Incriminated?
As a child safety advocate, I strongly support the strict enforcement of laws against child abusers. Whatever their remorse or our capacity for forgiveness, convicted abusers should be separated from society as the law prescribes. Tragically, the Giuffre1 victimization was made worse by the under prosecution and under sentencing of the perpetrator in 2008. The […]
Education over Indignation
This may be another frustrating post for some because I forgo expressions of indignation in favor of education. Judging by the media coverage, we use outrage to advance our political or social agendas rather than to advance safety, healing, and justice for our children. Any casual reader of 52 Steps Forward knows I frequently (just […]
Not Your Fault but Your Responsibility
Everyone can point to circumstances not of our own doing (impoverished family, highly pigmented skin, surname ending in a vowel, went to Podunk school, etc.) to justify our less-than-desired position. All may be true, but they do not excuse us from responsibility for our response. The ExemplarsOprah overcame a very disadvantaged upbringing to become a […]
The Worst Thing that Ever Happened?
His StoryA crestfallen friend bared his soul and shared his tale of woe with the expectation of a sympathetic response. Instead, I reconstructed his words and offered hearty congratulations. “Bob” told me that the failure of his business cost him his life’s savings and left him feeling ashamed. With his tail between his legs, he […]
Seek What is Right
I may have written a message that, despite its accuracy, will disappoint or enflame most. Rather than trying to solve the problem or change your mind, I want to encourage listening to more than the noise and, to the extent possible, receptivity to opposing viewpoints. FactsIt starts with a country’s obligation to enforce its immigration […]
Your North Star
The Case for ItWe generally have a good idea about what we want to do. We are decent people laboring at a professional endeavor, taking care of our families, indulging in pleasurable pastimes, and are reasonably happy. However, unless we discover and follow our purpose, we may succumb to the disorienting influence, even if well-intentioned, […]
Made for More
Why?Our moms were right; we possess and should use our talents. It goes beyond “to whom much is given, much will be required,” the biblically-inspired obligation declared in graduation speeches. We have an emotional need for challenge, growth, and success, Maslow’s esteem and self-actualization needs. Conversely, inaction, especially when coupled with awareness of unfulfilled potential, causes […]
Less is More
Last week, I relished my 2025 successes, but 2025 also had non-successes. While there were lessons learned from the “failures,” the most critical lesson came from selecting and focusing on my highest priorities. The LowlightsFor each failure, ask why and if the objective remains worthy of pursuit. My marketing plan did not adequately promote the […]
Looking Back – Forward
Reflecting on our 2025 activities goes beyond whether we met a goal; it is learning extracted from our experiences. Immeasurable is OKWe are instructed to set goals that we can objectively measure – how many, how far, etc., but some goals do not work that way. How do you measure a relationship’s increase in love? […]
Another Year
The end of the year marks the time for reflection. My thoughts first turn towards gratitude for the resources to write the blog and those who validate its value by reading it. Next comes a series of questions: What happened? Was it consistent with my purpose? What, if anything, do I change? In 2025, the […]