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Dash Digest
Get weekly notes on how to stretch your dash — not by doing more, but by being more.
Previous Dash Digests
October 12, 2026
A Mid-Month Reset
A positive attitude isn’t about pretending life is perfect. It’s about choosing the posture you bring into the day – especially when the month is already in motion. We’re almost halfway through October, National Positive Attitude Month, and this is actually the perfect moment to pause and ask a simple question: What attitude have I…
October 5, 2026
What We Pass on Matters
This past weekend, my three sons took me to Lake Geneva for three rounds of golf to celebrate my 70th birthday. The weather was spectacular, the courses were beautiful, and the accommodations were perfect. But what struck me most wasn’t the scenery – it was the continuity. Watching my sons laugh, compete, and encourage each…
September 28, 2026
Moments Like This Are the Real Legacy
This past Friday, my daughter treated me to a one‑day getaway at Sentry World in Stevens Point. The weather was spectacular, the golf was great, and we were paired with a fun couple who made the day even better. The food and accommodations were top‑notch – but none of that was the real story. The…
September 15, 2026
Where Memories Become Legacy
Every year, sixteen guys make their way to Hayward, Wisconsin for two rounds of golf, meals, cards, and the kind of banter that only happens when you’ve known each other long enough to finish each other’s stories – or correct them. This past weekend marked our 23rd annual outing. Twenty‑three years of fathers and sons,…
August 31, 2026
The Quiet Power of Kindness
Most acts of kindness are small. They don’t make headlines. They don’t require planning. They don’t even take much time. But they do something powerful – they shift the moment for someone else. Hold a door. Offer a sincere compliment. Send a quick text that says, “Thinking of you.” Let someone go ahead of you…
August 24, 2026
Grateful for the people who make every year richer
Saturday night, our backyard was full – full of laughter, full of stories, full of people who have walked beside me through every season of life. My wife planned a beautiful 70th birthday celebration, and the weather couldn’t have been better. But the real gift wasn’t the party. It was looking around and realizing how…
August 17, 2026
Try Something New
Ruts don’t always look like ruts. Sometimes they look like routines, responsibilities, or habits we’ve carried for years. They feel normal. Predictable. Safe. But over time, they quietly narrow our lives. Intentional living asks something different of us. It invites us to pause long enough to notice when we’re living on autopilot and to choose…
August 10, 2026
Get ‘er Done!
There’s a special kind of weight that comes from the tasks we don’t want to do. Not the big dreams or the fun projects – the nagging ones. The phone call you’ve been putting off. The appointment you need to schedule. The cluttered corner you walk past every day. The hard conversation you know will…
July 27, 2026
Choose the Wealth that Starts Within
Inner peace isn’t passive. It’s a practiced, intentional state – and in a world obsessed with achievement, noise, and comparison, it’s becoming the most valuable form of wealth we can cultivate. Why Inner Peace Matters Inner peace is the new rich because it gives you what external success can’t: • Clarity – When your mind…
June 29, 2026
A Small Step That Changes the Rest of 2026
Halfway through 2026 – the midpoint between what’s been and what’s still possible. This season reminds us that growth doesn’t always start with grand plans. Sometimes it begins with sunlight, longer days, and the quiet realization that we still have time to stretch. Mid‑year gives us a natural lift.The air feels lighter.The mornings arrive with…
June 23, 2026
What Father’s Day Reminded Me
Father’s Day was yesterday, and I found myself thinking a lot about my dad – the way he lived, the way he led, and the way his steady presence shaped the person I have become. Even today, the day after, I’m reminded how his influence still shows up in the smallest corners of my life.…
June 15, 2026
A Thought for Your Day
Every morning gives us a chance to show up a little differently than we did yesterday. A little stronger.A little clearer.A little more intentional. That’s what Eleanor Roosevelt was getting at when she said: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” It’s simple, but it’s true.You don’t have to wait for a…
June 8, 2026
The Strength You Build when Nobody is Watching
Grit is one of the most misunderstood strengths.It’s not loud, or glamorous.And it rarely feels heroic in the moment. Most of the time, grit feels like this:“I don’t know how this will turn out… but I’m not quitting today.” I’ve lived through seasons where grit was my only superpower. Not because I was strong – but…
May 25, 2026
Honor the Fallen by How We Choose to Live
There’s something powerful about seeing a photo of someone you know in uniform. It turns Memorial Day from a national moment into a personal one. Today, I’m sharing a photo of my father‑in‑law during his time in service. A young man standing with courage and conviction – representing the countless men and women who stepped…
May 18, 2026
5 Simple Morning Habits That Can Transform Your Day
How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. Over the past 4+ years I have been doing these 5 things every morning and I have never felt better. I feel refreshed, energized and ready for the day. By incorporating these 5 simple habits into your morning routine, you can…
May 11, 2026
Recognizing the Mothers Who Hold So Much Together
Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and we hope every mom in your life felt appreciated, supported, and maybe even a little spoiled. But the truth is, one day will never be enough to match what mothers give the other 364. So much of what mothers do happens quietly. They carry the details no one else sees.…
April 27, 2026
A Legacy That Still Guides Me
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on one of the greatest gifts my dad ever gave me – a simple phrase he repeated often: “You Have The Opportunity.” He didn’t use it as a slogan. He lived it as a truth. My dad believed that no matter the circumstance, we always have a choice – in our…
April 20, 2026
Start Early. Grow Strong
This morning an arborist is stopping by to look at our crab apple tree — the same one that surprised us last year by dropping leaves early and skipping its usual burst of May color. A few of our arborvitae trees are showing winter stress too, so today is about getting ahead of things: assessing,…
April 13, 2026
Rain and Renewal
Five of the next seven days call for rain here in Minnesota. A few years ago, I might’ve rolled my eyes at that forecast. Now, I’m learning to see it differently.Rain is nature’s quiet preparation. It’s the work happening beneath the surface — the kind we don’t always appreciate in the moment.April showers bring May…
April 6, 2026
The Blessing of 7
Two weeks ago, our family grew again — we welcomed our seventh grandchild into the world. And with each new little life, I’m reminded that blessings don’t always arrive with fanfare. Sometimes they come wrapped in a blanket, with tiny fingers and a quiet reminder of what truly matters. Grandchildren have a way of slowing…
March 30, 2026
The Phrase that Keeps me Steady
My favorite saying—and the mindset that changes everything. There’s a moment in life when you realize that most of the stress you carry isn’t about what is happening… it’s about what might happen. The “what ifs.”The imagined scenarios.The fear of not being prepared. Years ago, I adopted a simple phrase that changed all of that…
March 23, 2026
Getting Comfortable in Your Own Skin
We spend so much of our lives trying to fit into expectations — roles, labels, versions of ourselves we think others want. But the older I get, the more I realize this: life feels lighter, more meaningful, and far more joyful when we stop performing and start simply being who we are. Getting comfortable in…
March 10, 2026
Honoring a Life That Taught Us How to Live
Lou Holtz wasn’t just a coach who won games. He was a man who understood people—what moves us, what scares us, what lifts us, and what we’re capable of when someone believes in us a little more than we believe in ourselves. Holtz led six different programs to bowl games and brought Notre Dame back…
March 2, 2026
Your New Season Starts Now
Spring training feels like hope with a pulse. Last week in Bradenton, watching the Twins and Pirates with my wife, I was struck again by the energy that only a new season can bring. Before the first pitch is thrown, you can feel it—players grinding through warmups, rookies chasing a dream, fans leaning forward with fresh…
February 24, 2026
Patience
Stress has a way of sneaking up on us.A long line. A delay. A moment that feels unfair or out of our control.And in those moments, we get to choose: anger or patience. I’ve chosen both in my life.But recently, while standing in a 90‑minute line at the Avis rental counter, I felt the difference…
February 16, 2026
Bandon Dunes
This week, I’m writing from a place I’ve dreamed about for a long time — Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Three days of golf with our oldest son. A true bucket list trip. But here’s the truth I’m reminded of as we walk these fairways:The bucket list was never the goal.The connection is. Standing on the…
February 9, 2026
Balance Creates Better Days
There’s a moment — and you’ve felt it — when life just clicks into place.Not because everything is perfect, but because everything is in proportion. Balance is one of the most underrated forms of wisdom.It’s not flashy.It’s not loud.It doesn’t demand attention.But when it’s present, everything else improves. When we’re in balance: • We make…
February 4, 2026
Small Habits
We often underestimate what a small daily habit can do. We think change requires a grand plan, a surge of motivation, or a new app with a $79 subscription. But most transformations begin quietly — with something so small it almost feels ridiculous. Gretchen Rubin started with her “one-minute rule”:If it takes less than a…
January 18, 2026
My Hero
This past summer, I had the gift of dancing with my 93‑year‑old mother at my niece’s wedding. She’ll be 94 next month, and every time I’m with her, I’m reminded what it truly means to stretch your dash. A couple of weeks ago she lost her younger sister and over the past two years, she…
January 5, 2026
This Quote from Jim Rohn always Lands with a Quiet Thud of Truth
As we step into a new year, it’s worth pausing to consider not just what we want out of life, but who we want to become—and who we’re becoming because of the people around us. This isn’t about judging others or cutting people out with a dramatic flourish. Life isn’t that clean. Relationships are layered,…
November 27, 2025
GRATITUDE
This season invites us to slow down and remember: gratitude is best expressed in the company of others. When we spend intentional time with family—sharing stories, traditions, and laughter—we’re not just celebrating a holiday. We’re investing in relationships that stretch far beyond the day itself. Here’s a simple challenge for the next week: • Put…
November 17, 2025
The Bucket List was Never about Dying. It was about Finally Living.
In 2007, The Bucket List movie gave us a phrase—and a spark.People started writing down dreams. Adventures. Challenges. Moments that mattered. For years, it was common to hear: “That’s on my Bucket List.” But in 2020, everything changed.COVID arrived. The world came to a screeching halt.Travel stopped. Plans were canceled.And without meaning to, we stopped…
November 6, 2025
Carpe Diem – sieze the day and reach out to someone
Watch the YouTube video: https://youtube.com/shorts/ikuFo2crO30?si=opBeetPM9YHeFSwk “An important part of Stretching Your Dash is staying connected and strong relationships. I encourage you to reach out to someone today you haven’t seen in awhile and say hello, and encourage them to Stretch their Dash.” Good morning. I’m down in Myrtle Beach with a beautiful sunrise this morning…
September 22, 2025
A Tradition That Tees Up Connection
“We didn’t know we were making memories, we just thought we were having fun” We often chase what’s measurable – time saved, money earned, goals achieved.Every September, 16 men gather in Hayward, Wisconsin—not just to play golf, but to honor a tradition that began 22 years ago as a simple father-son weekend. What started with…
September 16, 2025
Legacy as the Emotional Anchor for Intentional Living
“We didn’t know we were making memories, we just thought we were having fun” Most of us don’t wake up thinking, Today I’ll build my legacy. We wake up thinking about the next meeting, the next meal, the next moment. Here is a photo I treasure. This is my grandfather, my father, me, and our…
September 8, 2025
Why Relationships Matter
We often chase what’s measurable – time saved, money earned, goals achieved.But the true wealth of a life well-lived? Relationships. They’re the quiet force behind our joy, resilience, and legacy.They hold our laughter, our stories, our healing.They remind us that being with someone is often more powerful than doing for them. This week, let’s shift…
August 25, 2025
Feelings ripple for beyond the moment
We live in a world obsessed with doing—what we said, what we accomplished, how we performed. But the truth is quieter. People won’t remember the exact words you spoke.They won’t recall every action you took. What stays with them—what echoes—is how you made them feel. That’s not just a quote. It’s a compass. Maya Angelou…
August 18, 2025
Investing Time
We all say it: “I don’t have enough time”. But what if the real issue isn’t time – it’s how we are using it. There is a powerful shift waiting for you: Stop spending your time. Start investing it. Spending time often feels like it is slipping away:* Scrolling social media on your phone* Binge…
August 12, 2025
The Power of Sitting in Silence
We often chase what’s measurable – time saved, money earned, goals achieved.But the tMost mornings, the world rushes in before we’ve even rolled out of bed. We wake up to noise – notifications, to-do lists, headlines, expectations. But recently, I’ve started doing something radical. I sit in silence. No music. No phones. No agenda. Just…
August 4, 2025
The First Step Isn’t the Hardest
They say the first step is the hardest. But what if that story is wrong? We’ve heard it so often that we don’t even question it. But here’s the problem—when we label something as hard, we hesitate. We overthink. We delay. And sometimes we never begin. But what if the first step isn’t hard at…
July 28, 2025
Date Night: Our Most Valuable Investment
There’s magic in showing up for each other – fully present, no phones, no distractions – just us and a table for two. Date night is not just about going out, but tuning in. Laughing together reminds us why we chose “us”. Being intentional about building and growing our relationship keeps that spark alive. It’s…
July 21, 2025
Everything is Figureoutable
Some of life’s biggest stressors don’t come from the challenges themselves… They come from the way we brace ourselves for impact. We rehearse our fear instead of trusting our resilience. But here’s what I believe – Everything is Figureoutable. Not because we have all of the answers now, but because we have the strength, experience,…
July 14, 2025
Neuroplasticity in Motion
Confidence doesn’t come from doing what’s easy — it comes from doing what’s unfamiliar. After 60+ years of golfing right-handed, I picked up a left-handed club and gave myself permission to be uncomfortable. And guess what? That discomfort became my greatest teacher. Each awkward swing wasn’t just physical — it sparked neuroplasticity, rewiring my brain,…
July 7, 2025
Momentum is One Small Step Every Day
This photo might look simple – just me lacing up my shoes, water bottle nearby. But for me, it’s the beginning of something powerful. I used to wait for motivation. Now I know: You don’t need motivation to start. You need movement. Progress over perfection. That’s the shift. When I stopped chasing the “perfect” health…
June 30, 2025
When Things Get Hard – And They Will
Let’s talk about the days when the motivation slips, when the cravings creep in, when it feels easier to stay where you are than to stretch one inch further. Those days will come. They come for me too. But here’s what I’ve learned: I don’t run from them. I go back to my Why.I remember…
June 23, 2025
Gratitude
There was a time I rushed into every day like it was a race I couldn’t win. Meetings. Deadlines. Noise. Even the good things blurred into the background. Then I started writing down three things I was grateful for—every morning. Just three. It has changed my life! At the top of my list this morning…
June 16, 2025
Father’s Day Reflections: The Gift of Time
Father’s Day wasn’t about the gifts—it never really is. It was about time. Moments that turn into memories, the kind that remind us why family will always be life’s greatest blessing. This weekend was full of them. A Friday dinner with my wife, our daughter, our youngest son and his wife, who are about to…
June 9, 2025
What if One Small Habit Could Change Everything
I used to believe transformation required massive effort. That change had to be big—a total overhaul. But I was wrong. The truth? The smallest habit can change everything. At 63, I looked in the mirror and saw a version of myself that felt I didn’t like. Years of choices had stacked up, shaping my energy,…
June 2, 2025
Finding Your Why: The Key to a Fulfilling Life
Discovering your Why —your purpose—shifts everything. It brings clarity, ignites passion, and creates direction. It’s not just a lofty ideal; it profoundly affects your well-being. Research shows that people who live with purpose experience lower stress levels, improved mental health, and greater resilience.A clear purpose fosters motivation, deepens relationships, and even leads to better physical…
May 26, 2025
You Have The Opportunity
Today marks what would have been my father’s 94th birthday. Though he passed away 20 years ago, his wisdom and unwavering positivity continue to shape my life every day. He was more than a father—he was a mentor, a role model, my hero and a guiding light. His favorite saying was “You have the Opportunity.”…
May 19, 2025
Unlocking Purpose: Why “Why” Matters More Than “How”
The Power of Your “Why” in Your Health and Wellness Journey. Before diving into any health and wellness journey, there’s one critical step that often gets overlooked: understanding your “Why”. Without it, your motivation can fade, obstacles can feel insurmountable, and progress may feel aimless. But when you define your deeper purpose—your real reason for prioritizing your health—you gain…
May 12, 2025
Do These 5 Simple Morning Habits
5 Simple morning habits that can transform your day! How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. Over the past 3+ years I have been doing these 5 things every morning and I have never felt better. I feel refreshed, energized and ready for the day. By incorporating these…