They're My Cousin
By recognizing we are all cousins, all part of the vast and beautiful human family, perhaps we can be a little kinder, for they are your cousin after all.
Category: quick-thoughts
Schrödinger's Dreams
Like Schrödinger's cat, our dreams live in a state of quantum superposition: they are both realized and unrealized. By action our dreams become reality.
Remembering Fred Rogers
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, hosted by Fred Rogers, as an important part of my childhood. Through his kindness and caring, Fred Rogers has become a hero.
Little Actions
Little actions. Small kindnesses. A more beautiful world. With our own little actions we can have a large impact on the world around us. Let us do so.
Accept Me, Please
Bullying is at epidemic rates here in the US. Some of the youth are now taking a stand against this terrible daily occurrence in so many lives.
Life By Choice
Our lives are ours to choose. The choice of what we are and will become is ours alone to make, as it's not a choice that should ever be left to others.
Christmas Music
One of the many things I love about Christmas and the Christmas season is Christmas music. Here are a few of my recent favorites for your enjoyment.
Christmas Gifts
In the penultimate scene of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" the Grinch stands ready to dump the Christmas gifts over the mountain ledge. Then music...
Superhero
In his final days, his story blessed the lives of many all over the world. Ethan will always be remembered as the superhero who brought the world together.
The Fruits of Fear
Fear can move us to both inaction and action. Both are destructive. We must see fear for what it is so that it can be overcome.
War and Sacred Blood
War is a terrible thing. It leaves scars on the victor and vanquished alike. Yet, somehow, the blood spilt makes sacred the ground upon which it falls.
Handwritten
The art of handwritten letters appears to be quickly becoming an anachronism, if it hasn't already. Yet, nothing is quite like receiving handwritten mail.
The Library Book Game
Even in this day and age of electronics, I still love books. The Library Book game combines this love with my love of self-education... discovery.
The Songs Belong to Everyone
Songs and music open our eyes and broaden our understanding in ways unlike anything else. They teach of human relationships and universal understanding.
Living Beyond Our Limits
As the Sochi 2014 Paralympics grow near, I wanted to share the inspirational story of athlete Amy Purdy who teaches us to live our lives beyond our limits.
Winning the War on Polio
January 13, 2014, India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization. Five years ago, India accounted for half the new polio cases in the world.
Kindness and Consequence
I just wanted to share a quick Christmas Eve reminder of the importance of kindness in our world.
Embrace Creative Craft
At the World Domination Summit this year, photographer Chase Jarvis presented a keynote that encouraged everyone to embrace creative craft in their lives.
Jia Jiang’s WDS 2013 talk has been posted
Jia Jiang's WDS talk outlining his love affair with rejection was one of my favorites.
World Domination and Other Extracurricular Activities
Trying to get my thoughts together from attending the World Domination Summit (WDS), I talk about what it and its core values mean to me and my community.
Virtual Choir 4: Bliss
It is gratifying to see what the Virtual Choir has become. So for those of you who don't think they can sing, you can now participate in another way.
Happiness Matters
Hard work alone does not bring happiness. Incidentally, neither does laziness. Happiness helps us work not only harder, but also faster and smarter.
Here Doing Good
As one lays down own’s head each night, there’s an important question to ask: 'Have I done any good in the world today?' Then go and do some good.
Marginalizing a Lie
Tell your children to dream. Tell your children to pursue their dreams. Tell them it’s okay for dreams to change, but not to be lost.
Freedom
The yearning for freedom is part of the human psyche. It’s imperative for own happiness and the happiness of the human race.
Living Life Awesome
When I was a freshman at BYU, I lived in the dorms. Tacked to my bulletin board was a small 3″x5″ card that simply said, “Life is Good’.
Man, Music and the World
Music has the ability to move people, and therefore, by extension, to move the world. It is part of who we are as people. We must listen.
Fear
From the movie Strictly Ballroom, "A life lived in fear is a life half lived". And from Dune, "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer...."
Beloved and Loving
What more needs to be said than to be kinder to one another?
High School and the Art of Conducting
After work, I threw on a little music and headed down to the Springville Museum of Art, which is conveniently open late on Wednesdays. Art makes me happy.
Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?
I suggest we all ask ourselves the question above. In our own little corner of the world we can each make a difference.