The Rules Nobody Taught Us I recently came across an idea that changed the way I think about conversation. Philosopher Paul Grice explained that people usually expect certain things when they talk. We expect others to be truthful, give enough information, stay on the subject, and speak clearly. Nobody formally teaches us these rules, yet
When the Answer Is Not Really the Answer Read More »
Come to Me as You Are If I am looking for true love, I believe I should show up as myself. Too many people begin relationships by performing. They dress differently, hide habits, and become what they think the other person wants. Then later they wonder why they are not understood. Real love needs honesty
Love Me as I Am, or Leave Me Alone Read More »
“Don’t Try to Do That” After Team USA defeated France 97–79 to win the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, a reporter asked Caitlin Clark whether she and Angel Reese were friends “now.” Clark quickly answered that they had always been friends and told him not to try to create something that was not there. I
Sometimes the Rivalry Belongs to Everybody Except the Players Read More »
What “Loser Blindness” Really Means I heard someone use the phrase “loser blindness,” and although it sounded harsh, the idea made sense. If everyone around you is struggling in similar ways, your own situation may not seem serious. You can be falling behind and still feel successful because someone near you is doing worse. That
When the Bar Around You Is Too Low Read More »
She Went Back for Her Husband Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849, but freedom did not make her forget the husband she left behind. In 1851, she returned hoping John Tubman would leave with her. Accounts say she even brought him a new suit, imagining they might begin a new life together. Instead,
There Was No Safe Room Read More »
Fame Is Not the Problem I do not believe there is anything wrong with success, money, fame, or prosperity. The problem begins when those things become the source of our identity. Money can disappear, attention can fade, and positions can change. If my worth depends on what people think of me, I can lose myself
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When Help Goes On Too Long I heard a preacher tell a story about a man who came to the church with almost nothing. The preacher helped him with food, family needs, and even the education of his children. For years, the family received meals and support from the church. At first, it sounded like
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The Body Is Always Working Most of us do not think about the immune system until someone gets sick. But it is working every day, responding to viruses, bacteria, damaged cells, and other threats. Much of this happens without any conscious effort from us. We do not have to tell the body what to do.
The Quiet Intelligence Within Us Read More »
Seven Months In Seven months into the war with Iran, I heard someone say that Congress had finally discovered Congress. I understood the frustration. On September 15, 2026, the House voted 220–204 to direct the president to remove American forces from hostilities with Iran unless Congress authorized the fighting. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting
When Congress Finally Uses Its Power Read More »
What We Teach Before We Say a Word Children learn from watching us long before they understand everything we tell them. They notice how we handle stress, anger, fear, and quiet moments. If they see us making room for stillness, they learn that silence does not have to feel empty or uncomfortable. Home becomes their
Teaching Children How to Find the Quiet Within Read More »