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.

No Rest for the Weary: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead

April 07, 2015 by Scott Todnem

There’s this ridiculous notion out there built on conceit, mixed with one part ambition and two parts testosterone: "I'll sleep when I'm dead."

Unrealistic, to say the least, this mindset may stem from good intentions, but it lacks intelligence when it comes to stress and the human body.

You see, too much work and a lack of recovery are actually disastrous for one's personal well-being. While it may look tough on paper or sound self-assuring out loud, the motivational message is lost... like that of a dream in the fog of sleep deprivation. Cloaked as aspiration is just stupidity and probable burnout.

No rest for the weary? No hope in the long-run.