Author Archives: Jim Gleason

As I walk around the neighborhood, I see many homeowners and gardeners cutting back bushes and trees. It is an odd process designed not just to provide a pleasant appearance of the bushes, but also for the health of the plant. Pruning makes it possible for the inner parts of plants to receive more lightContinue reading “A Necessary Process”

Far too often the criminal mind returns to his former way of life after his release from jail, thus misusing his freedom. After peace is restored, warring parties often return to the battlefield. Once the heart is calmed, the worrier often finds new sources of anxiety. Not long after we purchase the latest new thing,Continue reading “Freedom to Change”

Stores, restaurants, credit card companies, and airlines are just a few of the companies offering reward programs. They seek your loyalty by offering special benefits. The offers include cash back, free meals, discounts and even free airline flights. If we like the company, reward programs keep us coming back. If we haven’t yet done businessContinue reading “Rewards Program”

Have you ever seen a person embarking a boat with one foot in the boat and the other on a dock when the boat starts to float away? That is an unstable and scary position to be in. The person doesn’t know whether to try to get on board the boat or reverse course andContinue reading “Slippery Slope”

I used to travel to China for meetings with local and national dignitaries. After the meetings they would provide a formal meal. I learned very quickly to eat and drink slowly because one dish after another was always provided. Sometimes 30-40 separate dishes were provided. Custom and manners required that I eat at least aContinue reading “Endless Meal”