On The Fly

In this episode,  Beyond the Post-it Notes: Finding the Anam Cara . . .  Last week, when I arrived at Dr. Don’s home to help him with computer issues and our biweekly lunch, I found myself reflecting on the wide range of topics we always discuss. We connect as if we’ve been friends for years, even though he’s 92 and I’m 68. It’s funny—during our conversations, age seems to disappear. As we reviewed his list of computer questions on his Post-it notes, he surprised me by handing me a book. "Here, I want you to have this book," he said, his expression resembling that of someone offering something precious or secret. Later that day, I found myself engrossed in its pages. The book is "Anam Cara" by John O'Donohue. For weeks, I had noticed it on his desk and felt curious, yet I had no idea what I would discover inside. Right from the very first chapter, "The Mystery of Friendship," this book beautifully captures a feeling I experienced in that moment with Dr...

Podcast – A New World of Hope . . . "Books are filled with ideas, and it's ideas that shape our lives." Sometimes, a book captures your imagination, motivates you to act, and fulfills a desire hidden deep within your soul. Let me introduce you to an author and his most recent novel that I just finished reading. But before I do, allow me to set the stage for how unforeseen pivotal moments can unexpectedly touch your life for the better. In hindsight, one of those moments was an invitation to join a local writer's group after my early retirement from GIA in 2014. It was during that experience I met and came to know Don Hanley, Ph.D. A former Catholic Priest who left the ministry to marry. Don earned a doctorate in psychology and has worked as a psychotherapist, graduate school professor, and counseling supervisor. His writings include professional articles and booklets, three novels, and he is currently working on a fourth. Don lives in northern San Diego County. During...

In this episode - See You At the Top . . .   "You can get everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want." Do you believe that? If not, why not? This quote comes from the book See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar, first published in July 1974. While poking around in my library looking for something to share with you, I came across this old book. My book is copyrighted in March 1987 (Forty-first printing), still has its worn dust jacket, has been thumbed through my times, and is highlighted throughout the pages with a RED pen. I can hear you saying, "So, what's the BIG deal?" The deal is this, "Man was designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness." In today's hectic world of instant gratification, I'm reminded of the importance of building a life one success at a time. And it was this book back in 1987 that changed my life for the better when I finally understood - ...