How to Teach Kids to Focus on What They Can Control: The Two Circles
A frustrating baseball game led to a simple lesson for my son: how to focus on what he can control and let go of what he can’t.
Embracing Enough: Welcome to Lou LaMedica’s Personal Blog
"Embracing Enough" is my exploration of a life well-lived—where gratitude meets growth. From mindset and parenting to small business insights, easy family recipes, and personal finance, this blog shares practical wisdom on appreciating what we have and finding fulfillment in the everyday.
Featured Posts
How to Find Direction in Life When Goals Aren’t Enough
Feeling stuck or unsure what comes next? Learn how a personal North Star can help you find direction in life without needing a perfect five-year plan.
Learning Guitar as an Adult: Why I Started at 48
At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.
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The Death Clock Is Ticking (Carpe Diem, Motherfucker)
I put a death clock on my desk—not to be dark, but to stay honest. Life doesn’t last forever. So the question is: what are you doing today that actually matters?
Your True Nature Calling
What Jane’s Addiction—and Perry Farrell’s lyrics—taught me about empathy, language, and seeing people for who they really are. A tribute to music that still hits harder than ever.
The Case for the Thigh: Garlicky Chicken with Chickpeas & Polenta
Why settle for bland? This one-pan chicken thigh dinner layers roasted garlic, chickpeas, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of red wine — all simmered down into something you’ll want to spoon over creamy polenta and eat straight outta the pan.
Pasta Meets Chickpea Stew—and It Works
What happens when silky chickpeas, golden broth, and ruffly pasta come together in one bowl? This dish—part stew, part pasta, all comfort.
Meat Candy in Lettuce Wraps: Reverse-Seared Pork Chops with Sticky Rice and Ssamjang Drizzle
A pork chop experiment turned flavor explosion. These bone-in beauties were brined for 48 hours, reverse-seared, butter-basted, and grilled to caramelized perfection—then sliced thin and wrapped in Boston lettuce with sticky rice, spicy pickles, and a thick ssamjang drizzle. It’s equal parts comfort food and Korean BBQ energy, built for hands-on eating and big flavor payoffs.
Rustic Pork & Rancho Gordo Cranberry Bean Stew with Shiitake Mushrooms and Tomatoes
A hearty, nourishing stew that marries tender pork, creamy cranberry beans, shiitake mushrooms, and a splash of aged balsamic. Perfect for cold nights.
Becoming What You Can’t Yet See
Frank Losi was loud, opinionated, and larger than life—and he believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself. This is a tribute to the man who helped me make the leap from employee to business owner, and what it means when someone sees your potential before you can.
The Ultimate Italian Chopped Salad with Creamy Avocado
This fresh Italian chopped salad is bursting with color and flavor—crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, mozzarella, and creamy avocado. Tossed with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, it’s the perfect healthy meal or side dish for any season. Learn how to prep and dress this vibrant salad in just minutes!
Chicago White Sox Fans: From 121 Losses to the 2026 Playoffs
After 121 losses, the Chicago White Sox are chasing the 2026 ALCS. One unforgettable fan reminds me why baseball loyalty matters.
The Shin Gold Banger – A Late-Night Ramen That Eats Like a Meal
A warming, deeply satisfying ramen that takes the humble Shin Gold packet and turns it into something special with tender grilled chicken, roasted corn, creamy beans, and silky egg noodles.
⚾ Seeing What the Box Score Misses
A reflection on what it’s like to watch the Mets find new ways to lose, why situational baseball still matters, and how it feels to see the same patterns over and over while everyone else says it’s just variance.
When No Is the Right Answer
A reflection on the hard but necessary practice of saying no with empathy—and why boundaries are what make adult relationships work.
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