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Best unexpected gifts

I made a list of the best, most unexpected gifts that I have ever received. These are things offered to me that changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They also serve as an excellent reminder to me: You need not spend a penny to offer someone a present that is invaluable, unforgettable,…

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6 moral absurdities

I’m sure I’ll collect more over time, but here are a half dozen moral absurdities that currently infuriate me: Men can walk around in public topless, but women cannot (though it’s perfectly legal in some less absurd cities, including New York City, South Beach, Miami, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Madison, Wisconsin). I can say “poop”…

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First Pop-Tart

During our recent camping trip, as Charlie and I hunkered down in the tent, preparing to sleep, I proposed that we enjoy a late-night snack: Pop-Tarts. Charlie had never eaten a Pop-Tart before. I know. As his father, I’ve really let him down. So I was making up for lost time. I removed two frosted…

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One small change changed everything

I am constantly arguing in favor of small changes, given enough time, yielding profound results. No magic pills. No overnight successes. Just thoughtful, proactive, manageable changes that can alter the course of your life forever. Nothing illustrates this concept better than this remarkable video.

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Return of the Pastafarian

A former student stuck this drawing to the window of my classroom, and it filled me with joy. It’s so full of inside jokes. First is the inclusion of the word “Bully.” This was his name for me during the year we spent together. Every time I pressed him to work harder and better, he’d…

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All of my favorites!

Ask and you shall receive! Behold… the image I wished for two days ago, including logos for: New England Patriots Boston Bruins Boston Celtics … and yes,  the New York Yankees Designed by the reader, podiatrist, and fascinating human being Erik Feigen. Not only did Erik design the logo, but he sent me a design…

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Why golf?

There are lots of reasons to love golf. Exercise. Particularly for those of us who walk with our bags on our backs. Quality time spent with friends. The opportunity to meet new people. An endlessly challenging game. Ceaseless competition, against yourself, your past performances, and your fellow players. Time spent in the outdoors, under clouds…

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Logo retrofit

Having grown up outside of Boston, I’m a die-hard fan of the Boston sports teams. Except for the Red Sox, of course. When it comes to baseball, I’m a Yankees fan. I fell in love with the Yankees in 1984. My stepfather and brother were Red Sox fans, but being a contrarian who didn’t exactly…

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More than just an apple

In the spirit of needing very little to make something special, here is Charlie, personifying his apple, turning it into a frightened piece of fruit. Little things. Big results.

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Matt Tom Jim

Homework For Life is my trademarked method of finding and recording the stories of our everyday life. I’ve written about it in my book, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the power of Storytelling. I’ve spoken about it many times, in workshops, interviews, college classes, and corporate retreats. My TEDx Talk on…

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