Working with middle schoolers has taught me a lot about the process of learning and growth.

I’ve observed that some students struggle more than others to get their work done independently. The desire, knowledge, and skill necessary to complete an assignment may be present, but the student is missing a key ingredient: stamina.

Without stamina, the work is a grueling uphill climb. Everything is harder than it needs to be. There’s no ease, no coasting, no respite from the intensity. Accordingly, the student burns out quickly and is unmotivated to return to the work after a rest.

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When writing songs took up a huge chunk of my brain, I had a constant flow of new musical and lyrical snippets arising in my consciousness.

In college, I got a microcassette recorder that I would use to record these ideas, which cropped up any time I allowed my brain to have room for them: walking across the quad, in the shower, right before bed, or whenever I picked up an instrument. Then I got a minidisc recorder, and then an iPhone...these days, there is no shortage of methods for recording ideas.

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I have an ongoing text conversation with my cousin in which we seek to solve the problems of the universe…or at the very least, our own.

Recently, we observed how out of balance we can get if we follow advice meant for someone with a dramatically different temperament. “I don’t think everything is healed by action,” I said. “Rest is important. But probably if you’re a person who is constantly resting, you need more action.”

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Experts I’ve talked to have delicately suggested that I stop sharing new articles here every day.

“You could write just a few that are targeted to the exact problem you solve for your prospective customer,” they say. “And then you can link to those on social media.”

Yes, that is a very tidy way to do business. But that’s not what this blog is for.

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One of the first rules of living in a cold climate is that you must dress for it — not just outdoors, but indoors.

The idea of turning up the heat seems like an appealing solution…until you receive your first bill. Then, you realize that thick socks, slippers, a thick sweater, and even a hat and fingerless mitts are necessary for comfort indoors.

If you are still cold after putting on all this clothing (it happens), paradoxically, you’ve got to get outside and get some exercise. When you get your blood moving, you will be warm even in freezing weather. It’s the key to making it through the winter. And when all else fails, a hot bath.

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