I was on a plane from Nashville to LA when social media exploded with the news that Donald Trump would more than likely be the next republican nominee. After months of sneering dismissals and expensive but impotent attacks from Republicans fearful of his candidacy, Mr. Trump is now positioned to clinch the required number of …
Why We Follow Strong, Dangerous, Narcissistic Leaders Read More »
A friend of mine lost her husband in an accident only a few years after they had been married. At the time we were twenty-five and I couldn’t fully wrap my mind around her loss. I had been through a few break-ups, had lost a close friend and two grandparents, but her loss seemed so …
At the time I’m writing this, it’s been about six months since a major left turn in my life left me questioning and spinning and hurting and working hard to find my footing again. Most of you who are reading probably know what that feels like. You’ve lost someone you loved Gotten a terrifying diagnosis …
I started writing books when I was in the fourth grade. My first book—a picture book—was titled Austin, Texas (clever, I know) about the place where I was born. I had no desire to be famous. I didn’t even know what fame was. I was just an artist with a package of colored pencils, doing …
The Danger of Trying to Be Famous (and What’s So Much Better) Read More »
I’ve been working with artists and dreamers and makers and especially writers for nearly 10 years now and there is one thing I’ve noticed over and over and over again. Excuses. We are full of them. I was texting with a friend the other day, who had reached out to see how I was doing …
3 Excuses That Keep Smart, Creative People Trapped Read More »
One of the greatest things I get to do is help other people bring their creative projects to life. I do this through one-on-one coaching, Writer’s Workshops, with books like Writing to Find Yourself and my writing course Find Your Voice. I never expected this work to be some of the most gratifying work I …
I quit piano lessons when I was seventeen. I remember vividly the day I quit, too, because when I told my teacher I wouldn’t be coming back for our next lesson, her response surprised me. She said, “I’m not going to try and convince you to keep playing the piano with me, but I am …
How A Creative Project Can Heal Your Body, Your Mind And The World Read More »
I’ve been in the middle of a major life transition lately, which has meant some very painful lessons in letting go. Maybe you know what it feels like: letting go of dreams, of ideas, of the way you thought your life was going to go. Letting go of what people might think of you, what …
One of the promises I have made to myself this year is that I’m going to cut myself a break. By that I mean I’m done with perfectionism: the running around, the busy-ness just for the sake of busy-ness, the people-pleasing, the incessant need to look and act as if perfection were even possible. I’m …
The Damaging Power of Perfectionism (And How to Quit) Read More »
I wrote this poem back in 2011, the week I lost a dear friend to suicide—the same week a major earthquake (and then Tsunami) hit Japan. I have avoided sharing poetry in the past, telling myself no one would want read it anyway. But reading and writing poetry have both been a great comfort to …
Discover the power of (finally) getting unstuck, claiming your clarity, and becoming the person whose life you want to live—all through a simple self-care practice you can build into your daily routine.
