The Carpe Diem Project

On the Creative Use of Limited Time

Bruce Grierson

Read-It-Again January

A New Year's reading project that could revive you and change your outlook.

Death and Thanksgiving

Imagining the worst is a skill worth practicing, even at Thanksgiving.

What's Your Jeopardy Dream Board?

Your areas of expertise are like latent superpowers. It's good to remind yourself what you're bringing into battle.

How to Remember Stories

These days, our own stories are our most reliable form of entertainment. Here's the ropes course on how to remember them.

That Reminds Me of a Story...

Answering a question with a story is a move as old as the prophets. But it just might be a superpower in the 21st century.

Why the Pandemic Is Swallowing Up Our Memories

Yet another reason to keep moving: When you hunker down in place, you stop making as many memories.

Your Back-Pocket Story

At some point, we all find ourselves on the spot. In those moments, it pays to have your best thoughts ready to go.

Under the Mask, Part 2

Facing the truth: Revisiting the psychology of wearing a COVID mask.

The Evening Solidarity Yawp

By borrowing this protest tool, people everywhere are performing the ultimate act of transmutation — turning rage into gratitude.

There's a Nap for That

The surprising truth: A nap is the world's most versatile life hack.

To Mask or Not to Mask

Inside the bizarre piecemeal worldwide adoption of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19; What’s making some cultures go all in, but others hold back?

To See and Be Seen

In a time of "social distancing" we can, if fleetingly, still connect. Science reveals the power of looking strangers in the eye.

Should We Compare Ourselves to Others?

Happy National Jealousy Day, Finland. Today, you learn what your neighbor earns. Will that inspire admiration, or poison you with envy?

Take Two Basquiats and Call Me in the Morning

Is art medicine? It must be if museums are now letting you in for free with a doctor's prescription.

Shaming's Second Act

You won’t read many positive stories about shame. But this is one.

The Unexpected Benefits of Getting "Handsy"

Hands-on fandom: It's hard to admit it, but we're learning something from Drake.

You Can Learn From Anyone

Great advice comes from the unlikeliest of sources — if we're willing to listen.

The Kid in You, Part 2

The Age-10 Theory says it’s okay to lose the scent of what made you happy. You can pick it up again. Better late than never.

The Kid in You

"We're every age we've ever been," said Anne Lamott. But some ages matter more than others—and the most important age may be 10.

What Do You Mean I Can't Have It?

Why does being told something's unavailable make us crave it all the more?

Resolution Ju-Jitsu: The "Not Going to Do" List

All that stuff you really should do? What if this year you committed to not doing it?

We're All in This Together, Or Are We?

While climbing your mountain, are you going it solo or are you roped to someone else?

Live in the Moment, Just Not This Moment

Mental time travel can make you happier, more creative, even more fiscally responsible.

The Human Voice Is Medicine. So Why Aren't We Talking?

Hearing my father's voice after 30 years brought him back as no photograph ever could.

How Not to Be Ageist

A sage can look like a fool to someone who is only halfway through the trip.

Want to Make 2018 a Better Year? Measure Success Differently

Did 2017 fail to deliver the goods for you? It could be you were more successful than you think.

Back Away from the Desk

"May all your sheep have lambs, but not on Christmas night."

What Will Be Your Potato?

In the season of Scrooge, It's good to imagine how you will be remembered.

The Meaning of Regret

Should we try to mine our mistakes for positives or just let them go? The complicated emotion of regret holds clues about when to look forward and when to look back.

The Talking Cure

What does it take to conquer a phobia? Maybe just 12 hours of insane courage.

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