Life Notes with Sheldon

Kidney stones are tiny, common, and infamous for crushing pain. That contrast becomes the launch point for a bigger idea: the smallest unresolved issues in our lives can quietly grow until they demand our full attention, and the pain often spikes the moment we finally start moving through them.I talk through why discomfort can be a sign of progress, not proof you’re failing. Changing jobs, repairing relationships, grieving, and overcoming addiction can feel like getting squeezed by the moment itself, but the obstacle isn’t just “the way” it’s the way through. We also get practical about prevention, using hydration as a metaphor for the daily habits that protect our mental health, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being: meditation, prayer, strengthening the body, engaging the mind, and making time to actually enjoy being alive.From there, I share a few moments of intense gratitude that stop me in my tracks, like appreciating a warm bath and the push-button wonder of modern life. We build a simple “joy list,” then use the jar metaphor to make it actionable: if your schedule is overflowing with duties and worry, empty 30 to 40 percent and refill that space with people, practices, and commitments that bring real joy. I even nod to Marie Kondo style gratitude as a way to train your attention toward what’s working.Then we head to the river of life. Too many of us stand on the bank, testing the water, backing away after we get scared. My son Jaren joins me and delivers a straight-to-the-heart reminder: take the chance while you can, because you might not get it again. If this hits home, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can jump in too.

Outrage is easy to find, and it spreads like weeds. One quick scroll, one argument, one more clip of “vile” political discourse, and we drag the burrs home into our families, our sleep, and our peace of mind. I recorded this note to offer a different path: stay out of the weeds, look up, and remember the ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives right in front of us.I pull a powerful idea from Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Dad and the story of Florence Nightingale: we can’t choose the family we come from, but we can choose which branches of the family tree we focus on and which stories we pass down. That simple choice changes everything, especially for parenting and raising good kids. If someone listened to our conversations for a week, would they think our heroes are politicians and celebrities, or would they hear us honoring Grandma, Grandpa, a mentor, a teacher, the neighbor who always showed up?We also get practical about stress, mindset, and emotional regulation. A 67-year-old’s advice hits hard: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and most of it is small stuff.” I share a real moment where I nearly let a small offense ruin a perfect New Mexico evening with my family, then walk through the “human superpower” of controlling your thoughts before they sink into your heart. Finally, I leave you with a challenge for your kids and a legacy question for all of us: who do you admire, and how will you become that person for someone else?If this helped, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s stuck in the weeds, and leave a review so more people can find Life Notes with Sheldon. What story are you going to tell around the dinner table this week?

Spring reminds us that after every winter, something living comes back, and I tie that renewal to the trust that holds our communities together. I walk through why I still trust our elections, why I want evidence before I believe fraud claims, and why hope is worth protecting.• spring as rebirth and a reset for perspective • trust as the hidden force behind roads, planes, and public life • respect for local law enforcement and the risks they take • why I trust local election workers and the safeguards I have seen • the damage done when we repeat fraud claims without proof • suspending judgment and asking for documents and facts • how distrust threatens hope and the fabric of a democratic republic • choosing to vote with gratitude and pride Whatever you do, go out and vote. Say hi to them and be nice to them.

We sit down with James Harris from Ideal Physical Therapy to talk through chronic pain, why movement is often the safest starting point, and how personalized physical therapy can beat a rushed one-size-fits-all plan. We also share an easy “10-10-10” routine you can start today to build strength, protect mobility, and feel more like yourself again. • why James runs an out-of-network physical therapy practice and what that changes for quality of care • why many people don’t need imaging or surgery as a first step for neck pain and low back pain • movement as medicine and why getting stronger reduces injuries and pain • how pain signals can persist even without tissue damage • three simple daily actions: sit-to-stands, floor get-ups, and brisk walking • how to set manageable goals, build accountability, and choose exercise you actually enjoy • the strong connection between physical health and mental health plus a book recommendation Friends, if you don't know where to start, let me challenge you to start with a 1010-10. 10-minute walk, 10 minutes up from your chair as fast as you can, 10 minutes lying down and getting up on the floor, and then make a 10-minute phone call and visit with James. You can go to my website at idealptnm.com, or my phone number is 505-278-0785.

We discuss the importance of making meaningful memories with loved ones during the 4th of July holiday and beyond, emphasizing how these small moments become the foundation for lifelong connections and well-being.• Ice cream as a quintessential American joy and memory-maker with children• The value of prioritizing experiences and trips over material possessions• "Take the trip" philosophy – spending on memories rather than things• Teaching children about American history and the sacrifices that secured our freedom• Honoring veterans and military personnel who protect our freedoms• Visiting historical sites like Plymouth Rock, Gettysburg, and national monuments• America as a place where people stand up for what's right despite difficulties• The importance of acknowledging both triumphs and failures in our national story• Creating unity and equality in our communities• Being mindful of those who might struggle with PTSD during fireworks celebrationsBe safe this 4th of July weekend. If you're celebrating with fireworks, be conscious of veterans or others who may experience PTSD. Reach out to those who might be struggling and help one another.

We challenge the reflex to sit on the sidelines and make a clear case for everyday participation at home, at work, and in the community. Through stories, Stoic insights, and four weekly challenges, we show how small acts shift identity, spark momentum, and spread courage.• defining the bystander trap and its costs• choosing participation over commentary in public life• applying stoic wisdom to love and family• practice shaping game-time reactions at home• showing up, speaking up, and stepping in• four challenges for momentum and identity• the 10 percent rule for meaningful impactFix one small thing, encourage one person publicly, finish something you’ve been putting off, and clean up something that isn’t yours

A single sentence can change a culture. That’s the heartbeat of this conversation about bullying, regret, and the courage to stand up when it counts. We open with honest confessions of unkind moments, from a second grader’s plea for friendship turned away to a new student mocked for her clothes, and then trace how those memories mature into action. When one of us finally said, “Knock it off. He’s my friend,” to an upperclassman mocking a classmate with Down syndrome, a football team’s posture shifted from cruelty to protection—and a future parent learned the reflex that would later guard his own daughter.We dig into why these turning points stick. Life feels like a circle: our choices ripple through families, schools, and neighborhoods. Interdependence shows up in unglamorous places—a careful worker keeping someone’s home warm, a patient driver preventing disaster. That lens leads us toward grace. We talk about personal Gethsemane moments, the private seasons of pain that teach knowledge no textbook can deliver, and we bring in Viktor Frankl’s perspective shift: even suffering can be a classroom if we ask, “What can I learn here?” One of us shares a raw story of public humiliation after stepping into a leadership crisis, and how that pain became an upgrade in compassion at home and in the community.This is a practical guide to everyday mercy during the holidays and beyond: how to speak up against bullying without theatrics, how to model advocacy for kids, how to treat eight out of ten people as if they’re in a crisis—and be kind regardless. We even simplify prayer into something anyone can try: talk to God the way you talk on a walk, with honest words and open hands. If you’re craving a reason to believe small acts still matter, this conversation offers both proof and a plan. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs courage today, and tell us: what one sentence would you be proud to say in your next hard moment?

Accountability isn’t a punishment. It’s the lever that turns good intentions into durable progress. We dig into the hard truth that ignorance doesn’t equal innocence—especially in leadership, parenting, and personal growth—and show how ownership transforms messy situations into solvable problems. If you’ve been circling the same issues at work, at home, or in your habits, this is a practical map out of the loop.We start by reframing accountability as opportunity: the act of claiming what is ours to fix even when we didn’t see it coming. From there, we unpack why “I didn’t know” fails leaders, how liability tracks back to stewardship, and why recognizing a problem without owning it keeps you stuck. You’ll hear how shame clouds judgment and how accountability clears the sky, revealing the patterns, missed checks, and decisions that need redesign. A simple question drives the shift—“Is it me?”—asked not in self-blame, but as a precise diagnostic to find your part and change it.Then we get tactical. We walk through turning clarity into action with concrete steps, tight feedback loops, and visible proof of progress. Whether you’re navigating a toxic team, spiraling finances, or stalled health goals, you’ll learn how to move from wishing to doing: write two lists (“where I am” and “where I want to be”), build the bridge with three to five specific actions, assign ownership, and set deadlines. Accountability may complicate today, but it simplifies tomorrow by preventing repeat crises and building trust with yourself and others.If you’re ready to stop repeating patterns and start building outcomes by design, press play and join us. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to tell us where you’re taking ownership next.

We explore the power of authentic storytelling and how honesty shapes both our national history and personal narratives. The conversation weaves through patriotism, entrepreneurship, and the value of embracing both the good and difficult parts of our past.• The magic of Fourth of July celebrations brings communities together with a sense of unity and patriotism• Benedict Arnold's portrait at West Point remains as a reminder that we shouldn't erase difficult history• Anne Frank's diary resonates because of its raw honesty about ordinary teenage feelings alongside extraordinary circumstances• True forgiveness means sometimes never bringing up past mistakes once someone has learned their lesson• Capitalism begins with a dream in an entrepreneur's heart, not just desire for wealth• Young people need to experience some struggle to develop the drive needed for entrepreneurial success• Sharing authentic stories is more powerful than just teaching principlesHave a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Remember to be considerate with fireworks, especially around pets.

We explore how modern technology promises to make life easier but often leaves us busier and more exhausted than ever before, examining ways to unplug and rediscover meaningful connection in our overscheduled lives.• The paradox of having time-saving technology while feeling constantly rushed and worn out• Memories of childhood summers with endless free time versus today's overscheduled kids• The value of living in smaller communities that preserve connection and "Main Street America" values• How artificial intelligence may be undermining critical thinking skills in younger generations• Choosing schools and activities based on relationships rather than prestige or programs• Creating spaces for genuine connection, even through unconventional means like family poker nights• The importance of bringing people to our tables and homes as a counterbalance to digital isolationGo out. Do good work, be great and be sure to tune in next time.

Faith and resilience form the foundation for navigating life's unpredictable challenges in business, relationships, and our rapidly changing society. Paul shares his early struggles as a painting contractor when he had to pawn equipment to survive winter months without work, highlighting how these difficult experiences shape who we become.• Small business owners should reach out to competitors and established businesses for advice—most will generously help• Learning financial planning the hard way: saving for predictable slow seasons is essential for business survival• Our trials create the "tear and repair" that strengthens relationships, businesses, and personal character• Society stands on the precipice of unprecedented change driven by artificial intelligence and automation• Despite technological advancement, we're not necessarily healthier, happier, or more fulfilled as a society• Each generation faces its defining challenge—COVID may not have been ours, something more significant may be coming• Finding stability through faith provides the foundation for facing uncertainty without fear• Look for the "great" in difficult times and be determined to contribute positivity to the worldJoin us every week for a brand new note on life as we help you get off the sidelines and back into the game as your best self.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of the daily grind? You're not alone. Burnout has become an epidemic across generations, affecting everyone from seasoned professionals to young adults just entering the workforce. In this deeply personal conversation, Sheldon and Paul explore what really works when the spark seems to have gone out.The discussion takes an unexpected turn when Paul shares a powerful insight from his wife's journey through grief: "If I don't serve others, I think about the loss of my son." This revelation illuminates a counterintuitive path out of burnout—shifting focus from ourselves to others through meaningful service. When we're actively helping someone else, our minds simply cannot simultaneously dwell on our own problems. This principle offers a temporary but potent remedy for those moments when life feels overwhelming.Meanwhile, workplaces are undergoing a necessary revolution as younger generations question long-standing assumptions about productivity. After noticing employees burning out after just seven to ten days of traditional schedules, Paul's business switched to six-hour days, four days a week, with increased hourly compensation. The results? Absenteeism plummeted while productivity and satisfaction soared. This experience mirrors what many European countries have discovered: flexible schedules and more time off don't diminish productivity—they enhance it. For leaders, another overlooked strategy involves extending privileges typically reserved for executives down to frontline workers, creating deeper engagement throughout the organization.Whether you're a parent juggling family responsibilities, a professional questioning your career path, or someone simply seeking more joy in daily life, this episode offers practical wisdom for breaking free from burnout and rediscovering purpose. Listen now, and take your first step toward reclaiming the energy and passion that makes life worth living.

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels in life with no traction? That frustrating sensation of being stuck in neutral, trapped against a wall, or simply unable to move forward can leave us feeling helpless and lost.In this soul-stirring episode, we unpack practical strategies to break free from life's persistent ruts and jumpstart your energy, motivation, and joy once again. Rather than waiting for dramatic breakthroughs or magical solutions, we explore how consistent small wins create the momentum needed for meaningful change. From making your bed to sending that overdue email, these tiny victories signal to your brain that progress is possible.We dive deep into how changing your physical environment can rewire your thinking, why breaking digital addiction patterns liberates creative energy, and how reconnecting with your core purpose realigns your daily choices with what truly matters. Learn why even five minutes of movement can transform your biochemistry, how reaching out to a friend creates ripples of positive change, and why facing one brave thing each week can shatter the inertia holding you back.Most importantly, you'll discover that being stuck doesn't mean you're broken—it simply signals it's time for change. Through powerful stories and actionable advice, this episode offers the roadmap you need to get off the sidelines and back into the game of life as your best self. The perfect moment to start isn't when everything aligns perfectly—it's right now, with whatever small step feels most accessible today.

We explore how moments when we "freeze" in life can become powerful opportunities for growth and wisdom when approached with intention and mindfulness.• Sometimes we freeze due to trauma, stress, or being overwhelmed• The space between stimulus and response is valuable thinking time• Ask yourself: "What's the greatest amount of good I can do in the shortest time?"• Jordan Peterson's advice for moments when you don't know what to do• The principle of "the earth always wins" - everything requires maintenance• Stewardship goes beyond maintenance to honor what matters most• Being authentic and honest builds trust in relationships• Lying, even with good intentions, depletes your "trust bank account"• The quality of life is determined by the quality of our connections• When we improve ourselves, we improve our capacity to serve othersThe greatest good you can do may be giving time and effort to the precious people who matter most in your life.

Finding what we're looking for often happens when we stop frantically searching—just like discovering lost keys when we've stopped actively seeking them. This paradoxical truth applies to our quests for love, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment during these uncertain times.Drawing from Henry David Thoreau's butterfly metaphor and extending it to gardening wisdom, we explore how preparing the soil of our lives attracts what we desire more effectively than desperate pursuit. Our internal garden begins with our thoughts—negative thinking patterns act as noxious weeds, depleting our mental soil of nutrients needed for growth. Removing these thought-weeds requires ongoing maintenance rather than one-time effort.Garden maintenance may necessitate difficult decisions about relationships. Negative people can introduce toxicity that spreads rapidly through our lives, much like how one person's bad attitude can transform a family car ride. Similarly, our digital consumption habits—compulsively checking news or mindlessly scrolling social media—can gradually alter our perception and attitude without our awareness. One revealing moment came when I realized I'd lost eight minutes with my family while checking my phone—time they experienced but I completely missed.Viktor Frankl's profound wisdom reminds us that "between stimulus and response, there is a space" where our power to choose exists. His experiences in Nazi concentration camps taught him that even when everything is taken away, we retain the freedom to choose our attitude. By tending to our thoughts, carefully selecting our influences, and practicing the freedom to choose our responses, we prepare our internal environment for growth.Ready to stop chasing butterflies and start building a garden where they'll naturally want to land? Subscribe now and join our community of intentional gardeners cultivating rich, meaningful lives.

How often do you feel like time is speeding by, slipping through your fingers like sand in an hourglass? In this heartfelt exploration of life's most precious resource, we delve into the art of slowing down time in a world that constantly pushes us to speed up.What would you do if you didn't have to work? When asked this question, most people mention simple pleasures—gardening, fishing, helping neighbors, or watching baseball games. These aren't extravagant dreams requiring great wealth, yet many of us postpone these joys while caught in the relentless rat race. We convince ourselves that happiness lies just beyond the next promotion, the next raise, or the next milestone. But studies reveal a surprising truth: beyond an annual income of roughly $100,000, additional money brings no significant improvement in happiness.Through touching personal stories and timeless wisdom, we explore how certain people master the art of slowing down time. They create homes filled not with the latest gadgets or updated décor, but with peace, love, and genuine connection. By resisting the cultural pressure to constantly upgrade their surroundings, they create sanctuaries from our frenetic world.The most poignant reminder comes from recognizing the finite nature of our relationships. How many summers do you have left with your children before they grow up? How many opportunities remain to create memories with aging parents or grandparents? When we truly grasp that our time with loved ones is limited, our priorities naturally shift toward what matters most.Drawing inspiration from Anne Frank's remarkable ability to find beauty amid suffering, we discover that even in our most challenging moments, stepping back from our problems often reveals the perspective needed to solve them. By intentionally creating space for what truly matters, we transform ordinary moments into the building blocks of an extraordinary life.Join us next week for another Life Note to help you get off the sidelines and back into the game of life as your best you.

What can a loyal dog, a 97-year-old grandmother, and the changing seasons of New Mexico teach us about living our best lives? As it turns out, quite a lot.Springtime represents more than just warmer weather and blooming flowers—it symbolizes opportunity for personal renewal. After months of winter's metaphorical dormancy, this episode explores how we can experience our own rebirth alongside nature's awakening.Through heartwarming stories about his dog Molly, Sheldon reveals profound life lessons hiding in plain sight: the value of living fully in each moment, showing compassionate presence without trying to fix everything, and perhaps most importantly, not holding onto grudges. "She'll soak for a bit, but then she forgets about it, she moves on," Sheldon observes—a simple yet transformative approach to life's inevitable disappointments.The wisdom continues with Sheldon's 97-year-old grandmother Verda, whose secret to longevity is refreshingly straightforward: "I just never quit. My friends that sat down, they never got back up." Her philosophy underscores our fundamental human need to feel useful and engaged, regardless of age. This connects beautifully with one of the episode's core messages—that finding happiness often comes through serving others and maintaining purpose.Perhaps the most touching moment comes when Sheldon describes dropping everything to spend an afternoon bike riding with his son at Berg Park—a decision that created "one of the best afternoons of my entire life." This spontaneous adventure reminds us that our most treasured memories often come from fully present, undistracted time with those we love.As spring unfolds around you, take this opportunity to shed what weighs you down. Stop taking things personally, let go of petty grievances, and embrace what a friend facing terminal cancer called "the opportunity of the day." Your renewal awaits—will you accept the invitation?

Should've, Could've, Would've. Three very dangerous but overused words that affect who we are and how we are. After a game ends, the scoreboard always resets to 0 - 0.

Time is one of the things you cannot get more of. So use it wisely, honorably and happily. 

Do you know you have that you have a super power? Do you know how many earths can fit in the sun? Do you know where a lot of your concerns come from? Sheldon has a few answers.

Do nice guys really finish last? What takes place when you choose to be nice, understanding and compassionate? Do people walk all over you or do you have a chance to set an example and lead? 

Have you ever been asked to do something, even the simplest things, but you just say that you don't have the time? Even a 2 minute journey seems to take up all of your time. Here is part 3 of "Take The Trip!"

When life gets in the way, sometimes you just have to get going and take trip. 

The holiday season is definitely upon us. The lights, the music, the decorations, the smells, the sales, the creating extra room for family members, making traveling plans, and the stress!Does it really have to be that way? I don't think so. Let's find a way together to make this your best holiday and best life.

We all have decisions to make. Our wants vs our needs. How do we get to where we can make that decision and be happy with it?

What a strange combination, or is it?

Museums are amazing. Just as your life is. Just as a curators decides what goes into a museum that is full of wonder, you can do the same for you.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. 

Mrs. Ivy was a treasure. She loved, laughed and cared for so many. She was an angel. When she passed, on May 15, 2023 and was taken away so suddenly by a troubled young man, it effected so many. It's something that was hard to deal with. These are a few of my thoughts and a few of my memories and a lesson to us all.

Oh What A Wonderful Day! It's possible. 

Why put off for tomorrow when you can do it today? Don't wait for your "Golden Moment" to live! Do It NOW!

At times we don't always get what we ask for, or maybe we do. Know what you are asking and listen to the response.

Life can seem like you are doing the same thing day in and day out. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Buying a one way ticket, may not be such a bad idea.

Where is it? What is it? Have we been there? Do we have it? Has it come and gone? Is it coming? Lets talk about that.

Life is not easy, but you can win the race. All you have to do is take that first step.

2023 is upon us. If you were to see 2022 as a book you have written, would it be a good read? An exciting read? A love story or a adventure novel? The good news is that you have 365 blank pages waiting for you to pen.

As another year starts to fade, has your faith in what is around you gotten stronger? One of the best ways to have faith in what's to come, is by being grateful in what is around you.

It's so easy for you to be robbed of your joy. How are you going to secure your joy? Listen to some simple tips to protect your joy.

People go to where they are fed. What are you serving up?

Honesty is the best policy, especially when you are honest with yourself. 

Joy comes in many different forms, such as family. So Go out and spread some joy!

It is the easiest yet hardest thing for us to do. But you can do it.

What is the one thing that you can do to help yourself be a better you, and to help others around you? Be Cheerful!

When honesty is in your life, it makes a big difference in you and others.