This morning, while I was making breakfast for Silas, a thought entered my mind, “I wonder if people understand WHY I write the Daily Notes, record AlignedLife, write more on the AlignedLife blog, create videos, and give talks about the Authentic Life?” I’m not sure. I then thought to my Self, “Why do I?” I asked this not because I don’t know the answer, but just as a reminder that my why is not business-related; my business is tertiary behind self-expression and helping others–it’s the...
1 day ago • 3 min read
“You don’t need more books, you need the courage to apply what you already know.” - Mohit Panchal As an avid collector of books, I know that more books won’t move the needle on my ability to keep evolving and living my Authentic Life. Don’t make the mistake of believing that a new book is going to be the final thing you need to begin making the changes you want to make or find the answers you seek–it might give you some inspiration, present some new ideas, or give you a framework to try, but...
3 days ago • 1 min read
I don’t ever remember being told how important my network would be in life. I was always taught to treat people with respect, always do the right thing, and stand up for those being targeted or picked on. Basically, the Golden Rule was reinforced by what my parents taught me and what I observed of them. But it was never stressed that by doing this I’d find my Self with a network of people treating me the same way, advocating for my success, and being willing to do their part to help me...
3 days ago • 1 min read
“The world will never be a better place if no one is brave enough to do the right thing.” -Judy Hopps, Zootopia 2 We went and saw Zootopia 2 last weekend. I forgot about this quote I put into my Notes on my phone to revisit until yesterday, when I was outlining what was supposed to be yesterday’s Daily Note–I didn’t get to write it because of an unusually full day that started earlier than usual at the orthodontist. When I read waiting for Leo to get imaging for his next round of braces...
5 days ago • 1 min read
“You are your own teacher. Investigate yourself to find the truth–inside, not outside. Knowing yourself is most important.” -Ajahn Chah When seeking your Authentic Life, all the answers you need lie within. See you tomorrow and keep pursuing, JC
7 days ago • 1 min read
To me, the most significant “obstacle” for the Authentic Life is the lack of fairness in the world. I will never deny that we don’t all have the same resources, opportunities, influences, examples, and circumstances–many of us don’t really have much say in those that we do have, at least not from where we start. We are born into a set of circumstances that greatly influences our perspective of life, ultimately shaping our reality. Knowing that of all the possible hands that could have been...
8 days ago • 3 min read
I hope you had a great week! My video team has been working through a handful of podcast episodes, and this week I released an episode I've been so excited to share with my friend Lindsay Troxell--I'm already looking for her return in about six months. Check out "Stop Living In Your Head (And Start Feeling Your Body). You can check that episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify Oh, and if you're a Spotify listener, be sure to check out the video version on Spotify now. I went back and updated a...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Last night we watched John Cena’s last WWE match, and like everyone in the stadium or watching at home, we were in shock as we watched Cena tap out while being held in a sleeper hold. The legend whose motto is “Never Give Up” appeared to give up–and in the initial moments of the tapout, I missed the poetic ending of John Cena’s career. But the truth is, he didn’t give up. If you haven’t seen the ending, as he lay in the ring with his opponent’s arms wrapped around him, trying to put him to...
8 days ago • 2 min read
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to travel to Baltimore to lead a conversation with an outstanding group of men about aligning finances with their Authentic Lives. I was encouraged by many things, but one thing that stood out to me was that most of the men had decided to define success for themselves rather than chase it as others defined it. Then I listened to a podcast for financial advisors this morning where my friend Khe Hy was a guest. He discussed with the host, another friend...
9 days ago • 1 min read