As a young father, I was confident my children would be perfect. The little humans seemed to have a different vision for their future. Recounting my tales of woe, a friend inquired about my encouragement to correction ratio. After a quick review of the week, my numbers were dismal. My words had been heavily critical and…
What did you learn from your last conversation with someone experiencing homelessness?
It had been another tough day at work and the commute home was travelling at such a pace, snails were mocking me for not keeping up the pace. Creeping up the parkway entrance ramp, there he sat; a homeless, dirty, unshaven man that radiated peace, and held a sign, “homeless but not hopeless.” I nodded, grunted “good evening” and drove home confused.
I am living the American dream, but maybe he knows something I don’t.
An Australian friend was visiting DC for the first time and I asked about her observations of America. She noticed a difference in how passersby treat those on the street. It is common in Australia to see all kinds of people sitting and talking with the homeless, but it is different in America.
Everyone has a story.
Everyone is unique.
Everyone has dignity.
A touch of grace and a bit of luck separate me and the guy holding the sign. Perhaps it is time to go have a conversation to understand what his story behind the well worn sign.
What change in the last 20 years brings you the most hope?
The headlines scream political unrest, natural disasters, and "man bites dog" news each moment your willing to look. A reflection on the last year will produce best/worst of lists and notable obituaries. Other than that, you are left to your memory, and social media feeds to sort out the state of the world.
Let's extend the timeline a bit longer than the last 365 days, to what has changed in the previous 7,300 days. Written in the final…
Best Friends
The one crowned your best friend was once a stranger. Somehow the awkwardness of your initial meeting dissipated, and things changed for the better. However something sets this particular friend apart from others, and it is often time-based and infused with shared experiences.
I have known David for 18 years. We have raised our kids together, helped…
Blog Launch
My hero, Seth Godin, encourages the daily practice of writing. While I don't intend to achieve the daily tempo, this blog will be a primary communications platform to engage with people looking to encounter questions, and not blink.
Curated Questions is not intended to provide the answers, but rather…