Vince Mercuri stories

Quite often, even before we awake each morning, it begins to happen: The guideposts that define our behaviors and interactions start to present themselves. Alarms, schedules, tasks, timelines, speed limits, job descriptions, appointments, etc. — many typical expectations and dos and don’ts provide the external boundaries for our internal conduct...

Over the years I have collected funeral cards as I grieved the loss of family and friends. In remembrance of them, I’ve noted a positive attribute or characteristic that they had displayed, and I use it as a means of reflection and growth on my personal journey. Three cards with...

More than 12 years ago, my future son-in-law confidently posed this question to me: “What is your worldview?” What followed was a discussion/debate about a wide-ranging set of principles — religion, politics, finances, values and the importance of family. While there was agreement on most of these topics, on others...

The renowned artist of the 1600s, Rembrandt, remains famous for capturing emotions and dramatic personal reactions of his subjects. In many of his paintings he displays light emerging from darkness, a sort of victory over the struggles and difficulties of life. Rembrandt serves as a model of determination, courage and...

With the victory of World War II fresh in their minds, the “Greatest Generation” marched into life with confidence, purpose and a mindset that with determination, hard work and selfless dedication, anything could be accomplished. The typical struggles, failures and hardships of life were no doubt present, yet they had...

Artists, marketing experts, campaign strategists and spiritual leaders all utilize hope as a means to promote their respective messages to influence their audiences. Definitions of hope can be quite abstract. Is it optimism? Is it a wish? Is it a goal? Is it a belief? Is it motivation? The definition...