Working towards your goals is great, but living for them is another story. — Your fairy godmother doesn’t answer your texts. And you can’t understand why. Well, let me put it to you straight. She’s drawing names out of a hat, and your name’s at the bottom. Not fair, is it? And it’s not only unfair, but it’s also heartbreaking. However, like it or…

Maybe they’re considered impersonal by some, but if you add a little creativity into the mix, you’ll be sure to melt her heart. — My mother just retired, and finances are tight. My sister and I usually combine our money to get her a really nice Christmas gift , so we discussed what she might like. I suggested a gift card. The look in my sister’s eyes? A mixture of shock and disappointment. “Dawn…

Thanks to you, I now have a one in fourteen chance at forty thousand dollars and the chance to make a father’s dream come true. — Before you read this article, you must know one thing. I hate bothering people. However, thanks to wonderful people like Linda Caroll (see her selfless article below), Kelly Eden, Ida Adams, Louise Foerster, James Raven, Carol Lennox, Jim Stutsman, and many others, I’m sticking my neck out one more time…

My earnings have tanked, and it’s making me rethink my choice to stay. — Stupid, stupid girl. That’s what’s been swirling around in my mind for about four months. My Medium income has decreased dramatically, and the problem is I don’t know why. For example, I’m extremely confused about the fact that I’m publishing more frequently, getting more reads, and losing money in the…

There’s a whole world of words out there. Don’ t be afraid to try a few more of them out. — Many writers say, “be clear and concise” or “keep it simple.” Some even recommend writing at a sixth-grade reading level. While these tips are valuable (especially when doing final edits on an article), writers should refrain from following these rules too strictly. …

If you haven’t read it, you need to. It’s transformative. — You gotta read it. One of my favorite books of all time is Khaled Housseini’s The Kite Runner. Unfortunately, it’s been banned in numerous schools for its language and sexual violence. …

No parent is perfect, but good parents do have a few things in common. — As a high school teacher, I’ve seen lots of good parents. Some of these good parents have teens who become class presidents or valedictorians. However, some of these good parents have children who fail classes and are disruptive or disrespectful in class. Long story short: Being a good parent doesn’t…

Sometimes putting all your eggs in the Medium basket keeps you from success — Ever typed in your name on Google? I did just the other day. And I was pleased and saddened by what I found. For example, I was proud of the Medium articles I saw coming up, but then I noticed my name in Entrepreneur magazine. …

Why you should put away those summertime scents and go for something sultry. — Conversation by the fireplace, fine wine in hand. Fleece pajamas and soft cashmere cardigans. Apple cider and the spicy smell of cinnamon candles. All beautiful images, yes? And besides these pleasures occurring in fall and winter, they have more in common. They all involve two things: softness and warmth. And…