Stories, Soul Work & Substack

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

🎙️ Stories, Soulwork & Substack — with KaZ & Guest: Hundred Tomatoes

In this episode, KaZ and I sit down with Hundred Tomatoes for a conversation that’s equal parts playful and profound. From debating the perfect shade of red tomato to reflecting on film criticism, passion, and authenticity in the movie industry, we dive into the quirks and truths behind his unique voice.

We talk TIFF, the soul of cinema, and whether today’s films still carry heart—or if AI and big production trends are stealing the magic. Expect humor, honesty, and a reminder that behind every story, whether on screen or in writing, lies a deeper search for connection.

Thank you Margaret Williams, MS, ACC, Bill Cusano (Nonprofit Author), Simona's Stories, Darby Jones, Zuzana Zejdova, and many others for tuning into my live video with Hundred Tomatoes and KaZ In The World! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕……

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The campfire nights weren’t fancy—just sticks, marshmallows, and laughter when one burned to a crisp. Those simple moments reminded me that kids don’t care about money or perfection. What they want most is your presence.

Why it’s important:In Earned, Not Given, I share how divorce stripped life down to the basics. Campfires taught me a lesson every parent needs to hear: you don’t have to give your kids the world—you just have to give them you.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Most fathers don’t walk away because they stop loving their kids. They walk away because every door gets slammed, every visit turns into a war. Sometimes stepping back is the only way to protect the child from more pain.

Why it’s important: Because too many children grow up thinking, “Dad left because he didn’t care.” The truth is often the opposite—fathers are forced out by constant conflict and rejection. Sharing this truth helps kids (and even co-parents) understand that stepping back can be an act of protection, not abandonment. It breaks the cycle of blame and brings compassion into the story.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Judgment is easy. Understanding takes courage. This video is a reminder that in divorce, co-parenting, and life, things are rarely black and white. Everyone carries unseen struggles, and what kids need most is peace, not sides.

Why it’s important:In Earned, Not Given, I share how quick judgments during my divorce only added to the chaos and pain. These moments matter because parents—and even friends and family—need to realize that choosing sides pushes kids further into conflict. The real strength is seeking to understand, offering support, and protecting children from unnecessary division.

📖 Earned, Not Given is coming soon.

—Rinaldo

Enjoyed this? Fuel me ☕

Discover the heartfelt stories of John Rinaldo—author of Remi’s Journey, Rediscovering Vancouver, and Dancing Letters. Each book inspires hope, healing, and wonder. Available now on Amazon.

The Positive Pen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.