Life Slowed Down

A couple years ago, I found myself at the tail end of a series of delays keeping myself from purchasing the new car I had been saving many years for. It wasn't until my hand was forced (R.I.P Sybil the Sable) that I finally pulled the trigger and bought the truck I've been happily driving since. So, why is this experience relevant?

Have you ever found yourself dreaming of a proverbial "new car," only to keep putting off that pursuit because the one you're already driving is good enough? This is the basis of today's episode, what I'm calling the "old-car dilemma."

I discuss what the metaphor of old vs. new car represents, some of the obstacles to getting that new car, and offer some tools to help you get rid of the old car. Finally, I commit to working alongside you to rid myself of a particularly dusty old car that I've kept around for some time now.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

We all have them: unwanted and impulsive thoughts, the existence of which we wish we could smother and rid ourselves of entirely. But have you ever wondered if those thoughts define us as a person? In today's episode, I attempt to provide an answer to that question.

I share Steven Bartlett's idea of the First and Second thought dilemma and discuss the danger of pursuing the first thought. I liken these ideas to C.S. Lewis' famous quote about "Rats in the Cellar," and how there's still hope despite our universal condition of hiding that rat infestation.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

On a recent trip to Oregon, I had the pleasure of visiting The Japanese Garden in Portland and seeing their small exhibit of Bonsai trees. Their tiny beauty fascinated me and led me down an internet rabbit-hole of learning about the process of cultivating a normal tree sapling into a beautiful Bonsai.

So, what does this have to do with our life? In today's episode, I discuss the metaphor that Bonsai trees offer for our lives. In particular, I focus on one of the hazards that Bonsai gardeners face when growing their little tree, and how that hazard and its ramifications translate in that metaphor.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ

With the chaos of modern life, I've often found myself wondering about balance. What is it? How do I strike it? Where do I start? In today's episode, I attempt to answer those questions with an idea that's simple in theory, but a little more complicated in practice. I talk about the danger of multi-tasking, and share some strategies that I've used in my efforts to create balance in my own life. I hope you find these principles as valuable as I have in your own efforts!

Thanks for listening, it means the world.

-TJ

The unhindered pursuit of our dreams and visions is unavoidably riddled with hurdles, which often discourage us from setting forth on that pursuit in the first place. In today's episode, I discuss the growing trend of detachment and aversion to embarrassment on social media, and the impact this can have on creative minds near the start of their journey. I discuss a biblical representation of what it looks like to hide from the world, and share stories of people who chose to do so out of fear and embarrassment. Finally, I offer a timely example of what being unashamedly bold in the pursuit of a dream looks like, flaws and all.

Happy Fourth of July! Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

In part 2 of my conversation with my dad, we discuss his experience of navigating the weight of providing for our family and his moments of triumph and regret. Finally, he leaves us with a couple final pieces of advice, some lessons he wishes he had known before becoming a father.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ (and my dad)

When I asked my dad if he would be willing to share some of his thoughts for the show, I had a certain idea in mind of how our conversation would go. To my great pleasure, it went nothing like I had imagined.

In this, Part 1 of our conversation, my dad shares his thoughts on religion, agency, and his recently developed testimony of giving others the grace to utilize their agency even when that means facing the reality that they're bound to make choices he doesn't agree with. He explains how deeply important it is to him that people learn to develop a relationship with God, not because someone told them to, but because they desire it, and how this new perspective has changed the way he interacts with his kids.

The wisdom he shares can and should be employed by parents, family, friends, and loved ones of all kinds, so regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof, I believe you'll find value in what he has to say.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

I don't like to draw attention to my birthday, but it felt like an affront to myself and everyone who loves me to simply treat it like any other day. Considering this episode airs on my birthday, I figured it deserved some special treatment.

So, what have I learned over my 27 years trying to navigate this crazy life? There are so many lessons and principles I love that it's hard to choose just one to share, but I did manage to narrow it down to two principles. These have become crucial cornerstones in my life, and I'm confident they'll continue serving in that role as I make my way into whatever adventure lies beyond.

While I hesitate to make promises like this on the show, I will promise this: practicing these principles with sincere intent will change your life for the better. I believe it with every fiber of my being.

Thanks for listening, and for all the birthday wishes. It really does mean the world

-TJ

Do we really have the ability to choose whether or not to be happy? At the risk of sounding overly reductive, I would argue that we do have the choice. While there are many arenas in which our happiness is battling it out with something else, I'll be focusing today's episode on the ongoing battle between happiness and pride.

I share some of my own experiences of the battle between pride and happiness and how those choices have shaped my life since. I also offer an interpretation of the famous parable, The Prodigal Son that offers a similar lesson on the consequences of this battle.

I hope you find a greater awareness of your own waging battles, and pray that you find the strength to choose happiness over pride.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

Have you ever felt as though you were pursuing something, or someone, that seemed only to be leading to a dead end? That despite all your best efforts, there was nothing you could do to fix the situation, but you weren't yet willing to abandon the pursuit?

All of us, at one point or another, have been victims of the "Dead Horse," the hopeless pursuit that we refuse to leave. In today's episode, I discuss two examples of what that looks like, and offer an alternative interpretation of this mantra in an effort to help you evaluate your situation more clearly. As you listen, I hope you're able to better identify those Dead Horses that you've been clinging to and resolve to finally let them go. There are other horses out there waiting for you to hop on for the next ride of your life, but you have to leave the one you're stuck on first.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ