michael

Articles and reflections by Michael, contributing writer at billmcdonaldonline.com, exploring themes of wellness, relationships, and personal transformation.

Prince Arn

The Sunday Comics It’s Sunday morning, February 26, 2023. Like clockwork, I feed my cat, make coffee – then next I’ll retrieve the Sunday Flint Journal from my front porch. I remove it from its plastic wrapper (protecting it from Michigan weather), and disengage the Comics section. Then I’ll sit down to read my three […]

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The Pocket Knife

It was my first visit in many years to a podiatrist. My PCP (Primary Care Physician) had informed me that Medicare would cover toenail trimming, so I availed myself of that benefit. I’d reached the age when bending down to trim my own nails wasn’t as easy for this non-limber body. And pedicures were somewhat

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Being Crossed

Last Spring, Michael Meade, an acquaintance and favorite podcast writer, wrote a podcast entitled “Wise and Crosswise” which I revisit from time to time, and now share with you.[1] In my own imagination, (and actually some specific memory), I find myself on a path through a thick forest, my walking stick sometimes held in front

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Don’t Defend, Don’t Explain, Don’t Justify

I came across these rules many years ago, as guidelines of value especially in relationship arguments. An expanded version goes like this: Whenever you feel the need (i.e. are tempted) to defend yourself, to explain yourself, to justify yourself – Don’t!  Don’t DorEorJ Because, if you do – NOTHING OF VALUE WILL HAPPEN. Now, at first this didn’t make much sense

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