“How do you feel about yourself as a man in the world today?” I have been in hundreds of men’s groups and men’s weekend events, sitting in a sacred circle, asking this tough question. My answer and your answer are a good indicator, akin to taking your masculine...

  “Like a sculptor, if necessary, carve a friend out of stone. Realize that your inner sight is blind and try to see a treasure in everyone.”  ― Rumi I was twenty-two when I began working at Leo Burnett, a prestigious advertising agency located in Chicago,...

Author Jay Cradeur raises some questions about what we know and what we think we know. — During the past month, I have been driving for both Uber and Lyft. It’s sort of like being a taxi driver and therapist in one job. Driving people around, one begins to notice...

Author Jay Cradeur shares his observations of five must see Academy Award nominated films. — Movies feed my soul. Rarely am I happier than when I can lie down on the bed, my head propped up, trusty Mac Book pro at my side, and a good movie cued and ready to play. The...

Author Jay Cradeur explores themes of a man’s life with the words of poet warrior musician Tom Petty (with video links). — “God, it’s so painful when something that’s so close is still so far out of reach.” Tom Petty, American Girl (Video here). Last night, after a...

Author Jay Cradeur shares his love of music and it’s influence on the creative process. — I do quite a bit of writing. The truth about writing to which most authors will readily admit is it is often a laborious chore. Sure, there are times in which a rich wave of...

Author Jay Cradeur shares what 56 years showed him (so far) about being content with life. — Give them what they want! There, now you have read the punch line. The secret to get what you want is to give them what they want. This is simple advise but not easy to...

Author Jay Cradeur shares a few tips on attracting a partner and creating an environment in which they can thrive. — How do you have a person want you? Give them exactly what they most want from you. If you give them what they want, you are a valuable commodity in...

Author Jay Cradeur shares his views on the subtle power of the feminine that is rarely acknowledged by the masculine. — I wrote the following words several years ago. At the time, all of my experiences with women were in America. Having spent the last 15 months in...

Author Jay Cradeur shares the rare opportunity of working with men over the past 15 years and the powerful impact on relationships. — Many men, especially young men, look for a woman to fill a hole they feel inside. When we do not feel whole, we tend to look outside...

Author Jay Cradeur shares his visceral and heart warming experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigion, Vietnam. — Upon arriving at the Ho Chi Minh International Airport, obtaining my highly valued and well earned “visa on demand”, passing through customs and...

Author Jay Cradeur shares a few simple strategies to reduce spending and increase the love you share and feel during the ever-increasing commercialized holiday season. — I enjoy the holidays. I grew up in America where the end of the year brings the two big holidays....

Author Jay Cradeur Shares Five Powerful, Educational, Introspective, Fascinating And Compelling Documentaries That Will Challenge You. — I love to watch a great movie. There are few things is life that give me more pleasure.   I usually watch in the evening at the end...

Author Jay Cradeur shares the five searing lessons he learned when he faced death. ––– Seven months ago, I was in the peak of health. At 56 years of age, I had lost 45 pounds, dropping from 235 lbs. to 190 lbs. I had never spent even one night in a hospital. I had no...

Life as a path of joy. “The What? How do I stop the damned thinking” — I think too much.  At least, I think… I think too much.  When I think of my childhood, I am saddened at the current state of my own internal affairs.  I remember riding my bike, the wind blowing...

“Say My Name!” Author Jay Cradeur shares some lessons learned from Heisenberg aka Walter White of Breaking Bad. — I was and still am a huge fan of the television series Breaking Bad.   I have shared this series with many friends over the years and relived the...

Author Jay Cradeur shares a moment to moment choice which directly impacts a man’s experience of life and lover. — “Only mystery makes us live. Only mystery.” – Federico García Lorca I am an arrogant bastard. I know this about myself, and I have worked hard to be less...

Author Jay Cradeur shares the one surefire thing you can do to make her day, open her heart, and see her smile. It is easier than you think and it works every time. — “Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it’s much cheaper to buy...

Author Jay Cradeur shares 5 steps for transforming heartache and anger to love and compassion. It starts with saying three words you don’t want to hear. — “That Fucking Bitch!” This is how it starts. It starts with the acknowledgement that I am pissed off! This may...