
"MORE" Foreword written by G. Brian Benson
Foreword
Foreword to More by G. Brian Benson - Creative Wisdom (Award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and Podcast host)
I am proud to call Charles a friend and know at a very deep level the transformation that he speaks of and shares with his readers. I too have had my world awakened with a cancer diagnosis/experience and can deeply resonate with his attentive words.
Congratulations on this fantastic book Charles, my brother in renewal. We have both had our hearts opened deeper than we ever thought possible. It’s interesting how something so difficult and traumatic can also be the key to open the doorway to gratitude and joy. Your book is going to change lives.
What does it mean to live a life that truly matters? In More: A Mindful Guide to Intentional Living, Charles Kochel takes us on a journey that is at once deeply personal and universally resonant. This is not just a book—it’s an experience, an open invitation to explore life through a lens of compassion, simplicity, and profound connection.
Charles shares his story with raw honesty and an open heart. His narrative unfolds across a path shaped by unexpected twists and turns, revealing moments of unfiltered joy, deep struggle, and transformative revelation. Yet, as much as this is his story, it’s also ours. With each page, he nudges us to pause and reflect, to look inward at our own journeys, and to discover what it means to lead a life of intention and meaning.
At the heart of More is a philosophy as timeless as it is simple: "Do No Harm." This mantra is woven throughout the book, encouraging us to approach life with kindness and humility. It’s a gentle reminder that true wealth is not measured by possessions or achievements but by the depth of our connections, the strength of our compassion, and the courage to live authentically.
The book is anchored by five guiding pillars—Spirituality, Health, Relationships, Time, and Freedom. Through these, Charles offers a framework not for following, but for contemplating. His reflections are never prescriptive; instead, they are an invitation to slow down, observe, and embrace life’s complexities. Whether it’s the stars above, a child’s laughter, or the quiet strength found in adversity, More illuminates the beauty that lies in the everyday.
Charles Kochel’s vulnerability is the book’s greatest strength. By sharing his challenges—his own battles with uncertainty, fear, and healing—he creates space for us to confront our own. And in doing so, he teaches us that even in our brokenness, we can find resilience. Each scar becomes a story, each stumble an opportunity for growth.
This book doesn’t provide quick fixes or easy answers. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: a shift in perspective. It calls us to move beyond the noise of a divided world, to cultivate empathy, and to find unity in our shared humanity. It asks us to live boldly and with intention, to embrace change as a chance for renewal, and to see the world with fresh eyes.
More is more than a guide—it’s a companion for anyone seeking clarity in chaos, hope in uncertainty, and connection in a fragmented world. Charles Kochel’s words inspire not just reflection, but action: to be present, to love deeply, and to honor the beauty in every moment.
Let this book be your invitation to live a life not just of success, but of significance—a life rooted in what truly matters.
As you embark on the journey through More, let this book serve as a reminder that life’s richness lies not in its perfection but in its imperfections. Charles Kochel doesn’t ask us to escape life’s difficulties or pretend they don’t exist; he invites us to embrace them as part of the human experience. The trials and triumphs he shares remind us that healing is not linear, growth is not without discomfort, and joy is often found in the most unexpected places.
In a world increasingly defined by noise—media narratives, cultural divides, and the relentless pace of modern living—More offers a reprieve. It calls us to take a breath, to sit in stillness, and to reconnect with the essence of what it means to be alive. Through his words, Charles challenges us to strip away the excess and focus on what truly sustains us: the love we give and receive, the moments we share, and the courage to show up as our authentic selves.
What sets More apart is its authenticity. Charles doesn’t preach from a mountaintop or offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, he shares his journey as a fellow traveler, someone who has walked through the fire and emerged with wisdom that feels earned, not imposed. His humility and honesty make this book a safe space for reflection—a space where you can confront your fears, celebrate your victories, and, most importantly, embrace your humanity.
This book is not merely a reflection on life’s principles; it’s a call to action. It dares you to live deliberately, to invest your energy in what truly matters, and to align your choices with your values. It’s a reminder that each of us has the power to create ripples of compassion and change, starting within ourselves and radiating outward into the world.
As you turn the pages of More, be open to the journey ahead. Let it challenge you, comfort you, and inspire you. Whether you find yourself reflecting on your spiritual beliefs, reevaluating your relationships, or contemplating how you spend your time, know that this book is a companion in your pursuit of a life of purpose.
His words an invitation to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to discover that, even in our brokenness, we are whole. As you read, may you find clarity in the chaos, light in the darkness, and strength in the vulnerability that binds us all.
Welcome to More. It’s not just a book—it’s a beginning. Let this journey inspire you to live with greater intention, deeper connection, and an unshakable commitment to what truly matters.