Much has changed. While living abroad for eight years, my family stopped recognizing American holidays. I viewed the occasions as capitalistic schemes to boost the economy. They aided the status quo while keeping the most vulnerable populations poor. I laughed at the plot.   While I still find many of the dominant holidays silly and materialistic, I have softened my stance. Last week, my children celebrated Halloween for the first time. My oldest is almost fifteen and a fresh

We know exercise has physical and mental benefits, yet it remains a challenge for many of us to prioritize. Between assignments, appointments, and annoyances, it’s difficult to find time for working out. A 2022 study reports that 28% of adults in America meet the physical activity marks to support aerobic and anaerobic fitness. The lure of watching TV, scrolling on social media, drinking, eating fast food, or smoking to offset the responsibilities of home and work is strong.

For two months, I’ve withheld sins. I’m not Catholic, so I can’t go to a priest. I’ve prayed, meditated, and exercised, but the feelings...

Minutes before my family left for vacation, we stopped in one of the airport’s electronic stores. My youngest wanted a pair of headphones. While he browsed the overpriced gadgets, a salesperson talked to me. He asked, “Where you headed?” “Chicago,” I replied. “Is that home for you?” “Um, something like that. We were born there but…”  “Oh, I get it. You’ve moved away, and it no longer feels like home.” The salesperson finished my sentence. I smiled and nodded as my son asked a

We touch a dangerous element every time we choose to swim. It’s not an idea we want floating in our heads when swimming in ponds, pools,...

“Slow down so your soul can catch up.” I read the advertisement for a “Wine and Spirits” store as I jogged towards Bahamas Street. The phrase made me smile as I shifted paces and contemplated the message We often rush through life without savoring the small, meaningful moments. Meditation and reflection are critical tools for sustainable leadership success. Hours before my run along Bakersfield, California’s blocks and parkways, I stood in a classroom with student leaders at

Forty minutes before the train departed, I arrived at the Sacramento Valley Station. Everything online told me thirty minutes or less was enough time to board the Amtrak line to Hayward. The Uber driver dropped me at the curb at 11:15 AM for an 11:55 AM train. I pulled open the heavy glass door and surveyed the lobby. The waiting area mirrored a scene from an old Western movie. I sat on a long wooden bench and waited for further instructions. No announcement came on the inter

What would happen if you went outdoors without a shirt on a winter day in Chicago? Depending on your gender, you might get arrested. Stay outside long enough without the police, and you will freeze. The temperatures drop below zero every year. For people in the Midwest, that freeze is not new, but it remains difficult to accept. When I complain about being cold, people often say, “Are you from Chicago?” "Yes, but I still get cold," is how I usually respond. It's human nature

If you follow basketball, then you know what happened last week. If you ate more than your share of barbeque on the 4th or drank too much...

What scares you? Clowns are at the top of some lists. Seeing Trump in office despite 34 guilty counts is also a concern for many. I've...

I took two glances at the WhatsApp message. "Did I read that correctly?" I asked myself. “Save the Date: October 11-14, Sandals...

How do you handle time off? Perhaps that's a ridiculous question because you don't take breaks or vacations. Maybe resting is what you...

Is there anything in your life that you need to revisit? After Brandon Johnson's historic election to Chicago's mayoral office, I feel...

How do you restore your strength after class? Do you return to the office for a few minutes? Perhaps, you go to the bathroom or recover...

Do you have any fitness goals? Is 2023 your year to lose weight and gain muscle? January is a prime time to take the first steps toward...

The human body does not release toxins through its pores. Sweat is the ingenious way we cool off when temperatures rise or exert...

Last Sunday morning, the dog barked at two ladies on the road outside our house. The walkers started the week with a few good steps...

Do you run? If you are non-disabled, you can run. Today, you may not be able to run far or fast, but you can move a tad more quickly than...

How do you prepare for a classroom lecture, meeting presentation, or another form of a speaking engagement? I've thought more about my...

What problems are you facing today? If all is well with you, take a few moments to be grateful. It’s also important to realize that...