Life Through My Lens
Older and Wiser: I still want the trophy. I just want it every day now. And here’s why you should, too.
Why do we wait until the finish line to celebrate? From deadlifting to writing, big goals require a lot of hidden scaffolding. It’s time to beat perfectionism, focus on long-term trends, take off those sunglasses, and start giving yourself credit for the daily steps.
Walk a mile in my own shoes and stop worrying about everyone else’s.
After six days on the road, I was anxious to lace up my sneakers. But a walk meant to bring peace quickly turned into a battle with comparison and judgment. A reflection on injuries, healing, invisible rucksacks, and learning to walk in my own shoes.
What We Hold Onto: Lessons for the future from a Closet Clean-out
Nearly two years after I left my profession to write full time, I finally got around to cleaning out my closet. My new boss—me—is a lot laxer on the dress code. So, I should have done it months ago. The experience reminded me of a couple of life lessons I clearly have...
Building your life like a robin builds its nest
Watching the animals that pass through our backyard gives me great insight into myself and human nature overall. With spring inching its way in, the songbirds are returning to build their nests. As a research-addicted, procrastinating author, with a BS in Biology, I could not help but watch a video of a robin building her nest. It occurred to me that the process has a lot to teach us about building our lives.
It’s raining. Or is it? Challenge your perspective
I check the weather report every morning. It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I do not simply listen to the report on the news. I check the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service website. Doesn’t everyone? I’m not planning to scale Mt. Rainier or do a little ocean kayaking. I just want to pick the best time for a walk and make sure I am dressed appropriately. Imagine my delight today, when I read 46° F and increasing clouds. Even with the windchill, it would still be above freezing. . .
My new goal: Beat Fredrik Backman in Best in Show.
Last spring, I wanted to be Fredrik Backman. I don’t mean famous. Or Swedish. Or brilliant. Or a guy. No, I wanted to be the writer whose words could cause a quinquagenarian former high school principal, not prone to emotional outbursts, to weep openly in an auto repair shop full of men to awkwardly examine the ceiling tiles while praying for their trucks to be done soon.
I’ve been devouring his work. His novels knot my heart and mind until I can’t unravel where all the feelings start. I have to pause and do that Navy Seal breathing strategy from TikTok just to be able to analyze how he can turn ten ordinary words into a tornado of universally felt emotion. I read three of his novels before I realized that I’ve been thinking about this all wrong. And not just because I cannot actually be Fredrik Backman.
I am reconceptualizing my goal modeled roughly after a dog show.