Uncommon Sense has reached a milestone of sorts. After launching this eZine on April 8, 2011, I have an almost perfect record of churning out not one but two issues each and every month. And with this issue, we reach Issue 350 – 350 distinct Self-Development columns, 350 Elephant in the Room columns, 350 personal essays in the From Ara’s Journal column on a wide array of topics, and 350 distinct, unique words to add to your vocabulary in The World of Words column. And it is you, my readers, who galvanize me and energize me to churn out my thoughts.
I am grateful not only for the readers but also for the occasional guest contributors who include Dennis Prager (Issue 19, 299); Nicholas D. Kristof (Issue 36); Charles Krauthammer (Issue 56); Dr. J (Issues 95, 96, 97, 98); Nicole Charran (Issue 104); Alexander Dushku (Issue 107); Craig (Issues 108, 110); Todd Myers (169); Victor Davis Hanson (Issues 196, 230); Mollie Hemingway (Issue 203); Dr. Karlyn Borysenko (Issue 209); Fin McCool (Issues 211, 212, 213, 214, 215); Neil Patel (Issue 264); C. J. Pearson (Issue 277); Vivek Ramaswamy (Issue 281); Chrstopher F. Rufo (Issues 285, 295, 296, 297, 298); Roger Kimball (Issues 330, 331, 332); Gregg Jarrett (Issue 335); Bill Bennet (Issue 342); Bill O’Reilly (Issue 343); and Rodnina Hallgren (Issue 345).
What do I have in storage for you with Issue 350? Let’s find out.
I recall a conversation I had years ago with a bright young man named Bryan. We were discussing the topic of self-development in all its forms. I had been puzzling over the question of how one can ensure growth in all facets of one’s life. It was Bryan who suggested one keep a regular journal which captured the various dimensions of one’s life, be it the physical realm, the social realm, the spiritual realm, the mental realm, etc. Thus, our Self-Development column offers up some thoughts about keeping a regular journal. I hope this column makes a positive impact on you.
In the previous issue of Uncommon Sense, The Elephant in the Room column focused on this disturbing but fascinating trend of Trump Derangement Syndrome, the phenomenon that clouds the mind of many people in this country and causes them to suffer at the very existence of Donald Trump. I build on that article with a companion article that focuses in on one particular person whom I believe personifies the malady known as TDS. See if his behaviors lead you to the same diagnosis.
Not long ago I saw a rather famous individual make an unintended faux pas, and it could have ruined her in that very public moment were it not for the extension of grace from another rather famous person. The From Ara’s Journal column spells it out for you and I believe it contains an important lesson for all of us.
Bringing up the read is The World of Words column which will bestow upon you a dandy of a word from our massive English lexicon. I hope you incorporate that word into your own growing treasure trove of elegant words that make up your vocabulary.
OK, let’s get started.
Ara Norwood
