Life Happens in Chapters

Every once in a while, if you stop long enough to think about it, you realize something interesting about life. It doesn’t unfold in one long, continuous story the way we often imagine when we’re younger. Instead, it happens in chapters. At the time you’re living them, those chapters rarely announce themselves. There is noContinue reading “Life Happens in Chapters”

The Story People Tell Themselves Before They Cross the Line

How could they do that? Not just the act itself, but the entire process leading up to it. The choices, the secrecy, the rationalizations. The quiet moments when someone knows exactly what they are doing and yet continues anyway. When someone betrays you in a serious way, that question tends to linger long after theContinue reading “The Story People Tell Themselves Before They Cross the Line”

The People Who Applaud When the Plane Lands

If you’ve flown enough times, you’ve probably witnessed this moment. The plane touches down, the wheels hit the runway with that familiar bump, the engines reverse, and the aircraft begins to slow as it rolls down the runway and then the taxiway. Then, somewhere in the cabin, a few hands start clapping. Sometimes it’s justContinue reading “The People Who Applaud When the Plane Lands”

The Quiet Signs That Burnout Is Finally Lifting

Burnout is a strange thing. When you’re in the middle of it, you often don’t realize just how deep you’ve fallen into the hole. Everything feels heavy. Work that once came naturally suddenly feels like pushing a boulder uphill. Small tasks become exhausting while motivation disappears. And the strangest part of all is this quietContinue reading “The Quiet Signs That Burnout Is Finally Lifting”

The Relationship Between Idleness and Overthinking

When The Beatles stopped touring in the mid-1960s, John Lennon reportedly said something that has always stuck with me. After years of constant travel, concerts, interviews, recording sessions, and screaming crowds, the band suddenly found themselves with something they hadn’t experienced in years: free time. Lots of free time. And Lennon allegedly remarked, half jokingContinue reading “The Relationship Between Idleness and Overthinking”

The Madness of March Weather

If you live in Canada, the northern half of the United States, or large parts of Europe and northern Asia, you know exactly what I’m talking about. March, like May, is the month that simply refuses to make up its mind. One day the sun comes out, half the snowbanks melt, and you start thinking,Continue reading “The Madness of March Weather”

When the Identity (Almost) Breaks

About a year after I was downsized – still deep in the heart of COVID, with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders unless necessary – I took a job delivering refurbished goods to surplus stores. Sales and delivery. Boxes in the back of a truck. Routes. Invoices. Inventory. On paper, it was practical. Income is income. PrideContinue reading “When the Identity (Almost) Breaks”

Why Your Own Best Work Never Feels Good Enough

It’s a familiar feeling for many creative professionals: the work you’ve poured your heart and soul into – the piece that has garnered praise from clients, readers, and colleagues – is the one you can’t stand to look at. You get compliments, accolades, and even a paycheck, but a nagging voice in your head tellsContinue reading “Why Your Own Best Work Never Feels Good Enough”

When Work Feels Like a Vacation

There’s something odd about working remotely and running your own show, especially when it’s something you love doing. I wrapped up my client(s) work early – not because I was rushing or watching the clock, but because I’d hit that sweet spot where the to-do list was done and my brain decided it had hadContinue reading “When Work Feels Like a Vacation”

Rant No. 1: The Screeching, Hellish Kid in the Restaurant 

I’m happy, easygoing, and optimistic, but like most people, certain things get under my skin—not always, just sometimes. With that in mind, a multi-part Rant Series begins, designed to get a few things off my chest every Tuesday, with maybe some attempt at humor thrown in. Without further delay … You’re out for dinner withContinue reading “Rant No. 1: The Screeching, Hellish Kid in the Restaurant “