A Couple of Feet in Either Direction

In February 2013, on the way home from my best friend's wedding in St. Lucia, a tractor hit our bus a couple of feet from the passenger cabin. The truck driver who caused it did not survive. Five years later, lightning hit our house while we were inside. Ten years later, I lost the friend whose wedding put me on that bus. This is an essay about the near misses we see, the far greater number we never hear about, and why surviving does not mean you were chosen, but does leave you with a choice.

We Don’t Talk About the Weather

Reflecting on a deep friendship with Chad, emphasizing that meaningful conversations focused on significant ideas and honesty overshadowed trivial topics like the weather. I try to highlight the importance of genuine connections that enhance personal growth and urge readers to prioritize substantial discussions over small talk, reinforcing that vital conversations require intentionality.

The Chad Balance: Having No Opinion vs. Being The Adult In The Room

This essay introduces the idea of “The Chad Balance,” the delicate line between Stoic restraint and adult responsibility. Inspired by my late best friend Chad Lewis, it explores how wisdom often means having no opinion on most things, while still having the courage to speak clearly when truth, reason, or leadership is required. In a world that pressures everyone to comment on everything, the real challenge is knowing when silence is wisdom and when a grown-up needs to step forward and say the obvious thing others are afraid to say.

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.

Areté: Unlocking Your Heroic Potential – A Must-Read for Self-Actualization

Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or anyone striving to live more intentionally, "Areté" offers a roadmap for becoming the hero of your own life story.

Life Lessons from ‘The Gambler’: A Lyrical Journey

Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler" serves as a profound metaphor for life's journey, imparting wisdom on knowing when to hold onto our choices or let them go, recognizing the importance of understanding the rules of our endeavors, and finding value in every experience. It reminds us that life, much like a card game, is not about the hand we're dealt but how we play it—with the song's advice acting as a guide for navigating the complexities of life with courage and integrity.

Eulogizing Chad Thomas Lewis, Ironton, Ohio & New York City

Losing my best friend is by far the worst pain I have ever felt. I hope that my thoughts on loss may help anyone dealing with loss. I start over every day.