Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2024-2025!

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Happy holidays everyone! One thing I used to do years ago for the holidays was hand out themed compilation CDs of music people couldn’t buy anywhere to give them something special and unique and wonderful to listen to over the holiday season (and beyond). They did not contain holiday music or anything which, for me, tends to get old after a short while – just unique music that is nice to listen to for something different. I was always particular and intentional about the themes I came up with and always ordered the tracks in such a way to ensure they created a wonderful musical experience and a smooth flow from one track to the next.

I used to do this year-after-year up until the widespread use of I-tunes, media players, Spotify and such. So, I started to realize CDs were probably a waste of time and effort. Well, the last couple of years I decided to recreate some of those CDs as Playlists on Spotify.

For this year I recreated my Laid-Back Lounge CD as a playlist with a few extra tracks. So, check it out when you get the chance: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5szvQk9eJlHix5KRs9TcL2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1K6jE_L8fFaRFD7xH6y8sdSDw4mGtEJKQ47FhkGM9gOxQadwvITpHlJ5U_aem_bDKXVL4R48UPfwfUmu8oQQ

I hope you will enjoy this as much as I do. Also, one song missing (not available on Spotify) is the Cafe del Mar version of Kalliope’s Lunar Landing (Here it is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X-Rg13QyTE ). I encourage you to check that out and insert it just after the track 13 (Blank & Jones: Desire – Ambient Mix) if you create your own playlist outside of Spotify. It fits in well with this playlist. Also, feel free to modify the playlist to make it your own including adding some of your favorites.

Below is the complete set of playlists I have provided so far over the past few years (including this one). So, feel free to check each of these out as well over the holidays (and beyond):

1. Classical Gems (nice and soothing classical music): Classical Gems – playlist by Joe Brennan | Spotify

2. Candlelight Classic Jazz I (mainly old classic vocal jazz): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1R0tZBB8MOZUJgA01LrK2C…

3. Candlelight Classic Jazz II (mainly old classic instrumental jazz): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10ZO5Mrv5fF2Uns7QEzWVT…

4. New Age (Morningtide-Eveningtide): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5S0Re0yHvQma9WMai20w36…

People really seemed to love this one for helping them to relax and even sleep. One song (What a Beautiful Sunset by Angelwing) was not available on Spotify but I encourage you to check out this excellent song as well: https://youtu.be/pXgjQPgh4bM?si=ovRvGhgp3V_G47JI . You can add this wonderful track if you create your own playlist outside of Spotify.

5. Acoustic Tracks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rjwsNOCPfWZJFK72cKvji… This is a playlist that I love to listen to around the start of Autumn. For some reason the music really seems to fit at that time. None of the Joni Mitchell songs were on Spotify but tracks such as: the acoustic live version of “People’s Parties” (my very favorite: https://youtu.be/NktbeZiMYfA?si=dV0LcJEL6uo1aTbJ), “Urge for Going” (https://youtu.be/ZvSvTRhAJxg?si=hKeMtJUa95dTLGUk), “Little Green” (https://youtu.be/HTxUrDtoPP0?si=fo0yREfcqCIxaznn), “A Case of You” (https://youtu.be/0YuaZcylk_o?si=hwbPrgdwdmxUYHlM), “Court and Spark” (https://youtu.be/_1Z6I62yvfg?si=irKLbee4rBS5evAI), and “That Song About the Midway” (https://youtu.be/O9R82TThjdw?si=jA4wsRNPDVaNUJXo) are excellent. So add the above tracks if you create your own playlist outside of Spotify.

6. Smooth Sailing 50s/60s (old 1950s &1960s pop songs): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3x0UnPJDMQqXcgxDIemCep?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3RHM9yqOIQOjrOnqISFry887itxeznZ0d2wZ0XQrgwCmPqzIi_nOfYXyQ_aem_r18OoHjvhW4nyAOVmuw-ag I heard some old music on a radio station a few months ago when driving around in New Smyrna Beach and I loved it so much that, for something different, I made a whole playlist to share with everyone. So, check it out when you get the chance: Some of the lyrics are outdated for these modern times but the music is Wonderful. Also, the Sue Raney version of the second song (Till There Was You – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEoG1TYLBWI) is much better than the Peggy Lee version but Spotify didn’t have the Sue Raney version. I encourage you to check that out and replace the Peggy Lee version with the Sue Raney version if you create your own playlist outside of Spotify. It’s so much better than the Peggy Lee version and fits in well with this playlist.

7. Laid Back Lounge (chill-out lounge/cafe music): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5szvQk9eJlHix5KRs9TcL2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1K6jE_L8fFaRFD7xH6y8sdSDw4mGtEJKQ47FhkGM9gOxQadwvITpHlJ5U_aem_bDKXVL4R48UPfwfUmu8oQQ. One song missing (not available on Spotify) is the Cafe del Mar version of Kalliope’s Lunar Landing (Here it is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X-Rg13QyTE ). I encourage you to check that out and insert it just after the track 13 (Blank & Jones: Desire – Ambient Mix) if you create your own playlist outside of Spotify. It fits in well with this playlist.

Enjoy this music over the holiday season (and beyond) and feel free to share with anyone else who might enjoy these or could use a positive thought and a smile to brighten up their day.

Lastly, just in case it might be helpful to you (or others in your life):
As a first step when I take on new life coaching clients, I usually assign the following as a homework assignment: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-defeat-any…/
Why? Because this is the entry level step for putting them into a more positive place and ensuring we are working towards actual, instead of perceived, problems. It can be a substantial waste of time, effort, and energy working towards solving non-problems and taking this step (and Step 2 below) can be instrumental in avoiding that. After 3-4 weeks of consistently addressing the external factors indicated in the post above, many people feel much better about themselves and about their lives and are better able to focus on what they really want in life instead of spending time, money, and energy trying to solve problems which are really not problems at all.

After Step 1 has been completed, Step 2 is here which offers a guaranteed way to live increasingly happier : https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/happiness-tip-clear…/

I hope the above will be helpful to you or to others in your life.
Happy Holidays everyone! May 2025 be the best year of our lives EVER! 🙂

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace #joy #positivethinking #balance

☆°▪︎ THE SHIMMER AND SHINE (OF A LIFE LEFT BEHIND) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

.

a

l

w

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y

s

.

thought

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.

m

i

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t

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

again,

–

–

sweet

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

always

.

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h

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.

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.

might . . .

–

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always

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there

might

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more

fine

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times,

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see

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smile . . .

–

–

–

.

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.

 ~ I

always

.

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there

might . . .

–

–

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.

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b

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smile . . .

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light . . .

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shine . . .

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.

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d

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.

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.

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.

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.

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d

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.

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emptiness

behind . . .

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–

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.

.

where

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I

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haunted

.

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y

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the

mirrors . . .

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.

.

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I

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t

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haunted

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y

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mirrors . . .

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mind . . .

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mirrors . . .

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mirrors . . .

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y

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mirrors . . .

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.

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my

mind . . .

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–

.

.

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shining

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bright

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d

.

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light

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life

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f

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behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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a

.

bright

.

a

n

d

.

bitter

light

.

o

n

.

a

.

life,

–

–

forever

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind.

Reflection:  This is a melancholy-themed poem where the contemplator looks back on a special someone he or she greatly misses who really meant something to him/her earlier in life. The contemplator struggles with the heartbreak, the sadness, the emptiness, and the loneliness, as well as the sinking feelings that frequently accompany these. He/She spends a lot of time brooding and finds little meaning, purpose, or joy in life as a result. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, gem of a song “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor which I played in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ THE WARM AND WELCOME EASE (IN THE DAYS OF YOU AND ME) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

The

hotel

.

b

y

.

the

sea

–

–

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

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r

.

.

.

I

.

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

feel,

–

–

the

breeze,

–

–

the

tease,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ the

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ the

days

.

o

f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

fantasies

.

a

n

d

.

romantic

dreams

.

c

o

u

l

d

.

still

.

beat

.

a

n

d

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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.

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.

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.

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n

d

.

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

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.

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.

.

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.

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n

d

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–

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.

.

.

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n

d

–

–

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beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

tossing,

.

a

n

d

.

tumbling,

.

a

n

d

.

rumbling

.

restlessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

relentlessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

breathtaking

beach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

breathtaking

beach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

boundless,

.

blossoming,

.

breathtaking

beach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ in

.

t

h

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.

days

.

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f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

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.

.

.

a

n

d

–

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there

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w

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no

.

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place,

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w

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rather

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

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.

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place,

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.

.

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no

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place,

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l

d

.

rather

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

the

hotel

.

b

y

.

the

sea

–

–

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

can

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

feel,

–

–

the

breeze,

–

–

the

tease,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

warm

.

a

n

d

.

welcome

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

days

.

o

f

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me.

Reflection:  This is a romantic-themed poem where the contemplator is haunted by the memory of a past romance in the days of youth and is largely a reflection of the romantic ease frequently experienced in our younger days – something which seems to get more difficult and far less frequent as we age. In the days of youth, romance was largely a focus – but as time marches on we become weighed down by guilt, insecurities, responsibilities, and competing priorities. So, it seems that even if we could recreate the exact same romantic scenes and events from the past that still haunt us today, we might still not be able to do anything different which might make them last – and, in fact, we might not experience them at all because we are different people today. I wrote this poem using a much-loved, chill-out lounge song (“Beyond the Sunset” by Jo Manji – which was an excellent Cafe del Mar Volume 9 track [(Chillout Downtempo) | Beyond The Sunset | Jo Manji (Cafe Del Mar Vol.9)]. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

MIGHT BE TIME TO TAKE PROFITS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

A lot of people have made huge gains in the stock market this year so far. So, you might want to take a close look at your investment accounts and make some adjustments at some point. I think we might be looking at a sizable drop in 2025 or so which could present a good time to buy back in. At least that is what I’m thinking right now.

Usually stocks rally into December/January but may not as much this year due to the outsized gains so far.

Have a happy Sunday!

You can read more about my finance and investing tips here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

You can learn about my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

And, lastly, you can read about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much finance and investing success for 2024 (and beyond!).

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace #joy #positivethinking #balance #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ CHASING THE WAVES (OF THE L.A. HAZE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

remember

.

t

h

e

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

swirling

–

–

L.A.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

swirling

–

–

L.A.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

came

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

play,

–

–

after

play,

–

–

after

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

page,

–

–

after

page,

–

–

after

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

escape,

–

–

after

escape,

–

–

after

escape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

a

.

gaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

face . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

a

.

gaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

a

.

name . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . .

–

–

–

.

.

I

came

–

–

back

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

swirling

–

–

L.A.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ I

chased

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

swirling

–

–

L.A.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

came

back

again.

Reflection:

I wrote this poem about a recent visit to Los Angeles where the “vibe” I observed wasn’t anything close to what it was like on previous occasions – years ago. Several of my favorite places were no longer there – many of which were vacant. On the one hand, I was very thankful I got to experience as much of it as I did over the years and had a wonderful time doing it. On the other hand, I was disappointed that all of that vibrant energy seemed to fade and felt a bit sad for the people of today that would never experience it or know what all of that was like.

So, the primary message of this poem is to participate in (and make the most out of) experiences as they unfold in life before they pass. I’ve had several experiences like that in my life and am happy I took the time to experience them while they were new, vibrant, and exhilarating. And I encourage you to do the same because I would never trade those memories.

☆°▪︎ LONE SUMMER ROAD (WITH NOWHERE TO GO) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Summer

.

slows

.

a

n

d

.

comes

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’m

.

alone

.

o

n

.

the

.

road

.

w

i

t

h

.

nowhere

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’m

alone

.

o

n

.

the

.

road

.

w

i

t

h

.

nowhere

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

now

.

t

h

a

t

.

summer

.

slows

.

a

n

d

.

comes

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Summer

.

slows

.

a

n

d

.

comes

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Summer

.

slows

.

a

n

d

.

comes

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Summer

.

slows

.

a

n

d

.

comes

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

along

.

w

i

t

h

.

all

.

o

f

.

those

.

places

.

w

e

.

used

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

smiling

.

places

.

w

e

.

used

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

blow

.

n

e

w

.

highs

.

out

.

o

f

.

old

.

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

would

–

–

blow

.

n

e

w

.

highs

.

out

.

o

f

.

old

.

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

.

places

.

w

e

.

used

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

would

.

blow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

would

.

blow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

would

.

blow

.

t

h

e

.

entire

.

show

.

o

f

.

gold,

.

a

n

d

.

glimmer,

.

a

n

d

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

would

.

blow

.

t

h

e

.

entire

.

load,

–

–

before

.

summer

.

slowed

.

a

n

d

.

came

.

t

o

.

a

.

close . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I’m

.

n

o

w

.

alone

.

o

n

.

the

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

I’m

.

alone

.

o

n

.

the

.

road

.

w

i

t

h

.

nowhere

.

t

o

.

go.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem in which the contemplator looks back on a recent experience binge filled with fun, excitement, and adventure. When the experience comes to a screeching halt, the contemplator finds himself/herself alone, poor, and empty – looking at a future that looks pretty dim. I was playing the wonderful song “Los Angeles” by Dougie Pool and the poem pretty much wrote itself from that (while playing the song repeatedly on low volume to create the “moodset” for the poem) and was written fairly quickly – like an hour or less. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ BETTER DAYS (THAN TODAY) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Today,

I

turned

back

.

t

h

e

.

age

.

o

f

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

turned

back

.

t

h

e

.

age

.

o

f

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

the

page

–

–

where

summers

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

.

t

h

e

.

page

–

–

where

everything

.

w

a

s

.

fresh

.

a

n

d

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

bloomed

.

i

n

.

our

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

w

a

s

.

fresh

.

a

n

d

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

bloomed

.

i

n

.

our

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

the

page

–

–

where

summers

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ on

.

t

h

e

.

page

–

–

where

summers

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

.

j

o

y

.

inside

–

–

r~e~a~c~h~e~d

into

–

–

the

skies,

–

–

when

I

saw

.

t

h

e

.

smile

–

–

within

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

saw

.

t

h

e

.

smile

–

–

within

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes,

–

–

dancing

.

w

i

t

h

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

danced

–

–

with

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

danced

–

–

with

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

danced

–

–

with

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

daytime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

daytime,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

.

j

o

y

.

inside

–

–

r~e~a~c~h~e~d

into

–

–

the

skies,

–

–

when

yours

–

–

touched

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

yours

–

–

touched

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

that

moment

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

moment

.

i

n

.

time,

–

–

cherished

.

a

n

d

.

saved

.

f

o

r

.

all

–

–

future

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

all

–

–

future

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

f

–

–

–

only

.

t

o

.

say . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

had

–

–

better

days,

–

–

where

summers

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

had

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

had

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

had

–

–

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

than

today.

Reflection: This poem is largely associated with the melancholy reflection on a present-day, fading romance that was once so vibrant in the days of youth. The sufferer ponders what might have changed over the years and whether anything could possibly bring things back – but finds some comfort in the memory that there were better days and in the hope that tomorrow might be better than today.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful song “I’ll Be Over You” by Toto which I played in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem and inspire the writing of the poem. So, if you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.


☆°▪︎ BLIND IN THE DAYLIGHT (THE WHYS, WHENS, AND WHYS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Movement

.

i

s

.

tight

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

mind

.

i

s

.

occupied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

with

all

.

o

f

.

the

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

occupy

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

make

.

m

y

.

movement

tight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

occupy

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

occupy

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

occupy

.

m

y

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

make

.

m

y

.

movement

tight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

like

w~h~e~n:

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

did

–

–

time

become

.

s

o

.

short,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

miles

.

s

o

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

did

.

t

h

e

.

valleys

become

.

s

o

.

deep,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

mountains

.

s

o

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

like

w~h~y:

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ why

do

–

–

eyes

become

.

s

o

.

blind

.

i

n

.

the

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

why

do

.

w

e

.

mine

every

paradise

.

w

i

t

h

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

mine

–

–

every

paradise

.

w

i

t

h

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

move

.

o

u

r

.

battle

lines

.

s

o

.

far

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

move

.

o

u

r

.

battle

lines

.

s

o

.

far

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

time

–

–

becomes

short,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

miles

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

valleys

–

–

become

deep,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

mountains

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

eyes

become

–

–

blind

.

i

n

.

the

daylight,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

every

paradise

.

i

s

.

mined

.

w

i

t

h

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Movement

.

i

s

.

tight

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

mind

.

i

s

.

occupied . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

with

all

.

o

f

.

the

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

whys,

.

a

n

d

.

whens,

.

a

n

d

.

whys . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

life.

Reflection: This is a reflective poem.

☆°▪︎ STONE PRIDE ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

They

only

–

–

beat

.

a

n

d

.

strike . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

beat

.

a

n

d

.

strike . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

till

tears

–

–

fill

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

beat

.

a

n

d

.

strike . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

beat

.

a

n

d

.

strike . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

stone

pride

–

–

does

.

n

o

t

.

cry.

Reflection:  This was a popular personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in May of 2024. I heard the lyric “They only hit until you cry” in Suzanne Vega’s song “Luka” and this was such a powerful lyric that it inspired me to write this short, simple poem.

A SIMPLE LESSON IN FINANCE: WHY INVESTING INVIGORATES AND DEBT DEVASTATES YOUR FINANCES

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Here’s a simple lesson in finance for those who might need it: Investing money substantially increases your finances overall while carrying debt does much worse than the opposite. And the difference is astounding.

A simple common expression used to demonstrate how investments grow over time is called “the rule of 72.” The average interest rate expressed as a whole number times the number of years required to double an initial investment equals 72. Let’s take a look at how this simple rule can impact your finances. Let’s start with investing first.

Imagine you invested $10,000 earning 8% interest (8% is a reasonable figure given that the long-term average earned in the stock market has historically been about 7.5% – it has been much higher in recent years but at some point it could revert back to its long-term average). This means, using the rule of 72, that your $10,000 initial investment will become $20,000 in 9 years (8 x 9 = 72), $40,000 in 18 years, $80,000 in 27 years, and $160,000 in 36 years. And that is all from just making a single, one-time, initial investment of $10,000 at the beginning. I want you all to stop and think about that for a moment: Your $10,000 grew to $160,000 by doing nothing else. This is how compound interest works and how you make your money work for you – instead of against you.

Most people will do much better than the above because they will continue adding to their investments over time – and as long as they do not remove money from their investment (a mistake many people make by the way), then the power of compound interest will continue working in their favor.

The above example also illustrates why starting saving and investing at an early age is very important. And if you want to learn how to how to invest well and create a brighter future with minimal effort, please read this: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/how-to-invest-well-and-create-a-brighter-future-with-minimal-effort/

Now, let’s take a look at the opposite side of things to see how debt can devastate your finances. Imagine you had the same $10,000 as credit card debt at a 24% interest rate (24% is a little high by today’s standards – credit card rates presently average about 21% – but are higher for people with lower credit scores) but using 24% simplifies calculations and makes it much easier to compare both sides of the story between investing and debt.

Using the above figures mean, using the same rule of 72, that for your $10,000 in initial debt, you will end up paying $20,000 in 3 years (24 x 3 = 72), $40,000 in 6 years, $80,000 in 9 years, $160,000 in 12 years, $320,000 in 15 years, and $640,000 in 18 years if you didn’t make any payments at all (Note: this is not realistic since most people make at least the minimum payments – which largely reflect the payments on interest only – I’m just trying to demonstrate how much more quickly and deeply debt impacts your finances as compared to investing your money). And that is all just from having an initial debt of $10,000. I want you all to stop and give this some serious thought: Your $10,000 of initial debt grew to $640,000 in only 18 years. This is how debt can quickly, deeply, and easily devastate your finances.

Most people would do much worse than the above because they won’t stop at the initial debt – but will continue adding to their debts over time up until reaching their credit limits – which means the power of compound interest continues working against them.

Let’s now compare the two: In 18 years, your $10,000 investment grew to $40,000 but your $10,000 in debt became $640,000 over the same period of time. This illustrates why so many people get so far behind in their finances, and the simple but very important lesson in finance is this: Make your money work for you over the longer term instead of working against you by living with a strong sense of financial discipline – eliminating debt and investing your money instead. I have no objection to people having credit cards and such to help build up their credit scores and such but get into the practice of paying them off every month so you don’t have to pay interest or fees. If you do this and invest in your future, then you will create a brighter future for yourself and others in your life for the years and decades to come. So, do this if you can.

Again, the above isn’t truly accurate on the debt side of things because it reflects the overall impact if you made no payments at all – I have not factored in the fact that when you make the minimum payments on credit card debt, you are usually paying the interest. So, the interest portion of that debt isn’t working against you the way the much larger debt portion is. However, the interest only payments tend to be quite large (and provide no benefit since they typically pay little to nothing down on the debt portion) and, between that and the debt overall, it would still have a devastating effect on your finances as a whole in a short amount of time and would have required a more complicated calculation to get more precise numbers. I’m really just trying to illustrate the basic concepts of investing versus debt using simple calculations so that people can easily understand why debt can be so devastating in a short amount of time and why the power of compound interest works in their favor on the investment side of things. Also, rest assured the credit card companies will cut you off long before you reach such excessive numbers in terms of your debt to them for their own, financial well-being. However, the impact to your finances would be substantial.

You can read more about my finance and investing tips here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

You can learn about my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

And, lastly, you can read about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much finance and investing success for 2024 (and beyond!).

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