Category: Inspiration

  • Preemptive Love Remakes the World

    Violence unmakes the world. So does fear of violence. It’s interesting that while most of us live in relative safety, we are easily drawn into fear, distrust, and protecting what’s ours. While fear, suspicion, and mistrust abound, a brave few show us that there’s a better way. “Preemptive love unmakes violence and remakes the world…

  • Les Misérables and the Dream

    Last night we watched the new Les Misérables film. Though my mom had read the novel to me as a kid, I realized I’d forgotten most of this 19th century classic. A story of slavery, redemption and love, it’s a moving story, to say the least. It speaks to the often-forgotten dream that’s been planted…

  • Fetch and the Fear of Missing Out

    Growing up we had an energetic Cocker Spaniel named Gus who loved playing fetch. He would chase down slobber-soaked tennis balls for what seemed like hours. When I would throw one ball, he would race to retrieve it. But when I wanted to have some fun I would throw two balls. Instead of running to…

  • Death and Margins

    There is a period after a particularly audacious product ships that feels a lot like being dead. – Seth Godin, Gape into the Void Podcast episode 9 The opportunity these days to avoid being bored is incredible. We live in an “always on” culture, with a world of information at our fingertips and the possibility…

  • The Work is the Reward

    I just try to warn people who hope to get published that publication is not all that its cracked up to be. But writing is. Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do – the actual act of writing – turns…

  • Living the Dream

    Chances are you already are. We had another school group tour our office the other day. I love it. Meandering in and out of our our well-worn daily routines and tasks, these six-year-olds brought the magic back. The wide-eyed curiosity and wonder of a group of six-year-olds is contagious. In explaining my graphic design work,…

  • What Sushi Can Teach Us About Mastery

    We all want to be great at what we do. In his book “Drive”, Dan Pink says that one of 3 main motivators for people at work is Mastery: the pursuit of becoming great at a particular craft or skill. I love the word “mastery”. More than “talent” or “anointing,” the word “mastery” points to…

  • Loans That Change the World

    Loans That Change the World

    If you’ve ever gone on a missions trip, or even gone on vacation to a poorer country, there’s no doubt you’ve encountered situations that made you ask uncomfortable questions about wealth, poverty, and how you can help. Poverty is not an easy thing to come face-to-face with, and it’s also difficult to understand the best…

  • My December Podcast Playlist

    My December Podcast Playlist

    During the winter months it has become my routine to walk to work. Though it might not be considered efficient, it gives me up to 40 minutes/day of “margin space” to slow down, get some fresh air, and learn. Lately I’ve been exploring some new podcasts, and would like to share a few that I’ve…

  • Three Lessons from The Accidental Creative

    I recently finished reading Todd Henry’s “The Accidental Creative” (check out an earlier post about the book), which has amazing insights and suggestions for developing sustainable creativity. If you’re paid for your creativity (that’s most of us), this book is for you. Here are three lessons that I’ve been putting to action already. 1. Take…