Take It or Leave It: Missed Opportunity

July 21, 2016 by Scott Todnem

Sure, we all want great deals in life. Every time, all the time. And it would be short-sighted to just throw money out the window. But the mind doesn't hold on to money, it holds on to regret. Wishing we made better choices in our past sits in the forefront of sad memories.

Real regret is rooted in missed opportunity, not in the times we were moved to action. This is often known as Hobson’s choice: A choice of taking what is available or being left with nothing at all.

Starting From Scratch: Life After Winnie Cooper

October 04, 2015 by Scott Todnem

Grief holds a lot of faces. And like anyone, I've had my fair share of looks and expressions.

One of the hardest things to do in life is to admit that we're not okay. To admit that, in fact, no, we're not fine. That life is hard and days can be tough and while the weeks keep rolling we're a semi-truck out of control on a mountainside highway.

Sometimes we trip ourselves into the downhill disaster, other times horrible news hits us like concrete to the face.

Why this? Why me? Why do bad things happen to good people?

The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Every Day Matters

September 10, 2015 by Scott Todnem

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. I chose to write today instead of earlier in the month because of the meaning and symbolism behind this day. Each year, September's focus elicits an awareness in me of the journey we are all a part of-- the struggle to constantly stamp out inner demons. The difficult fight within.

My battle? Like any other, perhaps, with the beautiful disaster in the details.
I doubt myself every day. I never know if I’m good enough. Good as a dad, good as a teacher, as a coach, as a friend, as a husband... as a person.

I may not be an early bird, but every day I rise and shine regardless, for those I need and for those who need me.

Fame and Fortune: A Signature Day

August 05, 2015 by Scott Todnem

I remember in elementary school once taking an entire rainy Saturday to practice my signature.

A pen and a brand new notebook, page after page of all different styles of lettering, sizing, loops, and flourishes: SCOTT TODNEM.

How should the's' look? When do the 't's' get crossed? What about all the letters at the end... script them out or trail off in a cool looking line? What would Michael Jordan do?

Come on, 5th grade Scott, how will you brand yourself once you're rich and famous and all these people in the world want your autograph?

And then it hit me. What if I don't grow up to be famous?

Everything in Moderation: All Work and No Play

July 02, 2015 by Scott Todnem

"What do you do?"
We hear this all the time. Of course it means, "What is your job? What is your chosen profession?" As if our job defines us; as if we'll remain on the same path indefinitely. Quite the contrary, U.S. employees only stay in their current field an average of 4.6 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Without true purpose, it seems like that's the way it is. You know the song: everybody's working for the weekend. And so it goes, until something purposeful strikes swift like a horror film to make our hearts race in anticipation.

Better Late Than Never: When It Rains, It Pours

June 07, 2015 by Scott Todnem

I had the misfortunate of being born a Cubs fan.

I use the term misfortunate only because of the obvious-- the lack of a World Series win since 1908.

I love the Cubs, however, and stick with the northsiders through and through like a true Chicago sports fan. Up and, well, mostly down, I'm here, waiting 'til that next season everyone's always talking about. Despite all this, and over 100 years of losing, I had the true fortune of going to the first Cubs night game.

My father got two tickets to the game at Wrigley Field on August 8, 1988. I was 10 years old.

Section 208, Row 21, Seat 1. A $6.00 face value. I still have the ticket stub.