Category Archives: Purpose

On rereading ‘Walden’ and the seasons of life

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Jay Morris

Midway through my vacation last week, I opened Thoreau’s “Walden,” the same paperback edition I first read in ninth-grade English class. I still have all of my old notes. (How neat my handwriting was back then!) I remember Mrs. Smith … Continue reading →

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‘Blend their sweet music to my ear’

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Jay Morris

Just before Thanksgiving, I had my last guitar lesson at the Music & Arts store in Springfield, ending a six-and-a-half-year run that had been frustrating, delightful and inspiring. My teacher Matt taught me many things during the time we were … Continue reading →

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‘The blissful cloud of summer-indolence’

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Jay Morris

The other day, when I should have been working, I picked up a paperback that had been lying around the house—Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Normally, I don’t give much credence to book blurbs, but I have … Continue reading →

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10 ways to step out of your comfort zone

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Jay Morris

I read a LinkedIn post recently by Paul Lanigan on why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone if you want to be successful (“Are you smothering your own success?”). His piece had lots to say to me … Continue reading →

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Breathing life into the Valley of Dry Bones

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Jay Morris

“Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” – Ezekiel 37:5 My visits to Greensville Correctional Center, Virginia’s largest prison, remind me of one of Ezekiel’s visions. It’s the one in Ezekiel 37 where God restores a … Continue reading →

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Never send to know for whom the bell tolls

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Jay Morris

My brother Craig died 13 years ago at the end of August, two weeks before 9/11. It was a season of grief and sorrow as one fateful event spilled into another. All those feelings jumbled together—personal tragedy coupled with national … Continue reading →

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Five things you need to know about encore careers

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Jay Morris

Baby Boomers are reinventing retirement. Instead of fading into the sunset to enjoy piña coladas by the pool, they’re choosing to work longer—but not at just any job. Many are pursuing second-act or encore careers that combine their passion with a social purpose. … Continue reading →

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Writer’s block? Try tying yourself to a chair

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Jay Morris

John McPhee tried tying himself to a chair so that he would stay focused on his writing. Victor Hugo had his servant take away his clothes each morning and remained in his room (supposedly naked) until he finished writing for the day. … Continue reading →

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Keep your head in the clouds and your feet on the ground

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Jay Morris

Years ago, when I was working at a DC trade association, the CEO stopped by my office one night before heading out the door. “Why do businesses fail?” he asked me. I could think of many reasons, but I knew … Continue reading →

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