Mike

Bringing history to life through art, architecture, restoration, and storytelling.

Mike Nygren: Author

The Ten Balloons. Principles of Leadership, Life and Love captures the spirit of what it means to take an intentional look at your life. This realistic approach to a balanced life is personal and practical in outlining steps for creating intentional purpose statements in ten areas of your life.

Mike’s story telling approach to life brings great inspiration and motivation in the areas of family, career, relationships, education, finances, health, and adventure. This multi-generational topic is designed for young people and adult audiences of all ages who like personal challenges.

 

 The Work Isn’t Finished

What began as a few quiet notes in my journal—just some reflection and a little denial about age and memory—has grown into something much bigger. Before I knew it, those scribbles became stories about faith, courage, and the winding road in between. Somehow, the dots connected: teaching, coaching, and a life still unfolding.

And now, it’s here—The Road Less Traveled, the final piece in my small trilogy of essays. From my college hitchhiking adventures to living with ADHD, from a mystery Brooklyn adoption to lessons learned along the way—this book is full of the stories that shaped me and influenced my leadership and life.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes next on your own journey, this one’s for you. The work isn’t finished—and neither are we. Available now — I’d love for you to read, share, and travel the road with me.

This isn’t a “how-to” book on leadership, life, or success — mostly because there’s no such thing. What you’ll find instead are true stories about what happens when you find yourself standing at life’s crossroads — alone, uncertain, and trying to make sense of the road ahead.

Drawn from over fifty years of teaching, coaching, and learning the hard way, The Road Less Traveled is part memoir, part mirror — a reminder that leadership starts where honesty meets humility. Each short essay, or “mile marker,” can be read in a single sitting, but the reflections may linger long after you put the book down.

Some stories will make you laugh. Some might make you pause. All of them are about finding meaning in the mess, humor in the struggle, and courage in the quiet moments no one else sees.

So take a walk. There’s no map here — just mile markers to help you notice where you’ve been, where you’re going, and who you’re becoming along the way.



The Trilogy of Essays

·       The Road Less Traveled: Ten Essays on Purpose, Perspective, and the Path Less Taken.

·       Ten Balloons: Ten Essays on Living an Intentional Life

·       Lead Now!: Ten Essays for Emerging Teen Leaders

Contact mike@tenballoons.com