Author Archives: AndyBlasquez

Defense. Education. Proactivity.

“I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Why so many enemies? Why so much division? Why so much pain? So many lost, misunderstood, trapped, and imprisoned. Why does the US pay half of the world’s two-trillion-dollar annual defense budget? And why are so many of ourContinue reading “Defense. Education. Proactivity.”

Making Room for Interdependence

Although this is a topic that I’m often reminded of as it relates to America’s 4th of July celebrations, it’s quickly becoming a much bigger part of my life. Here is an uncomfortable, but hopefully eye opening look at the celebrations of our independence, as a nation…and as individuals. As I grow, my thoughts andContinue reading “Making Room for Interdependence”

#itsdad – The Unseen Battles of Others

“Be kind; for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Although often misattributed to Plato, this one originated from Scottish writer and theologian Ian Maclaren. On the surface, this post might appear to be just another cliched effort to sprinkle a bit of sunshine on your day; but it truly isn’t. It’s here asContinue reading “#itsdad – The Unseen Battles of Others”

All Hail the Profit!

Money is not very smart. But it’s the boss. We can be sure of that. That’s a bit of a no-brainer! Of course it’s not very smart. Neither is a box of nails. Money is an inanimate object, at best. But the way I see money, it’s a bit like a shepherd with a reallyContinue reading “All Hail the Profit!”

The Importance of Asking Why

As a teacher for the last 15 years, and with corporate training systems in my background as well, I’ve had countless opportunities to “break the ice” with students and colleagues. That said, even typing the term “Ice Breaker” makes me cringe. But yes, I have started every convention, every meeting, and ever semester with theContinue reading “The Importance of Asking Why”

My Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Toolbox.

When it comes to the stresses of our lives, maybe Lennon & McCartney had the answer right from the start. We need to just “Let it be.” It’s likely, however, that even those famous lyrics were inspired by wisdom passed down by the sages and mentors who guided Liverpool’s famous composing duo. Reading and listeningContinue reading “My Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Toolbox.”

#itsdad ~ Don’t Worry. Be…Happily!

Hi guys! It’s Dad! Today I‘m writing to you about happiness. More specifically, I’m writing about creating happiness, or even more accurately, simply allowing happiness into your lives. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling down or unhappy, and sometimes that feeling can become pretty overwhelming. We may feel so overcome with sadness that we can’t seemContinue reading “#itsdad ~ Don’t Worry. Be…Happily!”

#itsdad ~ The Selfish Irony of The Golden Rule

Hey guys, it’s Dad. Last night, listening to an audiobook, I heard a comment about “The Golden Rule,” and it kinda started to bug me! I didn’t really understand why. It took me a moment to figure it out. It’s something that we talked a bit about it recently, so I thought I’d share myContinue reading “#itsdad ~ The Selfish Irony of The Golden Rule”

#itsdad ~ Seriously! SHUT UP!

Hey guys! It’s Dad. Ok. For real. Just writing that title made me feel pretty uncomfortable. I’m grateful that it’s not often that I hear raised-voices in our home. However, it’s unlikely that we’ll always find ourselves in such a peaceful and respectful environment. We can’t isolate ourselves from the outside world and all ofContinue reading “#itsdad ~ Seriously! SHUT UP!”