About

Thank you for your interest in A Content Life!

My name is Roger and I’m 49 years old. I created this blog for two reasons:

1. To help increase your happiness
2. To help increase my happiness by helping you and learning from you

Most of my ideas for this blog come from a combination of eastern thought, primarily buddhism, and science. I try to provide practical advice on leading a happy, healthy, and sane life in a challenging, hectic world.

My Story

I grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. My mom was a homemaker and my dad spent his entire career at General Motors. Both of my parents have passed away, but I’m fortunate to have been raised by caring, self-sacrificing parents. They always made me feel safe and secure.

Like many people, I’ve been shaped by a few life changing events.

When I was twelve years old, I hurt my back and was in serious pain. Eventually, I was put in traction in a hospital and subjected to painful tests. The doctors found nothing obviously wrong, but I was still in pain when I left. My doctor told me to exercise and move as little as possible. I did this for a few months and became sad and bored. For some reason, I decided to exercise with an old set of weights in our basement. I started working out and within a month I was pain free. Within six months, I was one of the fittest guys in our school. I learned the doctor isn’t always right and you have to listen to your own body.

When I was thirteen, I became obsessed with building a Go-Cart even though it was illegal to drive one in our neighborhood. My brother, who was 12 years older than me, helped me a little, but I worked sixteen hour days until it was done. I bought a used frame, engine, tires, clutch, and more. I tore the engine apart, cleaned everything, and put it back together. I found and solved many problems. I painted it, fixed the seat, and finally rode it. It went thirty-five files per hour and was great fun! I learned you can build almost anything if you’re determined and work hard.

In 1978, I went to the University of Michigan and started a degree in Psychology. The University of Michigan is the best public university in Michigan and I was arrogant when I graduated in 1982. In 1982, the United States was in one its worst recessions with 10.2 percent unemployment. I couldn’t find a job because I had no real marketable skills. I lived for the summer in Ann Arbor with my future wife, Lisa. It was the best summer I ever had and I was in love. At the end of the summer, I had the bright idea that I should move to North Carolina to find a job. I moved, but all I could find was a low-paying retail job. Due to lack of money, I had a tiny apartment that I kept at sixty degrees even when Lisa came to visit. I lived on rice and beans and spent no money, except to call Lisa. I stayed out of credit card debt. I was lonely, but determined. I learned I can be self-sufficient and frugal.

In 1990, Lisa and I had our first son, Ben. We had another son, Nathan, a couple years later. They changed my outlook on life. I was overwhelmed and excited about being a dad. I worked hard to provide a stable home like my parents had. I learned family is more important than anything else.

In 2000, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, a chronic and painful bladder disease. My doctor took six months to properly diagnose the problem, even though I suggested the correct diagnosis in our first meeting. I had several complications and I stayed in the hospital several times. I was terrified. I learned I’m mortal and life is too precious to waste it worrying.

In 2008, I picked up a book on Buddhism, Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World, and I was shocked at how much sense it made. How could I have gone so long without discovering these useful ideas? I started a daily meditation and reading program. I learned a content life comes from within yourself.

In 2009, I decided to start this site with the hope of helping others.

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Feedback

I would really appreciate your suggestions and topic ideas! You can reach me at the following disguised email address:

roger at acontentlife.com