Life Slowed Down

Episode 32 - The Willing Sacrifice of our own Happiness

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

Episode 31 - A Dead Horse takes you Nowhere

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

Episode 30 - Enough to Disarm All Hostility

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

Episode 29 - Entering our Arena

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

Episode 28 - A Mother's Day Special (Pt. 2)

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)