Slow down and go within
How I Became an Alcoholic
As a young boy I never said, "One day I hope that I can become an alcoholic." While I did choose to take my first drink, I did not choose to be an addict. I spent so many years trying to inflict pain upon myself without an understanding of why. The following video...
Are You Existing or Are You Living?
I believe that there are two types of people in this world. There are those who exist, and then there are those who live. Which one are you? To exist is easy. It is like being on autopilot where every day tends to repeat itself. In this state, you do not step outside...
Lane’s Story: A Spiritual Connection
My story is unbelievable to most. In fact, I would have a hard time believing it if it had not happened to me. It was another typical school morning, and my partner, Shawna, was pulling out of our driveway with our four kids in the car. As I watched from the front...
Persistence Pays
A woman approached me today after delivering a presentation, and with a slight edge to her tone she said, “I am so jealous. I envy people like you who make speaking seem so easy. I wish I could do what you do.” It can be easy to make judgments based on someone’s...
How I Learned To Let Go
If something is starting to feel out of control, then it probably is. There are countless circumstances around us that we have no control over. We have no power over another person’s thoughts, attitudes, or actions. What we do have power over is how we react in...
The Importance of Validating Others
One of my keynotes is titled “Removing the Mask”. Ironically, sometimes when I am on the stage I find myself having to wear a mask. I am human after all, and some days are harder than others. On one of these particularly challenging days I forced a smile as I shared...
Discovering Our Achilles Heel
There have been several moments in my life where I felt invincible. However, this was always short-lived, and something would come along in life that would bring me to my knees. Whether this was through a physical illness, the hurtful words of another, or a critical...
Hurt People Hurt People
While teaching junior high I observed one of my students physically strike another boy who was developmentally delayed. An educational assistant responded with haste, and rapidly approached both boys with heightened emotions. She proceeded to yell at the boy who had...
Letting Go of An Addict
One of the most heart-wrenching situations anyone can experience is watching a loved one struggle with addictions You are forced to have front row seats to a horrific show where you watch that individual deteriorate in front of your eyes. In these times,...
Talking Facilitates Healing
We do not determine when it is our time to go. The Creator decides. I discovered this truth on a December winter’s evening that will forever be etched in my mind. After a long day of work, I entered my home, hoping to see my three kids before they left for their...
“What’s stronger than a broken man who has the courage to rebuild himself? It’s time to redefine what it means to be strong.”
– Allan Kehler
