Tag: life

The Ripples of Words: Finding My Mantra Quoted In The Wild

A simple mantra I wrote years ago—“Remember where you came from, appreciate where you are, focus on where you’re going”—has traveled farther than I ever imagined, quoted by strangers, schools, and friends. I share the humbling experience of seeing my words echoed in the world, along with the deeply personal memory of my late mother gifting me a carved plaque of the mantra on my 30th birthday. A reminder that our words ripple outward, sometimes in ways we’ll never fully see.

Most Things Deserve No Opinion

Most things deserve no opinion. Marcus Aurelius reminded us that we always own the option of having no opinion—a superpower in an age addicted to hot takes. Why waste energy pretending to know or care about everything? Clarity often comes not from saying more, but from saying nothing at all.

The Fisherman and the CEO: Perspective on Life

A wealthy CEO meets a humble fisherman in a remote village and offers a grand plan for scaling his life into something “bigger.” But with each step, the fisherman asks, “And then what?”—until it becomes clear: the life the CEO is chasing is the one the fisherman already lives. A timeless reminder to question what we’re really working toward.

Breakfast with a Legend – and the Letter That Proved It. John Wooden Meets My Dad.

Breakfast with a legend: In 1986 my dad struck up an impromptu, hours-long breakfast with Coach John Wooden—then received a handwritten thank-you note and signed Pyramid of Success as proof that kindness leaves a paper trail. This Father’s Day we framed the relic, honoring the quiet greatness of both men.

Eulogizing Esther M. Tatalo Nicastro, My Mom

Reflecting on the profound loss of mom, Esther M. Tatalo Nicastro, eulogizing her as a kind, loving presence. Through grief, we honor her legacy of love and connection with everyone she knew.

The Superpower of Paying Attention: A Note to Parents with Their Heads Down

Most parents don’t realize they’re giving up a superpower—the power of presence. At my daughter’s gymnastics class, 23 out of 28 parents were glued to their phones. If that’s your default, you’ll blink and miss a decade of your child’s life. This essay isn’t about judgment—it’s a wake-up call. Try putting your phone away. Watch. Listen. Be there. It changes everything.

Prompt Your Beliefs to Death (If They Can Survive, They’re Worth Keeping)

Most people don’t fear being wrong — they fear admitting that what they’ve believed for decades may never have been true. This essay is about confronting that fear with curiosity instead of ego. It’s about using AI not to confirm what you already think, but to challenge your assumptions, push against your blind spots, and exit the echo chamber you didn’t even realize you were in. Prompt wisely — it might just change everything.

Royalty: A Man-Made Myth We Should Outgrow

Royalty is an outdated construct that elevates a few based on bloodlines while undermining the equality of humanity. It relies on outdated beliefs similar to theology, fostering inequality. Challenging this notion is essential for a fair, merit-based society. We must reject royalty and recognize all individuals as equal, deserving of respect based on merit.

The Pool’s Over: A Parenting Truth

Highlighting how stages of parenting, both joyous and challenging, come to an end unexpectedly. This realization encourages mindfulness and appreciation of fleeting moments, emphasizing that every aspect of parenthood has a definitive conclusion that should be cherished while it lasts.

Discrimination Must Be A Two Way Street

I argue against government intervention in anti-discrimination laws, suggesting that everyday consumer choices reflect rational discrimination. I posit that the free market, rather than legislation, would address issues of discrimination naturally. Businesses that discriminate would face market consequences, promoting equilibrium through consumer choice without government oversight.