"Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it's what they bring to the world that really counts." – Anne of Green Gables In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to lose sight of what's important... No, wait. Let's take that back. :) It's not really about our world being fast-paced, is that as we get older, WE become fast-paced. It seems that as a...

I was fortunate to spend time with an enigmatic man named Robert during a very special period of my life. Robert taught me many things during our days together, and this time of year reminds me of one particular interaction we had.Now that you are becoming more aware, Robert said, you need to begin to set goals for yourself so you don't lose the momentum you have built.Like New Year's resolutions? I asked.That's an interesting idea, he smirked. Let's do...

There was an old Zen master called Nonoko who lived alone in a hut at the foot of a mountain. One night while Nonoko was sitting in meditation, a stranger broke into the hut and, brandishing a sword, demanded Nonoko's money. He also helped himself to a precious vase he found on the shelf. "Carry that vase with care," said Nonoko. "It will crack easily." The stranger looked around the small barren room once more and was going to leave....