A good laugh over a bad espresso attempt reminded Larry of something simple but important: laughter builds connection. Life is serious enough—sometimes the best thing we can do is lighten up together.

America wasn’t built on documents alone—it was built on relationships. This Fourth of July, let’s remember that unity, courage, and connection are what truly make a nation strong.

Parenting teens in today’s world is more complex—and more critical—than ever. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to “parent for the green” by guiding kids through the yellow-light years of adolescence with wisdom, grace, and a strong safety net.

Strong relationships, like real estate, require consistent investment to build lasting value. By giving time, energy, and care, we grow emotional equity that strengthens trust, connection, and resilience.

Father’s Day is a reminder that men need connection just as much as anyone else. Real strength isn’t found in self-reliance—it’s in the courage to listen, engage, and invest in the people who matter.

Your relationships say more about your character than your résumé ever will. This week’s reflection is a reminder that true success is found not in wealth or fame, but in the people we choose to learn from, invest in, and walk alongside.

Most people don’t want advice—they want to feel heard and respected. This is a reminder that the best way to connect with others, especially our kids, is to listen first, ask questions, and speak with empathy, not instruction.

When my 85-year-old parents made the difficult decision to move into assisted living, my dad offered a piece of wisdom that stuck: “Learning to accept change with a positive attitude is directly related to happiness in life.”

When relationships feel stuck, it’s often because we’re repeating the same patterns and expecting something to change. This week’s reflection explores why adaptability—not repetition—is the key to meaningful, lasting connection.

Forget how you see yourself—how would your neighbors describe you? This week’s reflection flips the script on self-awareness and challenges us to lead with something the world could use more of: genuine positivity.

A simple act, like holding an elevator door, can remind us how powerful small kindnesses are. When we choose to acknowledge, appreciate, and act on kindness, we create a ripple effect that will impact those around us.

What can a waiter teach us about relationships? Taking responsibility, clear communication, and empathy are keys to building meaningful connections—especially when things get tough.

These are historic times. Politically, socially, economically, and technologically, we find ourselves in new and unchartered waters. That’s why I think this is the perfect time to take a step back and remember our ‘why’.

Learning how the people in your life deal with conflict can help you to turn disagreements into healthy conflict. It is a skill that you can develop and then it becomes a choice for you instead of an emotional reaction.  

Just like springtime growth comes with pollen, strong relationships require effort, sacrifice, and care; but the beauty that follows is always worth it.

I’m convinced that one key predictor of a successful relationship is the environment we’re in.

It has been over 25 years since this MAD (Make A Difference) journey began…

You can’t pour from an empty cup—when stress drains us, our relationships suffer. This is a reminder to step back, recharge, and renew so we can show up fully for the people who matter most

The secret to strong relationships—like a perfect Southern cornbread recipe—comes down to the right mix of intention, communication, and connection.

While life can be complicated and can pull us in all directions, I need to remember the James Carville approach: It’s the relationships, stupid.