Category: Motivation

The Woman Whose Ass We All Should Be Kissing

If I had a foghorn, do you know what I’d shout? (Besides how I’ll never understand why so many people think that God is actually a compelling justification for their particular policy preferences. /rant) What I’d really shout—what I truly believe our people desperately need to hear—is this and this alone: The well-being of our world urgently depends on our ability to respect the time we’ve been given on it. Time is only on your side until you betray her,

You Don’t Need a Job – You Need Guts

Truth: Most people will walk this earth for decades, feeling guilty for not pursuing the great adventures inside of them, but will never do anything about it. Truth: Most people are overwhelmed by fear, and will make some of the worst choices of their lives because of it. Truth: Most people will put their head down, follow the leader, do exactly as they are told, and will believe that by doing so, they’ll get farther in life. While this may

A Beautiful Mess: A Personal Manifesto of The Human Experience

I need my life to feel meaningful. I must work toward something I believe in. I want to create value. I want to be bold. I want to live up to my own expectations. And never settle unless I choose to. I want to be exhilarated by every single day. And be in awe of life. And the world. And my part in it. I want to trip. I want to fall. And I want to get back up. Look

A Conversation With An Immigrant on U.S. Life

I had an insightful conversation with a Mexican immigrant the other day. We also might have had a round of margaritas, which could have enhanced the perceived value of the conversation, but nevertheless, I wanted to share it with you. It went something like this: ME: So, I imagine you came here with some expectations about the U.S. What have been your greatest disappointments thus far? (Seriously, I should have been an anthropologist.) HIM: Besides the fact that no one

Beating, Stomping and Otherwise Assassinating The Voice In Your Head That Says “You Can’t.” Violently.

It’s that fear. It’s that dirty little lurking thought in the back of your head that moseys on up to the forefront every single time you’re finally prepared to step up to the plate and take a chance in life. You’re not smart enough. You don’t know what you’re doing. People will see right through you. This is never going to work. Who do you think you are? You’re a foolish ox. Yes, that’s right, I said it: OX. OX!!!!

Slugs, Angel Hair Pasta & Vespas, Or, The One Thing That DOES Define You In This Life

So, I’m sitting in the bar at this restaurant. I’m lovingly twirling my fork into a steamy, lemony, buttery, most delightfully angelic heap of angel hair–the creamy, makes-you-throw-your-head-back-with-glee kind of pasta that, I was thinking, should probably be forbidden for nuns, because, I swear, this pasta is far more decadent than the best sex you could think up. It! is! simply! that! good! *sips chardonnay* *wonders if it’s normal to be in lust with your pasta* *thinks about researching it*

On NOT “Following Your Dreams”

You know, this whole “follow your dreams” thing is getting a little old, right? Coming from me, that’s probably surprising. But the problem is that so much of it is fluff. So much out there encourages you to start “living the life of your dreams,” while frolicking on a big white puffy cloud and nibbling on a tray of bonbons. Let’s all join hands now in our camel-colored moccasins and braid one another’s hair while singing to the god of

Why Stereotypes Piss Me Off (And How They’re Ruining Your Life)

A Little Story From My Childhood We were only in the 6th grade. I had been friends with Becky since I moved to the area in the 1st grade. She was my first friend, as a matter of fact, which is why when I walked into the locker room to change for gym class and I heard my new friends–the “cool” crowd–picking on Becky, taunting her and insisting she still played with unicorns, I had to defend her. Despite the

Is It Your Own Fault?

I’ve been meeting a lot of truly smart, savvy, remarkable people lately. So many are saying to hell with the safety net, and are leaping toward their passions, and haven’t looked back since. On the same token, however, so many of those smart, savvy, remarkable people are not. Frankly, this makes me want to burst into tears and heave a cartful of lemon tarts at someone. I’m dangerous like that. Being a naturally curious person, I’m prone to asking why

When Being in Control is a Disservice

I’ve got little patience for excuses. I proactively call myself out whenever I catch myself making excuses in order to either procrastinate or invent reasons why I shouldn’t put myself out there. Why? Because sometimes, putting yourself out there is nail-bitingly, blood-curdingly, will-drive-you-to-drink, flat-out terrifying at times. It’s far easier to continue doing what we’ve always done, or to take the easier route, than it is to risk our pride, financial stability and comfort in knowing what to expect on