Open Mind Archives - Blocks of Life

January 31, 2026January 20, 2026 by Pete Wiley

According to Plan—Living the Life you Envision

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. In my experience, they start strong but fizzle out quickly. I’m more of a fan of regular and consistent attention to habits and lifestyle, to goals and vision. Resolutions are popular because people tend to slip off their desired habits during the holidays, and resolutions help them get back on track. But it’s obviously better not to fall off the wagon in the first place. Easier said than done, I know. Treating yourself during special occasions is healthy. So where is the sweet spot? Where does a special treat start, and falling off the wagon begin?

December 20, 2025November 24, 2025 by Pete Wiley

Fluid Identity—The Selves We Become

Your life can take twists and turns, and no two days are the same. But at the end of the day, you are still just you, right? Yes and no. Each of us has personas we adopt depending on the context. In a professional setting, you might be more serious and no-nonsense. With your kids, you might adopt a supportive, empathetic personality. When you’re with people you love, you become more attentive and generous. But ultimately, deep down, there’s the version of you in each of these personas—and getting to know that core self is a key to living a genuine life.

December 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by Pete Wiley

Being Open-Minded and True to Yourself

Being open-minded can be difficult, especially when the ideas or opinions you hear seem to go against your values or morals. Someone says something that, on its surface, sounds selfish, callous, or shortsighted, and your natural reaction is to disagree vehemently. But part of being open-minded is knowing the whole story. What is the backdrop for what you’re hearing? People may be misinformed or misguided. Many people feel disenfranchised and are desperate to find an ideology or a movement that resonates with them. You may vehemently disagree with what someone believes or says, but it’s helpful to dig deeper and find the circumstances that have led to their perspective.

in Open Mind / Proactive 0 comments

November 22, 2025October 21, 2025 by Pete Wiley

Personal Utopia—Improving Society One Person at a Time

What are we working toward as a society? In times of societal upheaval, it can be helpful to know not only what we don’t want, but what we are working toward. The utopian ideal embodies a healthy society: a world in which we all work together toward common goals, where there is no need for greed or the hoarding of wealth, and where we are at peace. Of course, there are conditions we need to overcome to begin working toward that ideal, not the least of which is that, generally, people are greedy and self-centered. We also do not all share the same goals, values, or ways of living. But what if we could find utopia within ourselves? Personal utopia can be achieved, and if enough people achieve it, it will lead toward something more.

in Open Mind / Proactive 0 comments

November 8, 2025October 8, 2025 by Pete Wiley

Magical Moments—Making Experiences Special

Some moments in life are truly special. You experience them as if in a dream, and you keep them in a sacred place in your heart and your memory. Over time, they may become the stuff of personal legend—the experiences that shaped who you are or had an overwhelming emotional impact. These times might include falling in love—and realizing that love is requited. It might be the birth of a child, when everything else becomes a lower priority. It may be a professional breakthrough when your work starts to make a meaningful impact. Whatever it is, the moment in time can be magical, something outside of the realm of the everyday.

in Emotions / Open Mind 0 comments