My life’s present state seems like a study in contrasts. Depending on which expert you cite, with my 40th birthday approaching I am either the first of the Millennials or the last of Generation X. Perhaps that’s why it feels like I am straddling ‘youth’ and ‘midlife’ or, more accurately, occupying them both at the same time.

I wrote this yesterday on my birthday in celebration of Dr. Danny Friedland’s last living day, Saturday. I wrote about Danny in a post earlier in October.

For those who want to draw better, the 1979 published book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain helped generations of art students and the rest of us learn techniques to draw better. (Hint: tips to help get our brain out of the way so that we can “see” the image in a manner that makes it easier to draw).

Socrates, Pablo Picasso, William Shakespeare, and author David Viscott have all had virtually the same deep quote attributed to them: “The purpose of your life is to find your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away” or “The meaning of your life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Many of us struggle with confidence. It’s fascinating to learn that some seemingly small and innocuous words can sabotage our self-esteem and dilute our message. By intentionally choosing our language, we can boost our confidence, and also positively influence the way we come across to others.

"When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw." - Nelson Mandela, crusading against the Apartheid regime in South Africa.

Money is one of the most vexing topics of modern life. Fortunately for us, two of my favorite thought leaders, Richard Rohr and Lynne Twist, both address money from the perspective of its currency or its soul.

“My name is Shawn and if you really really knew me, you would know that I am both ecstatic and terrified to be working with this organization that is rethinking what it means to be an elder.

Many of you who’ve gone through MEA programs are familiar with Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, the famous psychologist who popularized the idea of Flow, a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand that creates almost an ecstatic state.

Investing in joy is an investment in sustainable community health. California can be first in the nation to fight the other epidemic in the news -- loneliness -- by creating a State Department of Joy. Its goal: to actively support and advocate for togetherness, quality human connection, and celebration.