Good day to all you amazing writers, editors, and content creators! This week I’ll be reflecting on the seminal works of Marcus Aurelius from Meditations. There’s a wealth of information in the masterpiece and I urge you to give the book a read when you have the chance. It’s been life-changing for me to say the least. So here’s how I’ll be doing this week-long series. I’ll share a quote from the legendary book and attempt to interpret the message and relate it to my life. I’ll conclude by inviting you to chime in with your thoughts. Just like the holy Bible, there’s no one true way to interpret Meditations. So it’s always great to hear varying perspectives. Today’s reflection comes from Book 1 of Meditations (Marcus wrote 12 in all). “From Catulus, not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault, even if he should find fault without reason, but to try to restore him to his usual disposition; and to be ready to speak well of teachers, as it is reported of Domitius and Athenodotus: and to love my children truly.” My thoughts: The beautiful thing about Meditations is that there’s no need to Google the people who Marcus Aurelius alludes to in his writings. Each of us probably know a “Domitius” or “Catulus” in our lives. And that’s why the book has remained practical for centuries. The quote felt fitting since I had been reflecting about my professional relationship with editors over the last week. To me, an editor is like a teacher (the good ones at least). They’re meant to help you create the most powerful impact with your writing. They guide you through syntax, style, and delivery. They’re not the enemy. Yet, I’m guilty of losing my cool with editors more times than I’m proud to admit. You see, when I slow down to mull over my editors’ feedback, they actually make sense! I just need to accept that criticism, let it boil for a bit, and it starts to fall into place. I guess it’s just so easy to become defensive over your writing when you take full ownership of it. And more so when it’s your pride and joy; your bread and butter.

I’m back for real this time. I’m mighty glad to see that the group grew by a bit while I was away. I hope the numbers continue to expand. The group was meant to challenge notions. Notions about writing and how it’s a separate process from mindfulness. News flash: it isn’t. How you feel is how you’ll write. One of my fave authors of all-time, the late great Christopher Hitchens suffered during the early days of his career. But he received a life-changing advice from a veteran at the time. It was simply this: “Write the way you speak.” And if you’re not, you got to ask yourself why. Are you trying too hard to impress your audience? Are you lost in semantics? Perhaps you’re even trying to conceal your lack of knowledge by drowning readers in flowery syntax. Whatever it is, don’t do it. Just write how you’d speak and your unique, authentic voice will show itself. Mindfulness is an essential for speaking well. It’s difficult to express yourself well if you’re bothered or distracted. That’s why I came up with this Skool. I want to remind writers that sometimes all it takes to write your most seminal work is simply to focus. And I hope that this group helps you achieve that. It’s not rocket science but it’s equally if not more life-changing (I know but only a few space enthusiasts in my decades). It’s the science of the self. And I hope this message reaches you loud and clear. Stay motivated.

Hi everyone! I’m exploring some new ideas that can help people grow, learn, and earn in smart ways. I’d love to connect with anyone who enjoys sharing thoughts, discovering opportunities, and working together toward success. If you’re interested in positive, goal-focused conversations, feel free to reach out or comment "new ideas"