Author: Jim Best

We live in an age of motive detection. People question the motives of politicians, executives, media personalities, former partners, coworkers, neighbors, and strangers online.  We wonder who is sincere, who is self-serving, who is pretending, who is manipulating, and who is quietly pursuing an angle. In many cases, this instinct is understandable. Motives matter. They often explain behavior better than words do. But here is the neglected truth: Many people…

Why a Positive Phrase Feels Negative (and How to Reclaim It) “I’m not sure why,” a reader told me after listening to the latest No Cry Zone, “But when I hear someone say ‘Take it up a notch,” it seems negative, and maybe intense.”   I’ve noticed others think it’s close to saying “Let’s get crazy.” We’ve examined other words and sayings that have unexpected connotations.  Let’s look closely.  …

Reading is not just another activity. It is not interchangeable with scrolling, watching, or listening. It is a fundamentally different mental exercise - one that demands participation rather than passive consumption. And that difference is exactly why it matters. When you read, your brain is not being entertained - it is being engaged. You are interpreting, visualizing, connecting, questioning, and synthesizing all at once. Unlike video or audio, where information…

I travel a fair amount.  Many people would say that I travel a LOT.  I’m pretty low key about it.  I don’t talk about it more than necessary.  I share photos if they’re relevant, or to explain a thought or answer someone’s questions about a visit.   And.I’ve come to believe something simple: If you wait too long to live, it becomes harder to start.   Too often I see…