (the fancy, high quality kind π) Ooooo… On Wednesday, she found a $10 bill on the ground!!! Sweeeet! π€ And on Thursday we logged into her old PayPal account, and found $986 she forgot about from years ago. Cha-ching!!! π° Read more about Friday Celebrations! (Wife edition)[…]
The βgood guy discountβ
Just heard about this little trick, itβs called the good guy discountβ¦ When youβre at the store purchasing something or buying from someone, you say this… βHey, Iβm a good guy. Youβre a good guy. Is there some type of good guy discount we could work out?β I hear it works pretty well. π€·ββοΈ And Read more about The βgood guy discountβ[…]
But that’s impossible!?
impossible β¬οΈ im- possible β¬οΈ iβm – possible β¬οΈ i am possible Everything seems impossible β until you break it down into smaller steps. Happy Wednesday! Get out there and tackle the impossible. – Joel π₯ Rainbow sent in by Rosie π
“I am good at what I do”
Tuesday affirmations: (say these out loud to yourself this morning): I am good at what I do. I may screw up some times, but for the most part I am good at what I do. My customers enjoy working with me because: Iβm good at what I do. My coworkers depend on and look up Read more about “I am good at what I do”[…]
You can still have fun, even when it’s broken
I got a HUGE bounce house off of Craigslist last week. I was soooo excited to blow it up and host the neighborhood kids. They all waited patiently and watched me as I set it up in the front yard… But sadly, when I plugged the blower in, the bounce house didn’t fully inflate. Turns Read more about You can still have fun, even when it’s broken[…]
I officiated another wedding! Here’s my speech script…
Woohoo! I officiated another friend’s wedding π And I want to share the speech script in hopes that it helps others out there if they are asked to be a wedding officiant. Before creating this script, I did a lot of googling, talked with older married couples, and pondered a lot about marriage. It took Read more about I officiated another wedding! Here’s my speech script…[…]
Encouragement goes both ways
I called a friend the other day, she needed a pep talk. After 10 minutes of complimenting her, telling her how awesome she is, boosting her confidence, etc. she was feeling much better. She went on to have a great day and week. But something else cool happened… After that phone call I felt great, Read more about Encouragement goes both ways[…]
Mind vs. Imagination
Your imagination is bigger than you think. Actually, itβs limitless! Your imagination can solve problems. Your imagination can show you a different perspective. Your imagination can help you create things you donβt even think are possible right now. Today: Tap into your imagination. Happy Thursday!! – Joel
Acrostic Wednesday
Agenda for todayβ¦ W et your whistle (coffee βοΈ) E ngage your core (work out ποΈββοΈ) D aily affirmations (you rock! πͺ) N arrow your thoughts (focus π§ββοΈ) E nter airplane mode (DND π§) S mash your to do list (action π) D ot iβs and cross tβs. (Give π―) A dd value to others Read more about Acrostic Wednesday[…]
Todayβs Creed
I can. I will. End of story. πͺπͺπͺ Happy Tuesday, y’all. Go get em. – Joel Some people are really excited about this
It’s clobbering time π
clobΒ·ber verb, informal 1. to hit (something) hard. “Mary vows to clobber her to-do list today” 2. to treat or deal with harshly. “Steve made swift and ruthless decisions, absolutely clobbering his projects at work” 3. to defeat heavily. “Working together, they clobbered the competition” πππ Happy Monday, y’all. It’s clobbering time. – Joel Our Read more about It’s clobbering time π[…]
Trailing a bright pathway
“If every single person who has liked you in your lifetime. were to light up on a map, it would create the most glimeringly beautiful network you could imagine. Throw in the strangers you’ve been kind to, the people you’ve made laugh or inspired along the way and that bright network of YOU would be Read more about Trailing a bright pathway[…]
Weekend celebrations π
3 cool things this week… Southwest Airlines mailed me some free drink vouchers! Woohoo! I knew these existed but never got any before. π₯³ Battery recycling last week, I posted a bunch of old mostly broken iphones to Apple to recycle, and they sent me back a $40 Apple credit! Yay! π My kitchen faucet Read more about Weekend celebrations π[…]
Shooting for a great Friday
Happy Friday! Today can either be a great day, or an average day. We each get to decide for ourselves. I for one am choosing to build a great day! π Because life’s too short to be average, and striving for greatness means faster progress towards meaningful things in life. And even if today actually Read more about Shooting for a great Friday[…]
Ctrl + Alt + Del
Ctrl + Alt + Del Control your mood Alter your perspective Delete the negativity Keep this shortcut in mind for when you come across a sticky situation today. Just mentally hit Ctrl + Alt + Del, reboot, then move on with your awesome day. Make it a good one, Joel π It’s a long story, Read more about Ctrl + Alt + Del[…]
Hope in hard times
What weakens you now, strengthens you later. Whatever crappy thing you’re going through right now… it’s developing you into a tougher, stronger, and more knowledgeable person. Hang in there. You do enough. You have enough. You are enough. And you are not alone. π Joel
Face your F-E-A-Rs
In case you come across anything scary today, remember that FEAR is usually… False Evidence Appearing Real Don’t get tricked into thinking you can’t do something — things are never as bad as the seem, and you’ll always be happy you faced big scary challenges (even if you fail a bit). Get out there and Read more about Face your F-E-A-Rs[…]
Sunday reminders! 1, 2, 3.
A few reminders in case you need to hear it today: Sundays are for relaxing. Your problems at work tomorrow can be solved –> AT WORK, TOMORROW!! π Get out of your own head. Overthinking the past (or worrying about the future) is unproductive. Instead, enjoy the NOW. It only happens… NOW. π You can’t Read more about Sunday reminders! 1, 2, 3.[…]
This Weekend: Tempo Giusto
“The slow philosophy can be summed up in a single word: balance. Be fast when it makes sense to be fast, and be slow when slowness is called for. Seek to live at what musicians call tempo giusto – the right speed.β – Carl HonorΓ© π΄π΄π΄ I don’t know about you guys, but the right Read more about This Weekend: Tempo Giusto[…]
Should I be hurtful or helpful? π€·ββοΈ
Last week my kid had a small cough. And even though the doctor checked him out, said everything was fine, wrote a note, etc… the teachers wouldn’t let him back at school until the cough was gone. So, he stayed home with me all last week. Anyway, he’s better now, back at school, but yesterday Read more about Should I be hurtful or helpful? π€·ββοΈ[…]
Stuff you CAN control
Just in case you forgot: – You control your drive – You choose your attitude – You control your time – You control your energy – You decide how much fun – You can always ask for help – You control your internal monologue and how you talk to yourself So don’t dwell on the Read more about Stuff you CAN control[…]
Tiny things I’m celebrating…
Yesterday, I received this check in the mailβ¦ I know itβs only for 1 cent, but itβs better than 0 cents, right?! ***** Earlier this week on my morning walk, I found this pack of sweeper wipe refills on the side of the road… Woohoo! I love finding free stuff! (And my house could use Read more about Tiny things I’m celebrating…[…]
Excuses or efforts?
1 excuse x 365 days = a really unproductive year π On the flip side…. 1 small effort x 365 days = a very fruitful year!! πͺπͺ So, what’t it gonna be today? Excuses or efforts? (Choose the latter – fruits of life await!) Happy Tuesday, Joel Pic from 2012… I used to take flight Read more about Excuses or efforts?[…]
The moment I wake up. (Before I put on my makeup)
Attitude is everything. It’s more important than how you look, what you wear, or the size of your to-do list today. You can conquer anything with the right attitude. Sooooo…. This morning as you’re standing in front of the mirror prettying yourself up for the day, spend a few mins beautifying your headspace and straightening Read more about The moment I wake up. (Before I put on my makeup)[…]
Feed your good wolf πΊ
An old man sat down to teach his grandson about life… βThereβs a fight going on inside me,β he tells the boy, βa fight between two wolves.β βOne wolf is evil. Itβs full of malice, anger, greed, self-pity and false pride. The other is good. Itβs full of peace, love, joy, kindness, and humility.β βThis Read more about Feed your good wolf πΊ[…]
Everybody needs it. You can give it!
My kid is learning to ride a bike right now… As he practices on the side walk, all the neighbors cheer him on… “wow! nice bike!” “You’re doing great, keep pedaling!” “You look so cool on your bike!” And when he falls over, they encourage him even more… “Oh no, you fell. That’s ok, get Read more about Everybody needs it. You can give it![…]
Digging my way out
***If you could only achieve 1 thing today, what would it be?*** Happy Friday peeps! I’ve kind of screwed myself this week… Bit off more than I can chew and now I’m faced with a buttload of work today and not enough time to finish it all in. π BUT… I’ve been in this situation Read more about Digging my way out[…]
Happy Thursday ma friends!
T rust me, you can still find H appiness even when you’re U nder stress… It’s all about R emembering your blessings, S taying patient and optimistic, D eciding to think differently, A nd drinking 15 beers tonight Y ou got this πͺ (Oops I meant drinking relaxing tea and hot chocolate!) Happy Thursday team. Read more about Happy Thursday ma friends![…]
Love yourself first πββοΈ
Stuff to try today… Smile at yourself in the mirror this morning. Wish yourself a great day. π¬ Remind yourself of your top 3 superpowers. (mine are positivity, consistency and typing words π€·ββοΈ) If you screw up today, find the humor in the situation. Everybody makes mistakes, that’s OK! π€¦ββοΈ Own your flaws. They are Read more about Love yourself first πββοΈ[…]
You are a badass πͺ
βThe badass in me recognizes the badass in youβ A few reminders in case you forgot: You are a hard worker You’re great at solving problems People look up to you And want to be around you! You’re a positive thinker You’re making a difference! You are authentic, dancing to the beat of your own Read more about You are a badass πͺ[…]
The coolest person here…
You want to know who I think is really cool?…. Read the first word again. π«΅ π«΅ π«΅ Happy Monday, you cool dude. “It looks like the sun, but it’s the fire from the rocket. SpaceX uses a launch pad from Kennedy Space Center — which is about 15 miles from the beach that we Read more about The coolest person here…[…]
Love drunk π
Morning everyone! π Yesterday some good friends of mine got married!!! And I had the honor of officiating the wedding! (I’ll share pics and my ceremony script soon if y’all are interested :)). Anyway, maybe it’s the sappy wedding vibes (or maybe i’m still drunk from last night) but I’ve been thinking a lot lately… Read more about Love drunk π[…]
Ditching negative thoughts (and keeping good ones!)
Did you know… You can get rid of your negative thoughts by writing them down onto a piece of paper, then ripping that paper up and throwing it in the trash? It’s true. A bunch of studies prove that turning our thoughts into material objects —> increases or decreases our mental impact depending on what Read more about Ditching negative thoughts (and keeping good ones!)[…]
I am an idiot #15, #16 & #17 π
Yesterday I spent 20 mins walking around looking for my phone. β-> it was in my pocket. π€¦π»ββοΈ Last week I washed and dried a massive basket of laundry β-> When my wife got home she said all those clothes was already clean, I washed them again for no reason. π© The other day I Read more about I am an idiot #15, #16 & #17 π[…]
Life is messy (and that’s OK!)
I used to be a clean freak about my car… π Always kept it tidy, vacuumed the inside, made it smell good, etc. But… Then I got a kid. A messy kid. A kid who travels with handfuls of toys, snacks, books, spare clothes, and all types of other crap that messies a car. Now Read more about Life is messy (and that’s OK!)[…]
A wish for your week ahead
May your week be both focused and impactful, a combination of smashing your to-do list while having the most fun you can along the way. May you remember your boundaries, protecting your flame so you’re in the best position to help others. May you stay positive and optimistic, celebrating when new opportunities fall in your Read more about A wish for your week ahead[…]
Friday affirmations βοΈ
I am capable (actually MORE than capable) of finishing all my tasks on time today. β My work stuff today directly contributes to the awesome life I’m building for me and my family. π¨βπ©βπ¦ I will attract positive people and situations today (and leave a positive wake for others) π My superpower is ___________ and Read more about Friday affirmations βοΈ[…]
An apple a day π
Did you knowβ¦ eating more fruits and vegetables will actually make you happier? ππ₯¦π₯ Itβs true! (well, maybe)β¦ A recent study conducted with over 12,000 Australian adults found that consuming more fruits and vegetables boosted their happiness, life satisfaction, and overall well-being. Woohoo! Butβ¦ since the study was conducted in Australia, and Australians are mostly Read more about An apple a day π[…]
Tell me something good…
Tell me something good about your boss: He’s funny and always jokes. When we get off the phone I always feel in a lighter mood and he always asks about my family/home life! Tell me something good about your neighborhood: My street has no driveways, which means kids can run or bike up and down Read more about Tell me something good…[…]
100 days until Christmas! (This Friday)
Yep, this Friday marks 100 days until Dec 25th… But the reason Iβm letting you know a few days early is to give you time to prepareΒ the best gift everΒ for someone you love. All you need is a notebook π and a pencil βοΈ 1) Starting this Friday, write one tiny little love note on Read more about 100 days until Christmas! (This Friday)[…]
The Platinum Rule
You probably know the Golden Rule (treat others how you want to be treated)… but have you ever heard of the Platinum Rule? It’s: Treat others how they want to be treated. It’s a subtle difference, but a huge one because it requires willingness to learn the other people’s situation before speaking and acting. Assuming Read more about The Platinum Rule[…]
Lucky little puppy
Yesterday I found a lost puppy! This poor little guy was in the Trader Joes parking lot, belly covered in fleas and had an infected eye :(. Luckily I had a spare towel in my car, gloves, and the animal shelter was only a 5 min drive away. The shelter worker scanned his back and Read more about Lucky little puppy[…]
petΒ·riΒ·chor βοΈ
Morning peeps, happy saturday! Learned a new word this week… “Petrichor”. It means: a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. We’ve had a brutal heat wave the past couple weeks in California, but last night it bucketed rain all night and this morning smells like Read more about petΒ·riΒ·chor βοΈ[…]
Good things take time
The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit” π I love this quote. It can also be translated into… π “The day you invest the money is not the day you become a millionaire” or…. “The day you impress your boss is not the day you get the promotion” Read more about Good things take time[…]
Reminder: Be yourself today
Have you ever met someone at a party and after 20 minutes of chatting to them you still have no clue who they are and what they really do? Surface-level people can be irritating — even if they seem kind of interesting, you can never quite trust them because something feels hidden. What about the Read more about Reminder: Be yourself today[…]
Cheers to you, and me π»
Musicians donβt retire. They stop when theyβve got no more music in them.β β Louis Armstrong I donβt know about you guys, but thereβs plenty of music left in me. Happy Labor Day everyone. Cheers to all your hard work. – Joel Last nights sunset in Ventura, California
Do good stuff —> Expect good stuff.
One day, a boy and a girl were playing in the park. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had a big bag of candy. The boy offered a trade… All his marbles in exchange for the girl’s entire bag of candy. The girl agreed and they shook hands. The girl handed over Read more about Do good stuff —> Expect good stuff.[…]
Less is more? π€·ββοΈ
This weekend: Less is more! (unless it’s kindness, love, laughing, intimacy, compassion, generosity, happiness, creativity, fun activities, sunshine….) Hang on a sec, I change my mind: More is more! Wishing you a great weekend, packing it with stuff you love. π Love, Joel “There was no one here at 6am” — From my buddy Cullen Read more about Less is more? π€·ββοΈ[…]
You’re getting closer
Happy Thursday!!! Today you are one step closer to tΜΆhΜΆeΜΆ ΜΆwΜΆeΜΆeΜΆkΜΆeΜΆnΜΆdΜΆ your goals! So work hard, focus on what matters, and remember you are capable of building anything you want in life. πͺπͺπͺ – Joel “We did that team relay race this past weekend that I was telling you about (Ragnar Rainier). Pic from the Read more about You’re getting closer[…]
Wednesday Interlude π€
Good morning everyone! Today is Wednesday. And tomorrow, it will not be Wednesday. A week from now, we’ll be in September. A few months from now, we’ll have freezing cold weather. A few years from now, we’ll have changed jobs, our kids will be much older and other big life changes. A few decades from Read more about Wednesday Interlude π€[…]
Be the change
T oday you are a leader. Never U nderestimate your influence on E veryone around you. There’s a S hortage of amiability in this D ay and age. So be kind, helpful, A nd be the type of change Y ou want to see in this world. Happy Tuesday. – Joel “Greetings from Maui” — Read more about Be the change[…]
Monday ‘tude
Mindset (noun) The established set of attitudes held by someone; the driving force in the quest for success and achievement. “It’s a tough day, but I can get through anything with the right mindset” ***** Happy Monday, y’all! Get your head right before tackling your stuff today. πͺ – Joel Walked past these beautiful flowers Read more about Monday ‘tude[…]
Happy NO Day
This weekend is full of NOs… No rushing π§ββοΈ No uniforms π§’ No meetings π No stress π No bed time or alarm clock π€ Wishing you a relaxing weekend, saying No to the stuff you don’t want to do and Yes to the stuff you’re looking forward to! You’ve earned it. – Joel A Read more about Happy NO Day[…]
Surfing on top of your problems πββοΈ
“The minute you start seeing your obstacles as things that are made for you, to give you what you need, then life starts to get fun, right? You start surfing on top of your problems instead of living underneath them,” – Ashton Kutcher Happy Friday, positive people!! Today’s reminder: The problems you’re dealing with currently Read more about Surfing on top of your problems πββοΈ[…]
Happy is the person who has a friend
I just learned that today is “National Kiss and Make Up Day” Kind of fitting for a quote someone sent me yesterday: Happy is the person who has a friend. Happier is the person who is a friend. Happiest is the person who has a friend and is a friend. – Fred Lowrey With today’s Read more about Happy is the person who has a friend[…]
Maybe I’m the dumb one?
I’ve got a dumb meeting today with a dumb person about a dumb thing. Grrr… π© Actually, the person i’m meeting with isn’t really dumb…. They’re actually quite nice, I’m just grumpy because it’s not convenient for me today. And actually, now that I think about it, the meeting isnβt dumb eitherβ¦ It has to Read more about Maybe I’m the dumb one?[…]
What’s the second right answer?
Here’s a cool little trick to help you think outside the box more… When problem solving, ask yourself: “What’s the second right answer?” This removes the idea that there is 1 perfect solution to every problem, and gets you thinking more creatively. (If you remove sun, you can see the evening stars) Today: Challenge your Read more about What’s the second right answer?[…]
Knee deep in shhh…
You may be knee deep, trudging through crappy problems this week… But remember, there are other people out there going through similar issues who are absolutely drowning inside. This week: Be considerate. Help others if you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it! Happy Monday! Go get ’em. – Read more about Knee deep in shhh…[…]
Fun stuff from you guys π
Morning everyone!!! βοΈ It makes me really happy reading the fun little things happening in your lives. Sharing these stories along is fun too — they add just a little bit of cheer to people’s day. Anyway, THANK YOU for your email replies π₯° Here’s a few things people are celebrating this weekend… ***** “I Read more about Fun stuff from you guys π[…]
Friday celebrations! π
Woot woot! It’s Friday and there’s lot’s to celebrate. Here’s a few things going on in my world… Today is the 6th month mark for me being a Dad! πββοΈ Thanks to LAUSD, both my wife and kid get free lunches at their schools this entire year! π Had a great call with my bosses Read more about Friday celebrations! π[…]
Just another day?
Another day to get stuff done Another day to prove yourself Another day to learn cool stuff Another day to course-correct And build your awesome dream life It’s not “just another day”. It’s “ANOTHER DAY! Woohoo π₯³ π” So make it a good one, – Joel From Eric B — “Visiting Carolina Beach North Carolina Read more about Just another day?[…]
Someone like you π«΅
Your smile is unique. π Nobody smiles like you and that makes a difference in this world. The way you talk is unique. πββοΈ You deliver words differently than others and that makes a difference in this world. Your actions are unique. π When you do kind stuff it makes a difference in this world. Read more about Someone like you π«΅[…]
Negativity = unproductive
βI do not recall a time when negativity fixed anythingβ – @klinknt If you come across any negativity today, you can either a) join in, foster it, stoke the fire and solve nothingβ¦ or b) squash it, rise above it, extinguish it and move on with your awesome life. (pssst! π€« Choose option Bβ¦ Youβll Read more about Negativity = unproductive[…]
Summer is just beginning!
My friend said yesterday… “It’s sad that today is the last day of summer. The kids go back to school tomorrow and there’s only 4 months until year 2023”. Whoa! I mean, yes that’s technically true according to clocks and calendars… But just because summer is ending it doesn’t mean the fun has to end!! Read more about Summer is just beginning![…]
Gifts from the universe
Yesterday morning, I was about to buy a new coffee pot online (ours broke), when suddenly my neighbor just showed up and gave me a spare coffee machine they had lying around (it’s a nice one too!) βοΈ Then around midday, I was pulling out of the garage when I noticed a guy dumping a Read more about Gifts from the universe[…]
Life is like a mirror
Life is like a mirror — Smile at it, and it smiles back at you. ***** Today, try and approach everything you do with a happy and positive outlook. The universe has a funny way of giving you happy and positive experiences in return. Happy Wednesday! A great day to build a great day! – Read more about Life is like a mirror[…]
We are all made of stardust
I stayed up way too late last night… Everything started out fine — I was in bed at 9pm and tired and stuff. But then I accidentally stumbled across a news article on my phone about how humans are all made of stardust. Then that led to an interesting Ted Talk video. Then another one Read more about We are all made of stardust[…]
Today’s happiness forecast… π¨πΌβπ«
Well hello there everybody this is 5am Joel with your monday morning happiness forecast… π¨πΌβπ« Today will be mostly awesome with a chance of brilliant. We’ve got a 90% chance of yummy coffee to begin the day, followed by a wave of productivity, energy and optimism. Good vibes will roll in around mid-morning, spurring tranquility Read more about Today’s happiness forecast… π¨πΌβπ«[…]
RIP Joe OβLeary πͺ¦
Yesterday I got this email alert from Google π (I’m not sure why I got this — I must have set up a search alert for my name years ago — I’ve never received a single alert since) Anyway, seeing my (almost) name next to an obituary was kind of frightening. A reminder that life Read more about RIP Joe OβLeary πͺ¦[…]
Gratitude all round
If you have a roof over your head right now, look up and say “Thank you mr. roof! You are awesome!” If you have food in your fridge right now, open it up and say “Good morning delicious foods, I can’t wait to eat you later!” If you have money in your purse… “Hello coins Read more about Gratitude all round[…]
Stop me from doing something dumb
I have a scathing email sitting in my draft folder right now… I wrote it yesterday but never hit send. π It’s emotional, scornful, and no good will come from it. But, I still kind of want to sent it!!… (Because honestly I feel helpless and bullied and am having a really hard time getting Read more about Stop me from doing something dumb[…]
Less complaining & more *doing something about it*
βI love to walk regularly, and I used to complain to myself about all the garbage I saw everywhere while walking. Then one day I said: I could do something different, I could be thankful that I have legs to walk, hands that move and a body that can bend. I could pick up the Read more about Less complaining & more *doing something about it*[…]
Happy endings π
You can’t control how this week started. Monday and Tuesday are gone. But you *can* control how this week ends. Today, Thursday and Friday are what you make it. So make it GOOD! Wishing you all happy endings (to the week) π – Joel A pillow fort I made yesterday for my nephews. It lasted Read more about Happy endings π[…]
Your blind spots
Someone gave me some feedback recently… They asked me to “try to smile more and have a positive look” (when dropping my kid off at school in the morning). Tbh I was pretty shocked to hear this! I thought I already was a smiley and positive dude, especially around kids. But apparently not enough! Then Read more about Your blind spots[…]
A crisp $100 bill π΅
A professor stood up in front of the class holding up a brand new crisp $100 bill. He said, “who wants this?” The entire class raised their hands. Then the professor scrunched up the money in his hand, creasing and folding it all over. He asked again, “who wants it now?” Everyone still raised their Read more about A crisp $100 bill π΅[…]
You deserve a day off
Did you know… The human body creates ~330 Billion new cells every day? π€― That’s 3.8 Million new cells every second! Your body is constantly growing, healing, adapting, repairing itself, shedding bad stuff and generating new stuff. That’s a lot of hard work, you being you! And since you’re working so hard every second of Read more about You deserve a day off[…]
Solar Therapy π€
It rises, a glorious sun, if one can sit quite long enough, Seeing it, one feels… now I have everything, everything I could ever want. ~ Hafiz ***** Woot woot! It’s FRIDAY!!! And now after reading this poem my plan is to sit and look at the sun all day long! (well, not look directly Read more about Solar Therapy π€[…]
TSA Lost and Found π
I did something dumb last week… I accidentally left my Apple Earbuds at the TSA checkpoint at LAX airport. π’ I must have been so flustered before our flight that I forgot to doublecheck those plastic bin thingys after going through security. Bugger! 100 bucks down the drain! It sucks when that happens. Puts a Read more about TSA Lost and Found π[…]