I’ve been wanting to write something along the lines of today’s Note for a while now. There are headlines I see all the time, especially since I’m in the world of finance, that contain some truths but also carry a negative, limiting, scarcity mindset and a controlling undertone: “Gen-Z And Millennials Can’t Afford Homes” “Why Millennials Are Facing The Scariest Financial Future Of Any Generation Since The Great Depression.” “The Data Is In: Gen Z Face A More Competitive Job Market Than Their...
1 day ago • 3 min read
“Since maintaining a healthy and sound body is among the ways of God – for it is impossible to understand or know anything about the Creator if one is sick – therefore a person must distance oneself from things which harm the body and accustom oneself to things which are healthful and help the body become stronger.” -Hilchot De’ot 4:1 I came across this passage after trying to track down the origin of this quote, “Unless we keep our bodies sound, we can not pursue the life of the soul,” which...
3 days ago • 1 min read
What’s worse, failing or staying stuck? If you’re not feeling stuck, today’s Note isn’t for you—but don’t forget it because at some point you’ll feel “stuck.” If you are feeling stuck, though, think about what you might be giving up by staying. In a recent episode of The AlignedLife Podcast, my friend Ashby Daniels shared something that has stayed with me. As he consulted with people he trusted while considering whether to exit his business, one of his friends asked if his business might not...
4 days ago • 1 min read
I remember towards the end of summer, my wife telling me that she was told that this fall we would not experience the normal beautiful colors of fall–that because of the summer heat and how far into summer it went, the leaves would not go through their normal color change. It’s no secret I love California weather, but I will say that there are a few weeks during the fall when the weather in Indiana is amazing and the scenery is stunning. Leaves change from green to yellows, oranges, and reds...
5 days ago • 2 min read
I hope you had a great weekend! Here's this week's Notes... 📝 this week's Daily Notes 10.08.25 #1006 building wealth through unique gifts and talents 10.13.25 #1007 did you miss me? 10.14.25 #1008 victories for humanity 10.15.25 #1009 breaking open your heart 10.16.25 #1010 a walk and talk with Leo 10.17.25 #1011 loyal friendships 10.18.25 #1012 being your Self Remember, you can catch each of the Daily Notes on the AlignedLife Podcast Monday through Friday!! ✍️ AlignedLife Substack Your...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Eventually, most of us arrive at a similar, if not the same, understanding of life. The best summary of this “understanding” can be found in Bronnie Ware’s Regrets of The Dying: I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. I wish I had let myself be happier. When you begin to understand these regrets and understand what...
5 days ago • 1 min read
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Can you imagine what Emerson would say today? Even more so today is the world try to make you something other than your authentic Self. Do the work to connect with your authentic Self.Tune out the noise.Find the version of your Self that you were created to be.Everything will be what it is supposed to be. See you tomorrow and keep pursuing, JC
6 days ago • 1 min read
“Nothing delights the mind as much as loving and loyal friendships.” -Seneca It’s only fitting that today’s Daily Note ended up getting a last-minute change. This morning, I made a trip into downtown Indianapolis to meet a close friend and his family for breakfast. It was great to finally meet his wife and two boys, and it was even better to have a solid hour and a half to just talk with him. Towards the end of our conversation, we talked about what Seneca reminds us–I did not see this quote...
7 days ago • 1 min read
This week is fall break for the boys. Roman is in Florida with a friend and his family. Ang and Silas are at Disney for a few days. Leo decided to stay home for soccer, and I’d like to think to hang with his dad. This morning, Leo and I walked to our favorite coffee shop for coffee and donuts and had a great conversation on the way there (on the way home was also enjoyable). I asked Leo what he thought he might want to do when he is older, and he gave me the answer I expected: to play soccer....
8 days ago • 2 min read