Life Slowed Down

At what point does the boundary of Forgiveness end? I have often mulled over this question and the conundrum of the balance it maintains with Justice. I consider the unfairness that runs rampant in our world: the Injustices enacted by those with ability against those who cannot resist, and the Injustices enacted even upon them in their coveted seats of power. Is it right to measure their lots against each other to define the boundary to which Forgiveness should extend?

The truth is that I received an answer to this question long ago. It's an answer based around God, but there are many who don't accept my God, or any God for that matter, and I wanted to find an answer that makes sense even to them.

While I can't pretend to know the whole true answer to this question, I can say that my search has led me to this individual truth: the boundary of Forgiveness is a matter of individual choice, but it contains within it the boundary of Happiness, for our Happiness can never extend past the limits we have set on our Forgiveness.

Perhaps it is because of this that today's quote is of such great importance to me, and the reason behind my depth of love for the story that I have to share. The crux of many-a-religious belief is to provide a way for those adhering to it to obtain Happiness. Our willingness to Forgive is but one piece of that puzzle, but it's a crucial piece, and I fear we have become disillusioned with it in such a manner that many of us have chosen to throw it out entirely, only to be left confused when our Happiness goes with it.

I hope this episode moves within you the same stirrings as it moved within me as I put it together. Life is so much better when we're living it Happily, a bliss that can't be achieved without our readiness to Forgive.

Thank you so much for listening, it truly means the world

-TJ

What dream have you been holding onto, but have been too scared to pursue? What's holding you back from chasing after it? What would it look like if you chose to pursue it despite those fears? These are the topics of today's conversation, a brief follow-up to the earlier episode with my friend, Neil Bryce. We talk about his short time as a boxer, as he entered the literal arena to pursue his dream, and the lessons he took away from that experience. We discuss how those lessons translated into his experience as a business owner. Finally, we talk about the role of a mentor in this pursuit, and what being the mentor and the mentee might look like.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

My mom is the best, what more can I say?

Actually, there's a lot more that can be said... My mom is one of the most incredible people I know, an example of perseverance, sacrifice, and love that is second to none. Over the years I've had the opportunity to watch her grow into the woman she is today, and much of that growth came through hard lessons. Today I have the gift of sharing just some of these lessons with you through our vulnerable, heartfelt conversation. The value of the wisdom she has to offer is immense, and her willingness to speak so openly about her struggles is a most precious gift. So, once again:

My mom is the best, and words cannot adequately express what more there is to say.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ (and my wonderful mother)

My mom is the best, what more can I say?

Actually, there's a lot more that can be said... My mom is one of the most incredible people I know, an example of perseverance, sacrifice, and love that is second to none. Over the years I've had the opportunity to watch her grow into the woman she is today, and much of that growth came through hard lessons. Today I have the gift of sharing just some of these lessons with you through our vulnerable, heartfelt conversation. The value of the wisdom she has to offer is immense, and her willingness to speak so openly about her struggles is a most precious gift. So, once again:

My mom is the best, and words cannot adequately express what more there is to say.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ (and my wonderful mother)

Who really causes the fall or rise of society? While the answer is likely as cheesy as you may expect it to be, there is great importance and depth to the principle I discuss. I share historical and fictional anecdotes of cases where society has changed for the better, and offer my personal experience with how this principle has shaped my own decisions and influenced me to live more intentionally. In this crazy, and often discouraging world we live in, I hope this can be a message of hope that things can change, and that change begins closer to home than we may realize.

Thank you for listening, it means the world

-TJ

If you want to keep up with this crazy journey of mine, follow me on Instagram @life_sloweddown and @rosierboy

In today's episode, I have the opportunity to share my discussion with Neil Bryce, founder and owner of Utah Pizza Company. We talk about his experience of making his dream a reality and what it takes to build your destiny. He shares his thoughts on "burning the bridges" when pursuing your dream, being flexible when your dream changes, and the beauty of your unique dream and the role it plays in our society.

To get a taste of Neil's vision, visit:Real Artisan Pizza - Food Truck in Utah | Utah Pizza Company

Thank you so much for listening, it means the world

-TJ

In today's episode I share another story from the Bible, this time about the Pool of Bethesda. I relate this story to our own search for happiness, discussing what it means to look for happiness in the same place you lost it, and share some personal examples and a story of what this can look like. Many, if not most, of us have engaged in this hopeless search, and today's dialogue aims to help you identify those "Pools of Bethesda" in your own life so you can choose to walk away from them.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

In today's episode, I discuss a new perspective on legacy. Rather than viewing our legacy as one built by certain defining moments, I share the idea of viewing it as a daily endeavor, one in which the small, seemingly insignificant actions are equally important. I share examples of people in my life who have left an honorable legacy, and how they have influenced me for the better. Finally, I share my own experience of leaving a legacy I regret, and how this new perspective has acted as a beacon of hope and reassurance for me moving forward.

Thanks for listening, it really does mean the world to me

-TJ

On today's episode of Life Slowed Down, I make a case for viewing the path to success as one paved by contribution rather than competition. I share a personal experience that helped shape my view of success and apply this idea in both relational and professional contexts. Finally, I make a case that, despite the free-market focus on competition, contribution is a more sustainable, effective, and rewarding path for lasting success.

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ

Join me as I tackle the struggle of finding and creating meaning in our lives. The grapple with meaning and purpose is a difficult, but necessary one, and although I still don't have all the answers, I have uncovered some things through this wrestle that have worked for me. I'll share my personal experience of desperately wishing I was part of a classic hero story, and how I've taken that desire and allowed it to shape the way I view the challenges I face in life.

I hope you find these tips helpful, and would love to hear from you! Leave a comment on this episode about what gives your life meaning, or reach out on Instagram @life_sloweddown

Thanks for listening, it means the world

-TJ