The Narratives We Live By…

I learned something about myself the last few weeks.  Something good.  Or, I think it’s good.  And I think it is something that we can all learn from and should always remember. 

This is a story about me, but it’s really about everyone.  As always, I hope the deeper message is one that resonates with all because I think there is a deeper message here.  The message is one I am going to try to remember the next time I think all is lost (proverbially, or in reality). 

The message is one of narratives – things we believe.  Things we think we know.  Stories we tell ourselves.  Deep truths about ourselves that we assume are true. 

We spend a lot of time convincing ourselves (knowingly or unknowingly) about all sorts of things.

And sometimes we’re not telling ourselves the truth.

Even if we think we are. 

Continue reading “The Narratives We Live By…”
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One Last Shot – Season 3, Post 1: This Time It’s For Real

(This post can also be found on my Yankees blog Start Spreading the News.)

January 2021

***

This time it’s for real!

…or so I tell myself.

Yes. For goodness sake, this time it is for real.

This coming season, the 2021 season, will be mine. This will be my chance to shine. To pitch well. To win. Often.

And I have a plan to make sure it happens.

Continue reading “One Last Shot – Season 3, Post 1: This Time It’s For Real”

Chronicle of a Comeback (vol. 33) – Last Article In Series

Today is January 8, 2021.

Exactly one year ago today, I walked into the surgery center to meet Dr. Braver for him to perform surgery on my right Achilles tendon. As I walked in, I said to the receptionist at the counter, “I am here to begin my training for the 2020 New York City Marathon.” She smiled and said, “You must be Mr. Semendinger.”

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A Selected List of The Best Books I Read in 2020

(A copy of this post can also be found at Start Spreading the News.)


I love to read. My goal each year is to read at least 30 books. This year I read 36 books. I am pleased.

When I read, I read. I don’t do audio books. I also don’t read off a kindle or any device. I’m old school. When I read a book, I actually read the actual book.

My reading tastes are somewhat eclectic. The subjects I tend to focus to most on are baseball, history, leadership/motivation, and spirituality. I also usually read a few novels along the way.

What follows are the books that I most enjoyed in 2020. (Not all are about baseball.) These are presented in the order in which I read them.

Continue reading “A Selected List of The Best Books I Read in 2020”