When I focus on creating myself, my quality of life improves. — When I approach my life as a creative process, I tend to be more productive, tolerant and confident. For me, a creative life process is one in which, as a practical matter, I assume that I am only able to control my own actions, that other people can only control…

How my wife taught me what it means to be brave. — In 2018, I was painfully immersed in politics. At that time, 24-hour news and political commentary in general was all focused on Donald Trump and his outrageous antics. It seemed like he had taken the pulse and read the psyche of the American public — in an almost freakish manner…

A poem. — Projection hues and shared, pastoral harmonies resonate and glow amber memories of infancy. Will you sing? The immortal enchantments ‘round cabin stoves that rose up perpetually, like smoke-woven nimbus bards, showered tradition on our families. Will you rest? Centuries of droplets that settled wide eyes bond us ‘cross oceans, conjuring a…

A poem. — The moon triggers ancient worship in the soul of your eternal curiosity. It goes unnoticed for most of us. But your eyes howl with admiration when it rises bright in the black sky or fades white in blue day. Or they look longingly, “Oh no!” when your lunar mind sparks …

Stream of consciousness — — Self-discovery is a process that continues to amaze me on a daily basis. I am not the person I was a week ago, and I assume I will be a different person a week from now. When I have a new insight into how I want to live, the work…

Do you want to survive or thrive in your work life? There are days when we go to work and everything falls into place. We feel energetic and motivated; Our coworkers seem happy to see us; Our clients spend money freely and they don’t return anything or complain about anything. We love those days! But those days are not every day…

A Poem of Loss. — A pelican on a desolate isle Flailed before a dune. The tide would be upon him —  Right on time and much too soon. He ripped his wings against the air Beyond their natural span. As if they would soon tear away From his body to the sand. He leapt…

Smith Reveals Self-Awareness, Growth and Perseverance in New Book — “He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” — Thomas Paine There is a famous scene in Howard Stern’s “Private Parts” when Paul Giamatti, who played a loose-cannon, radio station executive, nearly exploded when he learned that Howard’s ratings were exceptional. “If they hate him, why do they listen?” he…

Writers must find a balance between staying true to themselves and engaging their audience. — To maximize the effectiveness of my writing, I strongly consider my audience when I write. Depending on the platform, I employ different rhetorical and compositional devices that I believe will be the most impactful. The difficulty is in balancing my audience’s needs with my own, especially as it relates to…