The littles and I were at the park this past weekend, riding scooters and chasing squirrels. As it happened, we ran into one of my friends. My friend, not having anything in particular planned, walked with us to the playground and she and I chatted as the munchkins frolicked in the sun. One thing we … Read More >

My adult life has unfurled largely like a Homerian epic. That makes me sound classier than I actually am, but it’s the truth. Perhaps you’ve heard me tell the story about how when I was in college, I read Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Mind blown. If you haven’t read it, here’s … Read More >

This week, I found myself confessing to someone that I did not start a business to help other people. I remember at one of my writing retreats, years ago, someone said, “Of course I do this work to help people”… and several other people around the big wooden table nodded in agreement. I was not … Read More >

When we last left our hero, she was telling the neighbors that there was no room for those scruffy propagated willow tree saplings on her front porch. They didn’t *belong* to her. They didn’t belong to *her.* Side bar: This question of “belonging” has been rolling around in my pocket like a smooth stone for … Read More >

I realize Marie Kondo can be a polarizing subject. Why, just last week at dinner, the Audiophile declared, “Marie Kondo is weird!” Side bar: Have I mentioned that the Philosopher’s cousin and his lovely wife moved from Taiwan into our house with us back in April? We’ll call his cousin the Audiophile, because he has … Read More >

Last week, Rebecca wrote a fantastic story about magic. And this week, I write to you with a question: Are the people in your orbit there because of your information, or your magic? Picture an ideal client who: • Isn’t on social media • Asks friends and colleagues for referrals and recommendations • Only goes … Read More >

When I am experimenting with something new, I’m usually a bit tentative and tender. I’m rarely *certain* that what I’m messing around with is solid enough to hold the full weight of my being. In times like these, I picture myself standing on the edge of a frozen body of water, asking, “Is this ice … Read More >

Years ago, I read a business book about the importance of having Big Hairy Audacious Goals. I tried for several years to have some BHAGs. I wrote them down and taped them up to my bathroom mirror and everything. But for the past couple years, I’ve been mystified as to where, exactly, those BHAGs went. … Read More >

Lately, I’ve found myself in more conversations than one would expect about the contents of people’s daydreams. You know, the idle unspoolings of the mind that can only occur when one is warm, safe, relaxed, well-fed, and open. Now, I am quite aware of how many people are not able to get to that place … Read More >

It can be dazzlingly difficult to let ourselves be seen. I’m not talking about “hiding” or “fear of being seen,” though I am aware that those conditions are also in the area. I’m talking about knowing enough about who we are and what we do to – I’ve got to dip into Rebecca’s “camel caps” … Read More >