A few days before Thanksgiving, I spent part of my afternoon at a mobile blood donation bus here in Sarasota. I donate blood regularly, and it was time for my next appointment. I signed up for a red cell apheresis procedure, which collects concentrated red cells and returns plasma and platelets back to the body. It takes longer than a standard donation and counts as two pints. While I sat there with the machine humming beside me, I found myself thinking about how ordinary the

The days before Thanksgiving always have a certain feel to it. People are moving around a little faster. Stores are crowded. Plans are being finalized. There is an energy to it that can be either grounding or overwhelming, depending on how you meet it. My wife and I decided to start the morning in a quieter place. We went for a walk on a Sarasota beach we both appreciate. The sun was already bright, the sand was warming quickly, and the shoreline was dotted with early visitor

Last week I had the privilege of sitting in on the first ever podcast recording for Project 180, a Florida based nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives through job training, sober housing, education, and real community support. The episode focused on the life of a former inmate who shared the raw and unfiltered reality of his life. He talked about the small victories, the challenges that linger long after release, and the pressure of trying to r

There’s something quite beautiful about stepping outside before most of the world is awake. When I head out around 6 a.m., the air is fresher, the light is dim, and the day hasn’t yet demanded anything from me. Over time I’ve noticed one thing clearly: my brain works better on these walks. Science backs it up. Studies show that regular morning walking outdoors helps regulate our circadian rhythms which boosts sleep quality and improves mood. Walking also stimulates the releas