Unplugging to Connect: Finding Balance in a Busy World

Life Notes with Sheldon

#Society #Religion #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Sheldon Pickering

34:01

I think you could probably go back and track the stages of grief, probably that is what I went through. But I think if you do it right, you end up at acceptance. And that's where I ended up. And that's not to say that I've fully accepted the idea that the golden toad is extinct. Personally, I do still hold out hope that it could still be out there in those forests." - Trevor Ritland This conversation is with Trevor Ritland, who—along with his twin brother Kyle—authored The Golden Toad . The book chronicles their remarkable journey into Costa Rica’s cloud forest, once home to hundreds of brilliant golden toads that would emerge for just a few weeks each year—until, one day, they vanished without a trace. What began as a search for a lost species soon became something much more profound: a confrontation with ecological grief, a meditation on hope, and a powerful call to protect the natural world while we still can. Links: SpeciesUnite.com Kyle and Trevor: https://kyleandtrevor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureterm/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222249677-the-golden-toad Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Toad-Ecological-Mystery-Species/dp/163576996…

about a year ago 24:02

MP3•Episode home

We explore how modern technology promises to make life easier but often leaves us busier and more exhausted than ever before, examining ways to unplug and rediscover meaningful connection in our overscheduled lives.
• The paradox of having time-saving technology while feeling constantly rushed and worn out
• Memories of childhood summers with endless free time versus today's overscheduled kids
• The value of living in smaller communities that preserve connection and "Main Street America" values
• How artificial intelligence may be undermining critical thinking skills in younger generations
• Choosing schools and activities based on relationships rather than prestige or programs
• Creating spaces for genuine connection, even through unconventional means like family poker nights
• The importance of bringing people to our tables and homes as a counterbalance to digital isolation
Go out. Do good work, be great and be sure to tune in next time.

Chapters

1. Unplugging to Connect: Finding Balance in a Busy World (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Life Notes (00:00:10)

3. AI and Society's Unknown Future (00:00:52)

4. The Problem with Being Too Busy (00:03:12)

5. Battling Society's Expectations (00:08:16)

6. Digital Dependence and Critical Thinking (00:13:18)

7. Valuing Friendships Over Accomplishments (00:16:08)

8. Bringing People Back to the Table (00:21:57)

40 episodes

Unplugging to Connect: Finding Balance in a Busy World

Life Notes with Sheldon

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Chapters

1. Unplugging to Connect: Finding Balance in a Busy World (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Life Notes (00:00:10)

3. AI and Society's Unknown Future (00:00:52)

4. The Problem with Being Too Busy (00:03:12)

5. Battling Society's Expectations (00:08:16)

6. Digital Dependence and Critical Thinking (00:13:18)

7. Valuing Friendships Over Accomplishments (00:16:08)

8. Bringing People Back to the Table (00:21:57)

40 episodes

#Society #Religion #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Sheldon Pickering

All episodes

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Remember the Bad to Grow the Good 24:00

10 days ago24:00

24:00

We explore the power of authentic storytelling and how honesty shapes both our national history and personal narratives. The conversation weaves through patriotism, entrepreneurship, and the value of embracing both the good and difficult parts of our past. • The magic of Fourth of July celebrations brings communities together with a sense of unity and patriotism • Benedict Arnold's portrait at West Point remains as a reminder that we shouldn't erase difficult history • Anne Frank's diary resonates because of its raw honesty about ordinary teenage feelings alongside extraordinary circumstances • True forgiveness means sometimes never bringing up past mistakes once someone has learned their lesson • Capitalism begins with a dream in an entrepreneur's heart, not just desire for wealth • Young people need to experience some struggle to develop the drive needed for entrepreneurial success • Sharing authentic stories is more powerful than just teaching principles Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Remember to be considerate with fireworks, especially around pets.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Unplugging to Connect: Finding Balance in a Busy World 24:02

5 weeks ago24:02

24:02

We explore how modern technology promises to make life easier but often leaves us busier and more exhausted than ever before, examining ways to unplug and rediscover meaningful connection in our overscheduled lives. • The paradox of having time-saving technology while feeling constantly rushed and worn out • Memories of childhood summers with endless free time versus today's overscheduled kids • The value of living in smaller communities that preserve connection and "Main Street America" values • How artificial intelligence may be undermining critical thinking skills in younger generations • Choosing schools and activities based on relationships rather than prestige or programs • Creating spaces for genuine connection, even through unconventional means like family poker nights • The importance of bringing people to our tables and homes as a counterbalance to digital isolation Go out. Do good work, be great and be sure to tune in next time.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Navigating Life's Uncertainty: Resilience in Business and Beyond 24:01

5 weeks ago24:01

24:01

Faith and resilience form the foundation for navigating life's unpredictable challenges in business, relationships, and our rapidly changing society. Paul shares his early struggles as a painting contractor when he had to pawn equipment to survive winter months without work, highlighting how these difficult experiences shape who we become. • Small business owners should reach out to competitors and established businesses for advice—most will generously help • Learning financial planning the hard way: saving for predictable slow seasons is essential for business survival • Our trials create the "tear and repair" that strengthens relationships, businesses, and personal character • Society stands on the precipice of unprecedented change driven by artificial intelligence and automation • Despite technological advancement, we're not necessarily healthier, happier, or more fulfilled as a society • Each generation faces its defining challenge—COVID may not have been ours, something more significant may be coming • Finding stability through faith provides the foundation for facing uncertainty without fear • Look for the "great" in difficult times and be determined to contribute positivity to the world Join us every week for a brand new note on life as we help you get off the sidelines and back into the game as your best self.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming 24:00

6 weeks ago24:00

24:00

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of the daily grind? You're not alone. Burnout has become an epidemic across generations, affecting everyone from seasoned professionals to young adults just entering the workforce. In this deeply personal conversation, Sheldon and Paul explore what really works when the spark seems to have gone out. The discussion takes an unexpected turn when Paul shares a powerful insight from his wife's journey through grief: "If I don't serve others, I think about the loss of my son." This revelation illuminates a counterintuitive path out of burnout—shifting focus from ourselves to others through meaningful service. When we're actively helping someone else, our minds simply cannot simultaneously dwell on our own problems. This principle offers a temporary but potent remedy for those moments when life feels overwhelming. Meanwhile, workplaces are undergoing a necessary revolution as younger generations question long-standing assumptions about productivity. After noticing employees burning out after just seven to ten days of traditional schedules, Paul's business switched to six-hour days, four days a week, with increased hourly compensation. The results? Absenteeism plummeted while productivity and satisfaction soared. This experience mirrors what many European countries have discovered: flexible schedules and more time off don't diminish productivity—they enhance it. For leaders, another overlooked strategy involves extending privileges typically reserved for executives down to frontline workers, creating deeper engagement throughout the organization. Whether you're a parent juggling family responsibilities, a professional questioning your career path, or someone simply seeking more joy in daily life, this episode offers practical wisdom for breaking free from burnout and rediscovering purpose. Listen now, and take your first step toward reclaiming the energy and passion that makes life worth living.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Small Wins Lead to Big Breakthroughs: How to Restart Your Momentum 24:08

8 weeks ago24:08

24:08

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels in life with no traction? That frustrating sensation of being stuck in neutral, trapped against a wall, or simply unable to move forward can leave us feeling helpless and lost. In this soul-stirring episode, we unpack practical strategies to break free from life's persistent ruts and jumpstart your energy, motivation, and joy once again. Rather than waiting for dramatic breakthroughs or magical solutions, we explore how consistent small wins create the momentum needed for meaningful change. From making your bed to sending that overdue email, these tiny victories signal to your brain that progress is possible. We dive deep into how changing your physical environment can rewire your thinking, why breaking digital addiction patterns liberates creative energy, and how reconnecting with your core purpose realigns your daily choices with what truly matters. Learn why even five minutes of movement can transform your biochemistry, how reaching out to a friend creates ripples of positive change, and why facing one brave thing each week can shatter the inertia holding you back. Most importantly, you'll discover that being stuck doesn't mean you're broken—it simply signals it's time for change. Through powerful stories and actionable advice, this episode offers the roadmap you need to get off the sidelines and back into the game of life as your best self. The perfect moment to start isn't when everything aligns perfectly—it's right now, with whatever small step feels most accessible today.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
When Your Mental Computer Freezes, Don't Just Ctrl+Alt+Delete 24:06

12 weeks ago24:06

24:06

We explore how moments when we "freeze" in life can become powerful opportunities for growth and wisdom when approached with intention and mindfulness. • Sometimes we freeze due to trauma, stress, or being overwhelmed • The space between stimulus and response is valuable thinking time • Ask yourself: "What's the greatest amount of good I can do in the shortest time?" • Jordan Peterson's advice for moments when you don't know what to do • The principle of "the earth always wins" - everything requires maintenance • Stewardship goes beyond maintenance to honor what matters most • Being authentic and honest builds trust in relationships • Lying, even with good intentions, depletes your "trust bank account" • The quality of life is determined by the quality of our connections • When we improve ourselves, we improve our capacity to serve others The greatest good you can do may be giving time and effort to the precious people who matter most in your life.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Cultivating Your Garden: Stop Chasing, Start Growing 24:09

13 weeks ago24:09

24:09

Finding what we're looking for often happens when we stop frantically searching—just like discovering lost keys when we've stopped actively seeking them. This paradoxical truth applies to our quests for love, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment during these uncertain times. Drawing from Henry David Thoreau's butterfly metaphor and extending it to gardening wisdom, we explore how preparing the soil of our lives attracts what we desire more effectively than desperate pursuit. Our internal garden begins with our thoughts—negative thinking patterns act as noxious weeds, depleting our mental soil of nutrients needed for growth. Removing these thought-weeds requires ongoing maintenance rather than one-time effort. Garden maintenance may necessitate difficult decisions about relationships. Negative people can introduce toxicity that spreads rapidly through our lives, much like how one person's bad attitude can transform a family car ride. Similarly, our digital consumption habits—compulsively checking news or mindlessly scrolling social media—can gradually alter our perception and attitude without our awareness. One revealing moment came when I realized I'd lost eight minutes with my family while checking my phone—time they experienced but I completely missed. Viktor Frankl's profound wisdom reminds us that "between stimulus and response, there is a space" where our power to choose exists. His experiences in Nazi concentration camps taught him that even when everything is taken away, we retain the freedom to choose our attitude. By tending to our thoughts, carefully selecting our influences, and practicing the freedom to choose our responses, we prepare our internal environment for growth. Ready to stop chasing butterflies and start building a garden where they'll naturally want to land? Subscribe now and join our community of intentional gardeners cultivating rich, meaningful lives.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Escaping the Rat Race 24:06

14 weeks ago24:06

24:06

How often do you feel like time is speeding by, slipping through your fingers like sand in an hourglass? In this heartfelt exploration of life's most precious resource, we delve into the art of slowing down time in a world that constantly pushes us to speed up. What would you do if you didn't have to work? When asked this question, most people mention simple pleasures—gardening, fishing, helping neighbors, or watching baseball games. These aren't extravagant dreams requiring great wealth, yet many of us postpone these joys while caught in the relentless rat race. We convince ourselves that happiness lies just beyond the next promotion, the next raise, or the next milestone. But studies reveal a surprising truth: beyond an annual income of roughly $100,000, additional money brings no significant improvement in happiness. Through touching personal stories and timeless wisdom, we explore how certain people master the art of slowing down time. They create homes filled not with the latest gadgets or updated décor, but with peace, love, and genuine connection. By resisting the cultural pressure to constantly upgrade their surroundings, they create sanctuaries from our frenetic world. The most poignant reminder comes from recognizing the finite nature of our relationships. How many summers do you have left with your children before they grow up? How many opportunities remain to create memories with aging parents or grandparents? When we truly grasp that our time with loved ones is limited, our priorities naturally shift toward what matters most. Drawing inspiration from Anne Frank's remarkable ability to find beauty amid suffering, we discover that even in our most challenging moments, stepping back from our problems often reveals the perspective needed to solve them. By intentionally creating space for what truly matters, we transform ordinary moments into the building blocks of an extraordinary life. Join us next week for another Life Note to help you get off the sidelines and back into the game of life as your best you.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Springtime Renewal: Lessons from Molly the Dog 24:18

16 weeks ago24:18

24:18

What can a loyal dog, a 97-year-old grandmother, and the changing seasons of New Mexico teach us about living our best lives? As it turns out, quite a lot. Springtime represents more than just warmer weather and blooming flowers—it symbolizes opportunity for personal renewal. After months of winter's metaphorical dormancy, this episode explores how we can experience our own rebirth alongside nature's awakening. Through heartwarming stories about his dog Molly, Sheldon reveals profound life lessons hiding in plain sight: the value of living fully in each moment, showing compassionate presence without trying to fix everything, and perhaps most importantly, not holding onto grudges. "She'll soak for a bit, but then she forgets about it, she moves on," Sheldon observes—a simple yet transformative approach to life's inevitable disappointments. The wisdom continues with Sheldon's 97-year-old grandmother Verda, whose secret to longevity is refreshingly straightforward: "I just never quit. My friends that sat down, they never got back up." Her philosophy underscores our fundamental human need to feel useful and engaged, regardless of age. This connects beautifully with one of the episode's core messages—that finding happiness often comes through serving others and maintaining purpose. Perhaps the most touching moment comes when Sheldon describes dropping everything to spend an afternoon bike riding with his son at Berg Park—a decision that created "one of the best afternoons of my entire life." This spontaneous adventure reminds us that our most treasured memories often come from fully present, undistracted time with those we love. As spring unfolds around you, take this opportunity to shed what weighs you down. Stop taking things personally, let go of petty grievances, and embrace what a friend facing terminal cancer called "the opportunity of the day." Your renewal awaits—will you accept the invitation?…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Should've Seen The Scoreboard 24:05

1 year ago24:05

24:05

Should've, Could've, Would've. Three very dangerous but overused words that affect who we are and how we are. After a game ends, the scoreboard always resets to 0 - 0.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Time Is All We Have 24:02

1 year ago24:02

24:02

Time is one of the things you cannot get more of. So use it wisely, honorably and happily.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Super Powers and Fireballs! 24:04

1 year ago24:04

24:04

Do you know you have that you have a super power? Do you know how many earths can fit in the sun? Do you know where a lot of your concerns come from? Sheldon has a few answers.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Nice Guys Finish First/Leadership is Serving 24:00

1 year ago24:00

24:00

Do nice guys really finish last? What takes place when you choose to be nice, understanding and compassionate? Do people walk all over you or do you have a chance to set an example and lead?

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Take The Trip Part 3 24:12

1 year ago24:12

24:12

Have you ever been asked to do something, even the simplest things, but you just say that you don't have the time? Even a 2 minute journey seems to take up all of your time. Here is part 3 of "Take The Trip!"

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Take The Trip 24:06

1 year ago24:06

24:06

When life gets in the way, sometimes you just have to get going and take trip.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Less is More 24:03

2 years ago24:03

24:03

The holiday season is definitely upon us. The lights, the music, the decorations, the smells, the sales, the creating extra room for family members, making traveling plans, and the stress! Does it really have to be that way? I don't think so. Let's find a way together to make this your best holiday and best life.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
What Are You Willing To Give Up? 23:44

2 years ago23:44

23:44

We all have decisions to make. Our wants vs our needs. How do we get to where we can make that decision and be happy with it?

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Baseball, Eggs & Mentors 24:00

2 years ago24:00

24:00

What a strange combination, or is it?

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Curators Wanted 24:03

2 years ago24:03

24:03

Museums are amazing. Just as your life is. Just as a curators decides what goes into a museum that is full of wonder, you can do the same for you.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
A Journey of A Thousand Miles! 24:09

2 years ago24:09

24:09

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Mrs. Ivy 25:36

2 years ago25:36

25:36

Mrs. Ivy was a treasure. She loved, laughed and cared for so many. She was an angel. When she passed, on May 15, 2023 and was taken away so suddenly by a troubled young man, it effected so many. It's something that was hard to deal with. These are a few of my thoughts and a few of my memories and a lesson to us all.…

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Zippity Doo Dah! 23:00

2 years ago23:00

23:00

Oh What A Wonderful Day! It's possible.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
The Golden Moment 23:14

2 years ago23:14

23:14

Why put off for tomorrow when you can do it today? Don't wait for your "Golden Moment" to live! Do It NOW!

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
You Must Listen and Hear 25:40

2 years ago25:40

25:40

At times we don't always get what we ask for, or maybe we do. Know what you are asking and listen to the response.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
One Way Ticket 24:15

2 years ago24:15

24:15

Buying a one way ticket, may not be such a bad idea.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
The Assembly Line 24:40

2 years ago24:40

24:40

Life can seem like you are doing the same thing day in and day out. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Eutopia 24:06

2 years ago24:06

24:06

Where is it? What is it? Have we been there? Do we have it? Has it come and gone? Is it coming? Lets talk about that.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Take The First Step 24:53

3 years ago24:53

24:53

Life is not easy, but you can win the race. All you have to do is take that first step.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
Faith In The Future 24:28

3 years ago24:28

24:28

As another year starts to fade, has your faith in what is around you gotten stronger? One of the best ways to have faith in what's to come, is by being grateful in what is around you.

Life Notes with Sheldon

1
New Year, New Book 24:54

3 years ago24:54