On the 4th of July, as I watched the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held on Coney Island, it occurred to me that we all have problems.

Before the contest began, the overly-excited announcer sprayed words like “patriotic” and “independence.” He alluded that America’s forefathers fought for and founded a country where we are free to eat hot dogs.

The forefathers mentioned by the announcer — Adams, Jefferson, Washington along with others– risked everything, even their lives, by signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. They were taking ownership and responsibility for the great American Experiment. Before the ink dried on their names, they had to feel the tugs of uncertainty and fear. Tugs we have felt when we consider our own problems.

The founding fathers had problems.

The contestant who ate one too many hot dogs has a problem.

And we have problems. Problems both big and small that tug hard at our heart, gnaw at our soul, and seem insurmountable like founding a new country or eating a plate stacked high with hot dogs.

I hope these notes help you to relish your problems and mustard the perspective and energy to face your problems.

(Sometimes the temptation to include a dad joke in my letters to you can be a problem.)

Be well,

Jay

Checkout Notes for Tomorrow: Part I and read about my summer challenge and why–from time to time–we all need a good note to remind us that we are more than capable of handling the day’s drama.

Book Sale Link

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One Line, One Love Episode 26: Writer’s Toolbox– What happens when words and emotions ride tandem?

Description: In this episode, Gail and Jay discuss the power of pathos, an ancient Greek word that describes “an appeal to emotion.” They talk about how everyday writers can use their own emotional landscape to begin and further develop a writing piece. They also discuss how imploring emotions in your writing makes your writing more appealing and deepens connections to the reader. If you’re a writer looking to discover the power of pathos, this episode is a must-listen!

OLOL is a unique listening and reading experience that will inspire everyday writers, who dream of writing, to pick up their pens and write one line at a time.

This podblog format (a hybrid of a podcast and blog) is for everyday writers who–like me–often need a creative boost, a scrap of encouragement, and practical advice to unleash the writer within. Each episode consists of five wide-ranging, writer-focused questions and a weekly writing prompt.

Please check it out! And please share with any writer friends or anyone in your life who has ever considered picking up the pen.

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Warm greetings to everyone who found me on the University of Pennsylvania’s Ataxia Clinic’s website! Thanks for stopping by. I have ataxia and though I’m not a doctor, I hope my words comfort, encourage, empower, and serve as good company on your journey.

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Jay Armstrong is a speaker and an award-winning author. Despite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, that impairs his movement, balance, eyesight, and speech–Jay presses on. The leader of the Philadelphia Ataxia Support Group, he hopes to help you find joy, peace, and meaning in life.