Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

☆°▪︎ A WARMTH WHICH NEVER CAME ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Wanting

.

e

y

e

s

.

hoping

.

a

l

l

.

the

while,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

the

warmth

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you

in

.

t

h

e

.

cafe

aisle

.

w

i

t

h

.

love

.

i

n

.

my

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

love

.

i

n

.

my

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

stayed

behind

.

t

o

.

write

.

a

.

bright,

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

designed

.

t

o

.

withstand

.

t

h

e

.

twisting,

.

turbulent

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

stayed

behind

.

t

o

.

write

.

a

.

bright,

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

designed

.

t

o

.

withstand

.

t

h

e

.

twisting,

.

turbulent

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

seems

.

f

a

r

.

too

easy

.

t

o

.

trade

.

t

h

e

.

currencies

.

t

h

a

t

.

make

.

u

s

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

trade

.

t

h

e

.

currencies

.

t

h

a

t

.

make

.

u

s

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ever

drawn

.

t

o

.

fairy

.

t

a

l

e

.

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

fairy

.

t

a

l

e

.

dreams . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

rollaway

scenes 

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near,

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

are

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

are

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

.

t

h

e

.

urges

roar,

.

.

w

e

.

.

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

urges

roar . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

carnival

fires

.

o

f

.

breathless

desire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

turn

.

t

h

e

.

burning

wheels

.

o

f

.

casino

streams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

burning

wheels

.

o

f

.

casino

streams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

.

p

a

l

e

.

romantic

candle

.

f

r

o

m

.

a

cafe

stay,

.

.

c

a

n

.

.

ever

compete

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

brilliance

.

o

f

.

that

blaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

never

compete

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

brilliance

.

o

f

.

that

blaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Yes,

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

never

came.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party mourns a past romance. In the beginning of the poem, the person of desire is the one who becomes affected by the warmth which never came, but in the end we find it is the affected party – the romancer – who imprisons himself in the warmth which never came after many, many pursuits and possibilities – and we get the feeling this warmth will continue to be elusive for many years to come (if not lifelong). The poem reflects a very sad, but true story that so many people struggle with throughout their romantic lives. The world is filled with temptations that frequently obstruct the warming relationships we might otherwise develop and solidify over time: alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, work, fame, money, and countless other pursuits which consume attention, energy, and time for so much of our lives.

This poem came into being when I recently heard for the very first time the moving Leonard Cohen song: “Famous Blue Raincoat.” I was struck by the haunting, raw, emotional, intimate, poetic style in this man’s music, lyrics, and voice. I played his wonderful gem of a song in the background on steady repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I immediately started exploring other Leonard Cohen songs and found they had very much the same inspirational, moving quality – songs like: “Suzanne,””Hallelujah,” and “Dance Me to the End of Love,” among others. I also discovered the amazing Jeff Buckley version of “Hallelujah” which Cohen thought was a nearly perfect rendition of his song. The Jeff Buckley version was released as a single 10 years after his death (he was 30 years old and died in a swimming accident). The Jeff Buckley version can really move you to tears.

ANOTHER 1ST EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) investor, this post is for you – investors of all other risk categories can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

HR Investors: As of the close today, the S&P 500 index dropped about 3.2% (3.8% for the SPY ETF) from its all-time high (a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year on average) – so if it drops a little more (~721 for the SPY ETF or ~7180 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 5% drop), you might consider buying 33% or more (depending on your investment style and preference) of the cash you have available in your overall investment account into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer). I anticipate there will be a more substantial decline in the overall S&P 500 index, but I could be wrong – and the longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR investors might want to prepare to buy – other investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track nine major market index ETFs: S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ – focuses on higher quality stocks within the S&P 500), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). The first eight are major U.S. based indexes, while the last one tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the three most attractive index funds right now appear to be the QQQ ETF, SPHQ ETF, and the EFA ETF (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower). However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: QQQ and SPHQ based on my analysis. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the QQQ ETF and SPHQ ETF suffers from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

The EFA (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

You can read about the risks associated with the main stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next couple of days or so. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You can learn about all of 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/.

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

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ DAZZLING DISCO DELIGHT ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life

.

t

h

a

n

.

dancing

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night,

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

to

.

c

o

m

e

.

alive,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wallow

in

.

t

h

e

.

warming

.

w

a

n

t

.

brewed

wines

.

o

f

.

dazzling

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ when

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice ?

Reflection: This is a fun, simple, reflective/nostaligic-themed poem looking back on the dancing days of youth and disco. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the light but fun song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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 fun-loving “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS TIP: DANCE WITH IMPERFECTION AND LOWER EXPECTATIONS

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

At times people ask why I’m so happy, positive, and optimistic for much of the time. The short answer is I have lower expectations than most – meaning the potential for positive “surprises” is high. Life doesn’t have to be anything close to “perfect” for me to be happy. In fact, I always expect the opposite. I’ve found the ability to dance with imperfection and make the most out of what happens – however it happens – is one of the keys to living a happier life. Think about how much time, effort, and energy it takes to do otherwise.

As a poet, 30+ years ago I penned the phrase: “perfection always comes in small packages…” And this is something I always remember and live by.

I hope the above will be helpful for some of you on your journey towards living a happier life.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help-oriented books and posts: 

PUBLISHED BOOKS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

CREATING GREATER HAPPINESS-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/personal-improvement-development-and-growth-related-posts/

CREATING A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace

☆°▪︎ STAR~SEEKER ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

scathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

humiliate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

It’s

okay

.

t

o

.

stumble

across

.

t

h

e

.

lightwaves

.

a

n

d

.

laserwaves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

the

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ on

.

t

h

e

.

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Don’t

.

b

e

.

ashamed

.

i

f

.

you

.

m

a

k

e

.

mistakes,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

continue

.

t

o

.

learn

.

a

n

d

.

discern . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

discern

.

a

n

d

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

phase,

.

.

after

phase,

.

.

after

phase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

wave,

.

.

after

wave,

.

.

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

m

u

s

t

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

continue

.

t

h

e

.

journey . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!ACCELERATE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

precarious

.

p

a

s

t

.

blooms

.

i

n

t

o

.

constellations

.

.

fresh,

.

.

exciting,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

breakaway

.

t

o

.

finally

escape

.

t

h

e

.

glooms

.

a

n

d

.

grays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

discover

dreams

.

i

n

.

the

universe

.

a

r

e

.

never

.

t

o

o

.

good

.

f

o

r

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

dance

.

a

n

d

.

sing

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

soothing

tunes,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

forget

.

a

l

l

.

about

.

t

h

e

.

blues,

.

.

darks,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

heart

smiles

.

a

l

l

.

the

way

.

t

o

.

the

moon,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

goes

!BOOM!

!!BOOM!!

!!!BOOM!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

beyond

.

i

t

.

too . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

beyond

.

y

o

u

r

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

few.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote where the affected party struggles with past traumas driving the ups and downs of a repeated, negative addiction/compulsion cycle. He/she is determined to move ahead, above, and beyond. This poem was written in reflection of someone I recently started helping in these regards. It has a bit of a “sci-fi” dimension to it which really seems to “fit.” I played the wonderful gem of a song“Reckoner” by Radiohead in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

ANOTHER 1ST EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) investor, this post is for you – investors of all other risk categories can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

HR Investors: As of the close this past Friday, the S&P 500 index dropped nearly 3% from its all-time high (a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year on average) – so if it drops a little more (~721 for the SPY ETF or ~7220 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 5% drop), you might consider buying 33% or more (depending on your investment style and preference) of the cash you have available in your overall investment account into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer). I anticipate there will be a more substantial decline in the overall S&P 500 index, but I could be wrong – and the longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR investors might want to prepare to buy – other investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track eight major market index ETFs: S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). The first seven are major U.S. based indexes, while the last one tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the EFA ETF international index fund (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) is the most attractive one right now by far. However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: IWM and QQQ based on my analysis. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the EFA (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

In a slowing economy, the IWM (or SPSM which is the one I like since it only includes the profitable small businesses contained in the Russell 2000 index) tends to outperform in lower inflation economic environments, lower interest rate economic environments, and when the economy is performing well overall. This index also tends to drop the fastest and deepest in a slowing economy but rebounds sharply in the midst of the economic slowdown in anticipation of economic recovery.

The QQQ ETF suffers from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

You can read about the risks associated with the major stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next couple of days or so. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You can learn about all of 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/.

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

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

WHY INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS?

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Index fund styles of investing is probably the best option for most people. It’s very difficult to consistently outperform the major stock market indexes over the longer term by being an individual stock picker. Sure, you can sometimes get lucky but the problem is you have to stay lucky.

For example, 40% of stocks lose 70% of their value while only about 7% strongly outperform the major stock market indexes over the longer term. So, it would be very difficult to consistently avoid the 40% while selecting the 7%. As such, it’s probably best for most people to play the odds instead of the exceptions by investing in index funds. You can see how the index funds I consistently track compare by scrolling down the following link: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/. I’ve added this post to that link as well for easy future reference.

Data sources for above:

  1. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6438198&_sp=b426640d-d702-4988-8dfc-1aa75704a68c.1784675819102
  2. https://www.wealthmanagement.com/investing-strategies/a-century-of-stock-market-winners-and-why-most-stocks-failed-to-deliver

You can learn about all of 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/.

Also, you can follow all of my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

HAPPINESS TIP: REFLECT ON HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS A GUIDE FOR HOW TO LIVE AND CONTRIBUTE IN YOUR LIFE

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

A few days again my Question of the Day was: “How Would You Most Like to Be Remembered?” I received some interesting responses from people in my life such as: “Someone who went through great lengths to create warm and meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community” and “Someone who always lived with the highest sense of integrity and who could never be bought.”

As for me, I would most like to be remembered with a smile – that is, when others think of me, I would like it to bring an expression of joy (a smile). I think that might be a good way to live and contribute in life. I’m thinking my next poem might be titled something like: “Think of Me (and Smile)” or “With a Smile” or something like that. We’ll see how it goes but I think I’m going to start with that and focus on this for a little while.

By defining and reflecting on what you believe might be the best way to be remembered in life, you can use this as a simple guide for what is important to you and how to live and contribute going forward. Doesn’t this sound like something interesting and worthwhile to work towards? I’m going to give it a try. So, whatever your answer to the question “How Would I Like to Be Remembered?” is, use that as a pointer and try to live your life in such a way as to create that. I think that would be a wonderful, purposeful way to live. Don’t you?

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help-oriented books and posts: 

PUBLISHED BOOKS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

CREATING GREATER HAPPINESS-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/personal-improvement-development-and-growth-related-posts/

CREATING A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace

☆°▪︎ THE DREAMS OF TANGERINES (DANCING THE SHEENS OF BEYONDS AND BETWEENS) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

I

like

.

t

o

.

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

mood

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

mood

.

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

m

y

–

–

–

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

My

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

those

.

m

o

o

d

.

editing

tangerines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Blue

believes

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

green

agrees . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

blueberry

breathes

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

key lime

careens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ blueberry

breathes

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

key lime

careens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

my

mind

likes

.

t

o

.

drink . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

bathe

.

i

n

.

dancing

sheens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

beyonds

. 

a

n

d

.

betweens.

Reflection: This is an adventurous-themed poem and my attempt to write a simple, fun, psychedelic adventur~ish kind of poem. I was just in the mood to write something new and different. The line “I bathe in dancing sheens” came to me around the same time as the line “mood-editing tangerines” did.  So, I started writing this poem from those and it came rather quickly.

☆°▪︎ FROM ACROSS THE SKIES (THEY ARRIVE) ▪︎°☆

Posted on by Joseph M. Brennan Jr.

Reflection: This is a reflective-themed poem I started writing to enter into a contest with the Orlando Airport theme regarding the wide diversity of travelers we get here in Orlando: “Many Voices, One Sky” is what they called the theme. So, I wrote this poem as a reflection of this. I played the wonderful, gem of a song – “Theme from Midnight Cowboy” by Ferrante & Teicher in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem which seemed to fit perfectly. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

Here’s the poem: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Poem-From-Across-the-Skies-They-Arrive-May-2026.pdf