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Technology has a tendency to inflate the composition process.  Because when an artist starts with electronics, they can easily fool themselves into thinking that what they’re working on is better than it really is.  When the songs are buttressed by effects and computers and pedals and samples, they can’t always tell if the core idea is legitimately good, or lavishly produced.  Which doesn’t make the music any less enjoyable….

Tricking myself into feeling that Security, security, security It won’t free me, complete me, make me whole Phase me, amaze me, save my soul Cue the lights Start the dramatic score Glue my knuckles tight Zoom in on my lungs No chicken count Banner waving that Security, security, security It won’t free me, complete me, make me whole Phase me, amaze me, save my soul Cue the lights Start…

The scariest part about asking for help is, we risk sharing something that most people don’t want to share.  That we’re struggling.  That’s why asking for help makes us feel exposed. Because we’re opening up our deepest desires to the world’s scrutiny, rejection, disappointment and, worst of all, indifference.  But as terrifying as it is to swallow our pride, extend our arm, lay down our mask and surrender into…

My favorite movies are the films where not much happens except for life itself.  They simply chronicle the way ordinary time unfolds for people. The characters gently drift down a stream of consciousness with no particular direction in mind, without the mechanics of a plot, a dramatic three act structure, a formal narrative arc, an action packed car chase or a predictably grandiose slow clap crescendo that wraps everything…

Productivity researchers warn us that our inability to execute is a result of external distractions.  Mounting emails, buzzing phones, loudmouth coworkers, unscheduled meetings, internet browsing, chaotic environments, cigarette breaks, unexpected visits, pointless meetings, noisy neighbors and gossipy water cooler conversations.  But while these various demands on our attention can certainly sidetracking, scapegoating them for our inability to ship does a disservice to our growth.  Because it exports responsibility. It…

There’s a headline from a satire magazine that legitimately changed the way I think. The words were just so brutally honest, so perfectly hysterical and so terrifyingly close to home, that they couldn’t help but have a profound impact on my philosophy of life.  Man pathetically waiting for that one email that changes everything.  It was the story of my life. Spending a disproportionate amount of time hoping that…

According to the researchers at the international canine cognition center, dogs can learn up to one thousand words, which is roughly the vocabulary of a human toddler.  What’s interesting is, out of all the words dogs know, there’s one in particular that evokes the strongest response. Treat.  Ask anyone who grew up with a dog, and they’ll confirm that the word treat is a secret code for objects and events…

Saying no can be hard, but hearing no can be even harder. That’s the two way street of healthy relationships. To quote the old playground adage;  If you can’t take it, don’t dish it out.  And so, for every time we courageously stand up for ourselves and declare our values, we must also be equally respectful when people announce theirs. Because growing defensive and becoming angry and pretending the…

Foolish enough  To put my whole heart on show And reveal my feelings to the crowd below Foolish enough To set myself on fire just to keep you warm There are not enough pockets in this uniform One joy point for me Find the love that you can never leave Foolish enough Mankind has always crucified And she burned the depth of the spirit survived Open the door Break…

Boundaries are limits that promote integrity and manifest our values.  And so, the boundary setting process is more than saying what doesn’t feel good, it’s also saying what we need, want, enjoy and like.  That’s why boundaries are worth every bit of time and energy and thought required to set and enforce them. Because they express our acceptance of ourselves as people who have real needs. And that’s not…