Rena Bonesio 
Sometimes life is like an adventure. While it’s easier to stay at home and stick with the familiar, there are times when we are really better off setting out into uncharted territory. I just started such an adventure. Today I arrived at Guide Dogs of America for a 28 day residential training program. I’m feeling … Read more
When we re-frame stories that are holding us back in life, we can reclaim a significant amount of emotional energy. Then we can redirect that energy to ward something positive and more productive in life. Here’s the deal: an event happens. Then we create a story around that event. Oftentimes, we add interpretations about why … Read more
We can say “No” without feeling guilty. The secret is hiding in the ability to know what to say “Yes” to. So let’s look at what we want to say “Yes” to. When we are clear on our purpose in life, we will know in what direction we want to take our lives. I know … Read more
There are many businesses giving back to the community. They mention it in brochures and in banners proudly displayed in-store. It’s in grocery stores, banks and coffee shops. It’s everywhere you go. But have you ever stopped to consider what the term “giving back” implies? In order for people to give back, they must first … Read more
I’ve been reviewing the positive inputs and the negative inputs in my own life. I recently experienced some losses in my life and was starting to feel pretty sad. After I took a good look at it, I decided that the sadness was reasonable. Still, am choosing to cut back on some sources of negativity … Read more
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been an extremely successful campaign. It was a brilliant tool for raising both awareness of the disease and funds for research for a cure. There are many good intentions behind it. Whether or not you participated in the challenge, I have a few thoughts to consider. First, Mike Rowe … Read more
John and Rena of Simply Great lives wish you an awesome labor day!
There are three general phases of a calling, especially in the beginning. Check them out and see where you are in the process. Ready The first phase requires us to recognize our need to contribute to the world and to make a difference in the lives of other people. At Simply Great Lives, we are … Read more
Being super-clear on our purpose in life is awesome! It has numerous benefits and helps us avoid some problems, too. Meaning When we know what we are here to do, we are free to engage in activities that are meaningful to us. We can move from a life filled with stuff and activities that lack … Read more
Can you imagine stumbling across your own obituary in the newspaper? That’s exactly what happened to Alfred Nobel. There had recently been a death in his family and the newspaper accidentally ran his obituary instead. Aside from being shocked by seeing his own obituary, He was ‘profoundly disappointed by what he read. It proclaimed, “The … Read more