Some mornings I wake up and feel really down—on myself, and on the world. There’s always plenty I could point to: Will AI eliminate half the jobs? Is a recession coming? What happens when my mom gets sick? There’s no shortage of “looming” things I can grab onto and...

Some people drive thirty minutes to sit with strangers and talk about topics that might stir up difficult thoughts and feelings. Others sign up for a thirty-minute Zoom call out of curiosity—and then don’t show up. I’ve encountered both recently. And I’ve been both....

On Friday, we’re journaling again. If you’re in the Bay Area, and can get out of work a little early on Friday,  I’d love for you to join us. I’ve written a lot in these letters about the magic of having a conversation with yourself on paper. This week, we’re pairing...

As I reflected on my goals over the holidays, I had to acknowledge my very marginal progress. I made some changes, but I am not where I wanted to be. So what, you may say, as long as you did something, that's good enough. I used to believe that too. But looking back,...

Hard to believe another year is already in the rearview mirror. Have you taken a moment to reflect on yours? I began last week during our wonderful journaling gathering, where we “harvested” the moments—big and small—that shaped us this year. This season is always a...

I’ve been thinking about empathy a lot lately. Maybe it was triggered by a parking attendant and a Labcorp employee. I had to get some lab work done and, in my usual fashion, treated it as a nuisance—something to squeeze in before work. And as often happens when we...

While digging through my old desk, I found two forgotten journals from the time I’d just moved back to California—my self-discovery era. I was hungry for answers then, writing regularly. Those pages are filled with dreams, goals, and quotes from self-help gurus that I...

The world feels heavy, unbelievable, out of order. And many people carry that heaviness with them. Just yesterday I talked with a woman at my gym who thinks we are doomed. I tried to speak of hope, but she had already decided things can only get worse. She—and others...

You’ve probably heard the phrase “getting off the beaten path” as an expression for taking a risk or trying something new. On a recent climbing trip, I realized how often I literally do just that. Trails to the base of climbs are faint, sometimes disappearing...

Have you noticed how a single memory or experience, when written down, can become something more than just a thought? It becomes a shape. A doorway. A mirror. It becomes an opening, something you can return to, learn from, and carry forward with clarity. My personal...

Have you ever wondered what your potential is?What could truly be possible for you in this lifetime? I’m not just talking about success or wealth, but something deeper—about reach and growth. I ask myself questions like these: Who could I become? Because I see so many...

If this season has kept you busy—with never-ending to-dos, vacation plans, and lots of outings (for me, it’s climbing season)—you’re not alone. This time of year can feel like it’s meant for movement, not stillness. After all, the days are longer, the light stretches...

I came across the following quote in a book I recently finished, and it stopped me in my tracks: “In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.” — Robert A. Heinlein I felt the...

When I was 13, I remember starting to journal. I had so many things on my mind, and a small book with crisp white pages and a little lock with a key enticed me to spill out all those teenage secrets I thought the world would laugh about. Over the years, I accumulated...

Have you ever stopped yourself from going after something you really wanted because your brain started producing thoughts like: "You’re not ready." "This probably won’t work." "Who do you think you are to try this?" This familiar loop of hesitation and...

This Friday, I’m hosting another workshop — this time on the topic of being stuck. And as I prepare, I’m realizing that feeling stuck isn’t just about big, life-changing decisions. It shows up in everyday moments too. Every time I sit down to write this newsletter, I...

I’m still buzzing with energy from the workshop over a week ago! It was such a joy to connect with those who attended and together dive into meaningful conversations revolving around a wonderful story written by my friend Bipin Aurora. The insights people shared and...

Every January I set goals. I love the process of looking at an entire year ahead and planning out everything I want to accomplish. I usually set between 5-10 goals. And while I don’t always complete all of them, I make progress I otherwise wouldn’t. Goals keep me...

Over the years I have made friends with statements like - You can’t control circumstances You cannot change other people Don’t believe everything you think And many more And I really mean it when I say I made friends with these phrases. I would invite them into my...

…. And everything bad starts with a thought. I am fascinated with thinking. Ever since I started training as a coach, I learned so much about the power of our thoughts. For the 3 years of the pandemic, I was what I called LOST. But I’ve come to realize that when we...

Like a dog, when idle for too long, without exercise and entertainment, begins to pace, nudge, divert energy into chewing, barking and possibly other behavior we would consider destructive. My brain does something similar. I am very good at distracting it. And  I...