How a golfer with no legs summited Everest In an untidy London dwelling, a 33-year-old considered the stumps that were his legs and poured himself another whiskey. He hadn’t been outside in days. Eleven years later, in May 2023, this same man was atop Mount Everest.
See the beauty of the world’s oceans with these 12 award-worthy photos: Heavenly manatees and Cronenberg-like lizardfish are some favorites from the 2023 Ocean Photographer of the Year awards.
“Replace your “foot on your throat” behavior and self-talk with a transformational “hand on your heart” approach characterized by kindness, self-compassion, understanding, patience, and support.”- Dr. Ken Druck
To learn more about How We Go On by my dear friend Dr. Ken Druck, scroll down to the bottom of this week’s post.
The Most Expensive Cup of Coffee Ever was Worth It:
My wife forgot to get milk for her morning cup of coffee. We were renting a house in the town where I grew up on Long Island, NY for a week and even on vacation I know she likes to have her coffee with milk to kick start her day.
So, when I woke up at 7am, I decided I was going to be a super husband and drive to the grocery store and get her milk before going to the gym to workout. We were driving to Boston that morning and I wanted to workout before we left, so getting the milk was an inconvenience that altered my morning plans.
While I’m in the checkout line buying the milk, I’m feeling pretty good about myself. I’m even telling myself, “She’s going to love this. She is going to wake up and walk to the fridge, see the new carton of milk and call me Saint Jon.”
On my drive back to the house, I’m in such deep thought about how great of a husband I am 🙂 that I didn’t realize I was going over the speed limit. A few minutes later, flashing lights appeared in my rear-view mirror and a police officer pulled me over and gave me a ticket. He said I could pay a fine, take the points and watch my insurance cost increase or appear in traffic court.
Appearing in court wasn’t an option since the court date was in December and I live in Florida, not NY. I drove away frustrated that I got a ticket, when I didn’t even think I was speeding. I was frustrated that this happened as the result of me trying to do something nice for my wife. Are you kidding me? No good deed goes unpunished, I thought. With the ticket, fine and insurance cost, it was going to be the most expensive milk I’ve ever bought, to create the most expensive cup of coffee ever.
I honestly wasn’t being very positive. But then, I had a positive thought. As the pessimistic optimist I am, I thought this had to have happened for a reason. I don’t know why but I think it’s going to lead to something good. After delivering the priceless milk to my wife for her coffee, I drove to the gym to workout. While working out, a trainer and a woman he was training asked me if I was done with the bench I was using. I said I was and then asked them if they happened to know of a good traffic lawyer in the area because I just got a ticket and perhaps an attorney could appear in traffic court on my behalf.
The conversation continued and I learned that the woman’s son had played lacrosse for my rival school and sadly, he passed away from cancer, just a few years ago while still in college. The woman was obviously distraught and cried as she talked about him and his faithful fight and incredible spirit. I was able to tell her and the trainer how I viewed death, dealt with the death of my parents, and shared thoughts and words that comforted her.
She said she was looking for a sign and perhaps this was one. I told her it was definitely a sign because if I didn’t get the traffic ticket, I wouldn’t have asked them if they knew of an attorney, and we wouldn’t have had this meaningful conversation. She had felt the presence of her son recently and knew he didn’t want her to be angry and bitter anymore. We agreed this was a big initial step in her healing and moving forward.
As I drove away from the gym, I was no longer angry about the ticket. I realized I had to get the ticket in order for this woman to begin healing. The most expensive cup of coffee ever, was worth it. I realized that we are all connected and sometimes we have to be inconvenienced and stressed for someone else to be blessed. I’ve decided that from now on, when something doesn’t work out the way I want it to, I’m going to choose to believe there’s a bigger reason, a bigger lesson and bigger blessing that’s on the way. Have a great week! Hard to Believe!
Extra Point Kick Sailing Into Open Window of Passing Car Is Best Thing You’ll See Today A Texas high school player kicked an extra point out of play, and it landed perfectly through the window of a passing SUV.
Nebraska volleyball sets world record for women’s-sports attendance: The crowd at Nebraska’s match against Omaha on Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium set a world record as the largest for a women’s sporting event.
A kid posed with his pilot dad in an airplane. Almost 30 years later they recreated this photo: Southwest Captain Ruben Flowers recently flew his retirement flight with his son, First Officer Ruben Flowers, by his side. The two recreated a 1994 photo of the two of them in the cockpit in the process
Man risks his life to save a sheep after it became stuck on a cliff Chris Oxlade-Arnott raced to help the animal on the cliff edge as the ocean’s tide began to rise.
Baby gorilla almost died before a zookeeper held him close In many ways, raising a baby gorilla is very similar to nurturing human newborns, says Chad Staples, a father of four and the director of Mogo Wildlife Park, a small private zoo in the town of the same name on Australia’s southeastern coast.
Watch the precious, emotional moment this mama chimp and her baby are finally reunited This baby chimp spent a night at the vet due to a snake bite. You can feel the relief and joy when he’s finally reunited with his mama.
If you are local and navigating a challenge or loss…
From my dear brother Dr. Ken Druck: Warwick’s Event Details My dear friend, Dr. Ken Druck, will be hosting a book signing for his latest book, How We Go On: Self-Compassion, Courage, and Gratitude on the Path Forward, at one of our nation’s most treasured books stores, Warwick’s, on Wednesday, Oct 4th at 7:30p PT. The book offers practical advice on resilience, gratitude, and creating a lasting positive impact. It’s an inspiring roadmap for finding joy amidst adversity.
How we manage the defining “What now?” moments in our lives after a loss, change, challenge or opportunity defines what my dear friend, Ken Druck, calls “The Path Forward.” Ken’s new book, How We Go On: Self-Compassion, Courage and Gratitude on the Path Forward is truly “a beacon of light.”
How We Go On was recently released in hard cover, paperback, e-book and audio book (read by Ken himself) versions. Replace your “foot on your throat” behavior and self-talk with a transformational “hand on your heart” approach characterized by kindness, self-compassion, understanding, patience, and support.
This book is one I’ll keep on my nightstand or bookshelf and reference whenever I need a reminder on how to go on after losses and daily challenges.
Readers’ Review 5 Star Rating + Review “A profound guide to navigating life’s challenges, from personal losses to everyday hurdles. Druck leads us into a personal examination of each stage of our lives from childhood, including our defining moments and the choices we have made along the way. Through his heartfelt story of facing inconceivable loss and pain, he shares valuable advice about finding peace and joy again after seasons of feeling lost and uncertain. The book offers practical advice on resilience, gratitude, and creating a lasting positive impact. How We Go On is a broad, incredible work with life-changing lessons about discovering joy when facing hardship. Highly recommended.”
Thanks this week go to Larry H for that expensive cup and Ken D for always being a source of light and inspiration, helping people turn their stumbling blocks into stepping stones!
Please pay it forward with your time, talent or treasure… Love, Neville
Conductor Vladimir Jurowski tells audience to ‘let climate protestors speak’ as they interrupt Bruckner symphony Two climate protestors interrupted a concert at a world-leading classical music festival, and conductor Vladimir Jurowski asked the audience for quiet as the activists “had their say”.
5 habits to borrow from people who’ve lived to 100: Dan Buettner, who has been studying people who live the longest for 20 years, shares their secrets.
My 95-year-old grandfather is a former cardiologist—his 8 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life: Mika Cribbs spent the summer with her 95-year-old grandfather in Japan and was inspired by how he boosts longevity and happiness. Here’s his daily routine for living a long, healthy life.
A Knockout Technique for Achieving More Happiness The best lesson from Mike Tyson’s boxing career is not about ring craft; it’s about having the right goals in life.
104-year-old who swims 45 minutes every day shares simple tips for long life Vivian Levy started swimming when was 6. She’s still doing it almost 100 years later.
Dog repeatedly escapes animal shelter, sneaks into nursing home, is adopted by residents. An abused, stray mutt kept trying to move himself into a senior care facility. So, the nurses there had to figure out what to do about him.
Thanks to the generous support of members, community and staff we have already raised $15,000 to help our food insufficient brothers and sisters.
Might you join us?
Feed a Child in Need This Weekend Did you know that when children participate in programs that provide them with food for a weekend, children experience increased self-esteem, improved behavior at school, better academic performance, and increased interest in their classes and other school activities? September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Mission Fed is proudly supporting the fight against childhood hunger by partnering with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. For just $8, your donation provides a child with a weekend of nutritious food.Donate Now
Thanks this week go to Eric K, the Mission Fed Wellness Committee, and everyone out there committed to helping those furthest from opportunity.
Exemplary Heroes and Healers to Inspire You Over Labor Day
“Heroism is really the quest to live according to one’s internal standards of right and wrong, regardless of whether the world is watching.”—- John F. Groom
Italian banker hailed a hero after catching toddler falling from fifth floor balcony: A 37-year-old banker from Turin is being hailed a hero after miraculously catching an Italian toddler who fell from her family’s fifth floor balcony on Saturday.
Life of diner in China saved by doctor in same restaurant who spots symptoms of brain tumor and intervenes: A doctor in China who saved the life of a stranger by noticing the symptoms of a brain tumor in a woman eating at the same restaurant was celebrated as part of the country’s Doctors Day earlier this month. Zhao Ming, a senior member of the neurosurgery…
Watch the astonishing moment this dog predicts his owner is sick before she does: Watch this incredible display of communication and love as this sweet pup tells his owner she’s sick before she even realizes it.
A mother of 3 was struggling at the airport. Then the ‘mom tribe’ swung into action Adrianne Drazin was on a long overseas flight with her baby and two young children. After she exited the plane, she noticed a family nearby waiting for something.
From the U.S. Surgeon General: Anyone can be a Healer: In an exclusive interview, Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks about the growing mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic in America—and what we can do in the workplace to help.
Enjoy some killer live music overlooking the Pacific Ocean and join Drivin The Bus on Saturday September 2nd from 6-8pm at The Camp Store inside the entrance to South Carlsbad State Beach at 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad CA92008.
We will be playing all your favorite classic jams. No Cover.
With my dear brother Dr. Danny Friedland when we Co-Chaired the Cause Conference in 2017
The 25th Annual San Diego Cause Conference:
For nearly a decade during which I co-chaired this conference 3 times, the focus of this gathering has been about uplifting society, initially through the nonprofit sector but more recently through all purpose-driven enterprise, regardless of their tax designation.
Here is a link to this year’s conference, in the brand spanking new Sharp Prebys Innovation and Education Center on Sept. 14th 2023.
Here is a CloudCast podcast with host Drew S that we did recently featuring Staci Reidinger, who along with DeLinda Forsythe are the Cause San Diego Co-Executive directors and are co-producing the conference with the help of an amazing group of volunteers.
Enjoy the story and hopefully find your place in it, wherever you find yourself!
The Zen Room at the 25th Cause Conference: Warning: Experiences could lead to unbridled joy and delight!
To harmonize vocational and avocational passions, this year Mission Fed is sponsoring a Zen Room at the conference (deets below):
Ever noticed that as a society, we seem to seem to venerate action and vilify reflection? As critical as self-care and self-compassion are today, why do relegate them to “nice to haves” v. “must haves”?
At this year’s cause conference, we have intentionally incorporated a Zen room with a variety of Zen experiences (Zen Ex), designed to help you tune up, tune in, and bring your best self to the day, in just a few minutes!
Even a world class symphony begins by tuning and don’t just jump outright into the “playing”. We all can benefit from short bursts of re-centering to be fully present, but if it’s easy to do, it’s easy not to do.
Forget the charge on your smartphone. Charge up your intention, attention, and attitude!
From massage stations, to yoga, to singing bowls, to breath breaks (today’s far better version of smoke breaks), you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of modalities and therapeutics to keep you in flow and in a peak state.
Why? Be Cause.
Conscious leaders intentionally and consistently incorporate micro habits into their schedule, and you can experience and incorporate some of these Zen Ex’s as part of your conference experience- all for free, courtesy of the practitioners and their gifts of service.
The choice is simple. Critical self-care now, or critical care later…
If you are coming, check the Whova app or visit the Zen Room #211 anytime you feel the need to decompress, reset and recharge!
Even the heart pumps blood to itself first, so listen to your most authentic self.
We’ve got you…
PS. “All our (Zen) Ex’s don’t live in Texas 😊”
Thanks this week go to Staci R, DeLinda F, Drew S, Niki C, Rebecca T and all the Cause Conference volunteers!
One Good Thing: it’s high time you made self-compassion a must-do, not just an option
I’m a Child Psychologist. This is the No. 1 life lesson I’m teaching my kids
Stop Trying to be Happy. Instead, have more Fun!
Use This Three Step Meditation to Counter Negative Thoughts
These 3 Questions Can Help You Get Better at Embracing Change
The Four Daily Habits of Truly Happy People
Neuroscientist Shares 5-Step Guide To Help Kids Handle Life’s Challenges
6 ways to prepare for stressful situations before they happen
One-
One Good Thing: it’s high time you made self-compassion a must-do, not just an option: “Self-compassion hasn’t just changed my life – it’s transformed the way I engage with the world.”
I’m a child psychologist. This is the No. 1 life lesson I’m teaching my kids: Why and how child mental health experts are raising their kids with these specific skills.
Stop trying to be happy. Instead, have more fun: In his science-backed book, “The Fun Habit,” Mike Rucker shows that intentionally increasing joyful moments can improve health, relationships and even productivity.
Harvard expert: To be more satisfied in life and with money, follow this formula To have a “truly rich life,” it’s important to build emotional wealth as well as financial health, says author Manisha Thakor. Here’s how to do it.
This Ivy League researcher says spirituality is good for our mental health A Columbia University professor says spiritual beliefs can decrease our rates of anxiety and depression. I needed to understand how she came to these conclusions.
Strange Crew will be performing this Friday Aug 11th from 7 to 8:30 pm at Duck Foot Brewing in Miramar if you want to kick start your weekend with some career Clapton classics, crafties, and me on congas -well actually bongos but that doesn’t rhyme 😊
Sometimes, you see something that so resonates that you feel the need to share it. The following rant was originally posted on Questlove’s Instagram a few weeks back. It was an impassioned monologue by the wildly talented Ethan Hawke that has resurfaced from two years back. It landed so deeply with me. I hope it does the same for you. The short of it: If you are talking that ambitious talk inside your mind, muster the courage to take that first step of walking what you wonder. You won’t regret it — unless you never take that step.
Enjoy!
So, you have to ask yourself do you think human creativity matters? Well, most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about poetry, right? They have a life to live, and they’re not really that concerned with Allen Ginsberg’s poems or anybody’s poems, until… Their father dies, they go to a funeral, you lose a child, somebody breaks your heart, they don’t love you anymore. And all of a sudden, you’re desperate for making sense out of this life. And has anybody ever felt this bad before? How did they come out of this cloud?Or the inverse. Something great. You meet somebody and your heart explodes.You love them so much; you can’t even see straight. You know, you’re dizzy. Did anybody feel like this before?What is happening to me?And that’s when art’s not a luxury, it’s actually sustenance. We need it. Okay, well, what is it?There’s this thing that worries me sometimes whenever we talk about creativity because it can have this kind of feel that it’s just nice, you know, or it’s warm or it’s something pleasant.It’s not. It’s vital.It’s the way we heal each other.In singing our song, in telling our story. In inviting you to say, “Hey listen to me, and I’ll listen to you.”We’re starting a dialogue. And when you do that, this healing happens.And we come out of our corners, and we start to witness each other’s common humanity. We start to assert it. And when we do that, really good things happen. So, if you want to help your community, if you want to help your family, if you want to help your friends, you have to express yourself, and to express yourself, you have to know yourself. It’s actually super easy. You just have to follow your love. There is no path. There’s no path until you walk it.
Supermoon puts on a dazzling display across the world: The full moon appeared bigger and brighter than usual Tuesday night, with the natural satellite positioned closer to Earth than usual, just 222,159 miles away.
US woman, 87, fights off teenage home intruder – then gives him snacks: Marjorie Perkins of Maine realized 17-year-old was ‘awfully hungry’ after defending herself and called 911 as he was eating
Thanks this week go to Ryan B and all of you lunar-ticks modeling resilience, staying in tune with your inner and outer nature, and fighting for your rights with both courage and consideration.
Happy Soul Food Friday! 