I was thinking about those “politics and religion-free” zones we create? They’re predicated on the notion that talking about politics or religion always leads to arguments, hurt feelings, and broken relationships. I have determined them to be of little value; in fact, I find them to be harmful. Conversations about politics and religion are neces …
A few Sundays ago, I got up and dressed to go out for a run. It doesn’t take much to get ready. My gear is laid out the night before, and truth be told, I could dress with my eyes closed. Or so I thought. That day, I got about 100 yards away from my door when I realized that my pants were on inside out and backwards. The lighter, mesh fabric that …
There are myriad ways to start the day – for some it’s coffee, tea or even soda for a jolt of caffeine. Others enjoy a cold shower or ice bath. I’ve tried the icy shower – no joy found in that first thing in the morning. How I begin my day sets the tone for the rest of it. A slow, unfocused morning usually leads to an unproductive day. So I w …
For years I have been part of a study group that explores ancients texts. It serves as a religious exercise, a connection to our history, and for me it serves as an exercise in self-exploration. At times we have spent an hour focused on the meaning of one word and how it might apply to modern life. Recently we studied a passage focused on bles …
For the past 5 years I’ve participated in a “Pumpkin Project.” It started with my team and expanded from there. We get a pumpkin and every day during the month of October we write something for which we are grateful. Some of us post ours on social media, some don’t. I do, and on October 31st I carve it and turn it into a jack-o-lantern for its …
When I decided to go to law school despite having two young kids and no money, I was told I’d never make it. I did make it, and I made it Cum Laude. When I started my business, I was told I’d never be able to build a J+ Franchise in NYC – nobody had been able to do that. I did build it, and it’s been going strong for over 16 years! When I was …
I start most days early and almost all of my work – in fact a good bit of my life - is online via phone, zoom, and various chats and apps. To connect with the West Coast, I am often online at night too, making for long and productive days. My time spent looking at the screen - both on the phone and computer - has gotten longer. Picking up and looki …
Running has been part of my personal narrative for decades. Years ago it was 30 minutes on the “dreadmill” enduring boredom to build strength and endurance. When I moved to NYC, running became a way to get outside in nature, challenging myself to run all year irrespective of the weather. Never boring - always a source of satisfaction. I now g …
U-Hauls, national van lines, flat rate, even a "man with a van" – I’ve used them all for my over 20 moves across 3 states and the District of Columbia. The “to do “ lists have been pretty much the same, although each move had its unique challenges. My recent move wash by far the smoothest of all thanks in large part to technology – pretty much e …
“Don’t discuss politics or religion – it's going to cause an argument - it's not all that productive, “ they say. “Don’t be controversial,” they say, “it’s bad for business and could be dangerous.” I am on social media and do live videos regularly. I try to be thought provoking and entertaining, eschewing controversy; I even try to avoid what use …
I have been a member of a study group for several years. Recently, we decided to engage in a year-long project focused on how we listen and hear others. As part of the “homework” we each keep a journal - every day writing down something we learned from someone else. I’ve taking that a step further and will make what I learn the subject of my Fa …
Similar to the tradition of making a resolution at the secular New Year, in many Jewish communities as we move into our new year, people gather at a moving body of water and symbolically cast away things we do not want to continue carrying with us. I love this tradition - not because I believe that somehow the trials and tribulations of the past …
Every morning I wake up to my cat, JuniperBerry, meowing. She needs to be fed. I get up, get dressed, and get down to business. Money supports the lifestyle! Not exactly a life of drudgery – I love the cat and am grateful to have a business that I find incredibly fulfilling. But seriously, getting up at 4:30 to feed the beast! Running a …
We all worry from time to time; it’s part of being human. Worrying can prevent us from making poor decisions or stepping into dangerous situations. However, there is a difference between worrying from time to time, and having obsessive thought patterns and limiting beliefs that hold us back in life and business. It's no fun being a worry wart! Be …
in the last two days, I ran into Christian Slater, the actor, at Duane Reade and Luis D. Ortiz, of Million Dollar Listing, at the World Financial Center. It always cheers me up to see these "celebrities", when I'm out and about in the Greatest City in the World, New York City. I think its because these successful people are out and about on the str …
